2015 Volvo V60 T5 Premier Plus

The V60 is Volvo's compact wagon, a practical alternative to the Audi A4 Allroad and Subaru Outback for those who want a car that's both useful and a bit special. It drives with a composed, planted feel, and the steering is nicely weighted, making it easy to cover long distances without fatigue. The cabin is a highlight, with superb front seats and a clean, modern design, though the rear seat is snug and the cargo area is on the small side for a wagon. Reliability is a mixed bag: many owners report trouble-free miles, but the predicted reliability is below average, so it's worth having a good warranty or a repair fund. Standard City Safety and a few premium interior touches set the T5 Premier Plus apart from the standard T5, while it lacks the more powerful engine of the T6 R-Design. The 2.5L I5 sends 250 horsepower through automatic transmission to all four wheels, and it gets 23 mpg combined, which is reasonable for a wagon with all-wheel drive. The Premier Plus trim can be had with the optional Climate Package, which adds heated rear seats and a heated windshield for cold-weather comfort.