The Volvo XC60 and Volvo V60 have been ranked favorites of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA).
The 2016 XC60 T6 All-Wheel-Drive compact utility vehicle was voted best Premium Utility Vehicle, and the 2016 V60 Cross Country wagon voted best Premium Compact Utility Vehicle, at the NWAPA’s Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year Competition April 13-14 in Shelton, Washington.
Representing global, national and regional outlets such as MSNAutos.com, The New York Times, The Portland Tribune and others, NWAPA journalists evaluated 28 vehicles from 20 brands in six categories across ten criteria including on- and off-road ride, handling and capability, design, technology, comfort, efficiency and value.
Volvo V60 © Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd
“That the XC60 and V60 beat such tough competition is a testament to the incredible engineering that went into them,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA.
“Volvo has always been and always will be about people. Building strong, capable, safe cars is something Volvo never intends to stop doing.”
Nik Miles, president of the NWAPA, said, “After considerable evaluation, the automotive journalists of the Northwest clearly felt that both Volvo cars stood out as the best in their class. This is not the first win for Volvo at Mudfest and we expect them to return to defend their titles next year.”
“When evaluating the vehicles, our members really put them through the ringer,” said Ryan Douthit, event chair and producer of Driving Sports TV. “The fact that Volvo won not one but two classes is really quite impressive.”
The XC60 T6 AWD is equipped with Volvo’s powerful and efficient Drive-E engine. The 2.0-liter turbo- and supercharged power plant provides a very healthy 305 horsepower and an EPA-rated 27 MPG highway. The XC60 comes standard with Volvo’s legendary safety technology, which includes City Safety low speed collision avoidance system, high strength steel safety cage, Whiplash Protection System (WIPS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Luxury is also standard, in the form of a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, leather upholstery, heated power outside mirrors, and more. Prices start at $43,350
The V60 Cross Country offers drivers a unique combination of size and functionality. With more than 2-inches additional ground clearance over the standard V60 and a unique appearance package, the all-wheel-drive wagon is available with Hill Decent Control, which automatically controls vehicle speed on slippery or sloppy downhills often encountered in the damp and forested Pacific Northwest. Prices start at $41,000.
