Volvo Ends U.S. Wagon Era as SUV Demand Soars—Last Chance Ahead

UPDATE: Volvo is poised to conclude its iconic wagon era in the United States as the final model, the V60 Cross Country, is set to disappear from showrooms. Order books for this last wagon will close in late January 2024, with U.S. production ceasing in April 2024. If you’re a fan of traditional wagons, time is running out to secure one of these vehicles.

The announcement marks a significant shift for Volvo, which is transitioning to an all-SUV lineup in the U.S. market. The cancellation follows the earlier discontinuation of the V60 Polestar Engineered model this year, leaving enthusiasts with only a few fleeting opportunities to purchase the lifted estate.

The V60 Cross Country will remain available in other markets, but its imminent exit from the U.S. symbolizes a broader trend: consumers are overwhelmingly favoring SUVs over traditional cars. Volvo officials attribute this shift to changing preferences, stating that the majority of buyers now “overwhelmingly prefer SUVs.”

Looking at sales figures, the decline of wagon models is stark. Through November 2023, Volvo managed to sell just 3,630 V60 Cross Country units in the U.S., with only 30 standard V60 sedans sold. The larger V90 Cross Country fared even worse, with 731 sales before its exit from the market.

Pricing for the V60 Cross Country starts at $53,495 for the Plus trim, while the more luxurious Ultra version begins at $58,795. As the clock ticks down, potential buyers are urged to act quickly.

Volvo’s transition away from wagons is described by the company as “bittersweet.” While the XC models are driving sales, wagons have historically defined the brand. The last remaining wagons, including the V60, are now aging—approaching eight years since their debut—yet they continue to stand out in their segment for their design and functionality.

Despite this shift, Volvo is not completely abandoning traditional cars. The automaker continues to offer the S90 sedan in select markets and is exploring the electric vehicle space with the new ES90, a five-door liftback.

As the automotive landscape evolves, the waning presence of wagons reflects broader trends in consumer preferences. If you’re looking to own a piece of this history, don’t delay—act now before the V60 Cross Country fades away into automotive nostalgia.

Stay tuned for more updates on Volvo’s future models and potential returns to traditional car designs, as officials hint at a possibility for future wagon iterations.