Exploring the Outdoors with the 2028 Volvo EX60: The Ultimate EV for Adventurers

The 2028 Volvo EX60 Cross Country arrives as Volvo's statement that electric SUVs can be both refined and rugged. Designed for families, overlanders, and weekend adventurers who refuse to compromise on efficiency or capability, the EX60 Cross Country blends all‑wheel electric performance with utility-focused hardware and smart accessory ecosystems. This deep dive examines the EX60's off‑road features, how it behaves on all‑terrain trails, and the best SUV accessories, camping equipment, and family gear to outfit your next outdoor expedition.

Why the EX60 Cross Country Is Built for Outdoor Adventures

Design Intent: From Swedish Roads to Backcountry Tracks

Volvo engineered the EX60 Cross Country with an elevated ride height, reinforced underbody protection, and software calibrated for traction on loose surfaces. The model keeps Volvo's safety DNA while adding ruggedized elements that matter off the pavement: improved approach and departure angles, durable cladding, and heat‑managed battery packaging to tolerate variable temperatures on long routes.

Key Technical Differentiators

Compared with the standard EX60, the Cross Country variant typically features revised suspension tuning, higher ground clearance, and an all‑wheel motor map tuned for low‑speed torque delivery. Drivers report more predictable behavior when transitioning from pavement to gravel or dirt roads — especially when paired with the correct tire and accessory setup. For planning routes and mapping difficult terrain, teams can apply the same practices described in our guide to mapping for field teams, using offline maps and reduced‑latency navigation loads so the vehicle's systems and your phone coordinate smoothly.

Real‑World Use Cases

From family camping weekends to overland photography trips, the EX60 Cross Country works best when matched with gear and planning that respect EV specifics: charging frequency, range under load, and tire choice. For real field examples of how to outfit a mobile kit for sunrise shoots and compact permits, see our sunrise shoots playbook, which offers practical steps on packing minimal camera kits and securing local access.

Off‑Road Features That Matter

Suspension, Ground Clearance and Undercarriage Protection

The Cross Country's raised ride height gives a critical advantage over standard SUVs: additional wheel travel to absorb ruts and rocks without bottoming out. Pair that with skid plates and reinforced lower bumpers and the EX60 is prepared for graded forest roads. When evaluating aftermarket protection, prioritize panels that maintain battery cooling — the same attention to repairability appears in field power reviews like our field review of portable power and repairability.

All‑Wheel Drive Management and Traction Modes

Electric AWD systems in the EX60 can deliver instant torque to the wheels that need it most, giving measurable improvements on mud, snow and loose rock. Use the vehicle's terrain modes to bias torque and regenerative braking strategies. Driving technique matters: maintain momentum where traction is low and use low regen settings when descending steep, loose grades.

Tires, Wheels and Brake Cooling

Tire choice transforms how an SUV performs off paved roads. All‑terrain tires with reinforced sidewalls and a rugged tread compound will improve bite and puncture resistance. Larger brakes and venting packages help on long downhill runs; for capturing media on location with reliable power, consult our review of the NomadX Ultra mobile capture rig to understand portable systems that don't overload your vehicle's power chain.

EV Power & Range Planning for Adventures

How Range Changes Off‑Road

Off‑pavement driving increases resistance and reduces range. Expect 10–25% range penalties on mixed gravel and soft surfaces, rising with elevation gain and rooftop loads. Always calculate conservative outbound distance and include contingency buffer for detours or weather. For longer trips, portable backup power solutions and field batteries can be essential; see our hands‑on portable backup power review for capacity recommendations and real test results.

Charging Strategy for Remote Areas

Map chargers and identify Level 2 public stations near trailheads. If you rely on mobile charging, prioritize high‑efficiency inverters and solar charging kits sized to replenish critical systems rather than fully recharge the traction battery. Our packing and logistics guide for resellers offers transferable lessons on how to transport and protect equipment during long road trips: packing & shipping strategies.

Auxiliary Power: What to Bring

An auxiliary system with 1–3 kWh usable capacity can run fridges, lights, and camera gear without taxing the main battery. For gear that must be reliable in remote locations, look for units tested in field conditions; our field review of portable power and repairability highlights rugged choices that balance weight and uptime: portable power & repairability.

Essential Accessories: Outfit Your EX60 Cross Country

Roof Racks, Boxes and Bike Carriers

Rooftop systems expand your cargo without compromising interior space. Choose low‑drag boxes rated for high speeds to minimize range loss on highways. Our detailed comparison table below shows realistic tradeoffs between aerodynamic loss, usable volume, and mounting flexibility.

Tires, Recovery Gear and Protection

Spare tire strategies differ for EVs: many models lack a full‑size spare to save weight. If you plan remote routes, consider a full‑size spare or a robust repair kit plus a portable compressor. Recovery kits including traction boards, a recovery strap, and a high‑rated shackles set should be standard in every adventure SUV.

Lighting and Off‑Grid Power

Low‑draw LED floodlights and strategically mounted work lights help with setup after sunset. For streaming or documenting trips, balance battery draw with efficient lighting and recorders — our guide to live streaming observability includes tips on minimizing power usage while keeping high quality capture.

Roof Racks & Cargo Systems: A Comparative Table

The table below summarizes common roof cargo solutions and how they perform for EX60 Cross Country adventures.

Camping and Overlanding Kits

Compact Camping Equipment for Families

Choose tents and sleeping systems that compress well and are quick to pitch. Inflatable sleeping pads and compact stoves reduce load and setup time. For ground comfort, lightweight outdoor mats rated for weather are a surprisingly big quality‑of‑life win; see our seasonal roundup of best outdoor mats for recommendations.

Cooking, Refrigeration and Water

Electric fridges draw continuous power. Run them off dedicated auxiliary batteries or highly efficient portable power stations sized to your trip length. Choose induction cooktops or high‑efficiency canister stoves to cut fuel pack size. Our portable power review includes tests showing what fridge sizes pair well with battery kits: portable backup power review.

Shelter Options: RTT vs. Ground Tents

Roof‑top tents offer speed and safety from low‑level pests but increase wind resistance and height. Ground tents are lighter and more aerodynamic when packed. Match your choice to trip length, expected weather, and whether you'll prioritize interior sleeping room for kids or pets.

Family & Pet‑Friendly Gear

Child Safety and Storage Solutions

Keep car seats properly anchored; choose modular cargo dividers to prevent loose gear from moving during turns. The EX60's roomy interior makes family travel comfortable, but careful packing preserves range and balance. Local shops and dealers that provide experience‑first tours and service booking can help you test layouts; for ideas on how dealerships are improving seamless test drive and service experiences, see what omnichannel retailers teach dealers.

Pet Travel and Safety

If you bring pets, use crash‑tested pet harnesses or cargo crates anchored to the vehicle. For pet gadgets and travel tech that fit modern road trips, our CES gadgets roundup shows compelling options for pet parents: gadgets from CES.

Keeping Kids Engaged Off‑Grid

Pack low‑draw entertainment, card games, and nature guides. Consider a small solar bank and a flexible charger to run tablets for navigation or offline educational apps; our weekly trend roundup highlights compact devices and habits families adopt on modern trips: weekly digest: trend notes.

Capturing the Adventure: Media, Connectivity & Tech

Camera Rigs and Mobile Capture

For creators, a compact kit that supports mobile editing and multi‑camera capture is ideal. Lightweight capture rigs like the NomadX Ultra deliver a balance of portability and power — useful when you need professional footage without a large crew: NomadX Ultra review. Pair these with a secure video grabber when offloading footage in the field: how to build a secure video grabber.

Connectivity and Live Streams

Live streaming from remote locations requires careful observability and bandwidth planning. Use local caching and prioritize low‑latency routes; our advanced guide on optimizing live streaming observability explains how to reduce query spend while keeping streams stable: optimizing live streaming observability.

Night Tech: Drones, Audio and Lights

Night operations demand low noise and high reliability. Field tech reviews for night researchers outline robust choices for power, audio, and drones that translate well to outdoor media teams: field tech for night researchers.

Service, Maintenance and Finding Trusted Local Support

Pre‑Trip Checks and Routine EV Maintenance

Before any trip, do a systems check: tire pressures for loaded weight, software updates, brake inspection, and coolant systems for battery thermal management. Many maintenance tasks are local‑shop friendly; shops that use experience‑first retention strategies can help you plan seasonal checks — see our piece on listing retention strategies for how service centers keep customers through experience programs.

Booking Service and Finding Reputable Shops

When you're away from home, rely on vetted local mechanics who understand EVs. Booking systems inspired by omnichannel retail practices make it easier to test drive, pre‑book maintenance, and secure mobile technicians; learn how retailers are reshaping booking experiences at what omnichannel retailers teach dealers.

Preparing for Breakdowns and Recovery

Create a roadside contingency plan that includes portable jump/boost solutions compatible with EVs, access to a mobile charging provider, and contacts for local towing specialized in electric vehicles. Local micro‑events and community groups sometimes maintain shared resources for emergencies; community event playbooks on ethical organization provide models for cooperative resource sharing: local micro‑events playbook, micro‑events playbook, and midscale venues guide.

Pro Tip: For mixed pavement and trail routes, plan charging stops using conservative range estimates (subtract 20% for loaded, off‑pavement driving). Carry a portable 2–3 kWh power station to handle fridges and cameras — it’s a versatile insurance policy that preserves traction battery range for driving.

Putting It All Together: A Practical Packing Checklist

Vehicle Prep

Check tire pressures for the expected load, update vehicle software, verify motor and battery cooling systems, and fit underbody protection if your planned route includes rocky sections. If you need help with last‑minute checks, some dealers and service centers now use streamlined booking systems to speed pre‑trip service; see how dealers are adapting here: omnichannel dealer lessons.

Core Gear

Essentials include a full recovery kit, high‑quality first aid, a 12V compressor with puncture repair kit, a portable power station (1–3 kWh), cooking stove, and weatherproof shelter. Pack items to balance weight front‑to‑rear and keep heavier supplies low in the cargo area for center of gravity control.

Nice‑to‑Have Extras

Consider a rooftop tent for fast camp setups, a lightweight awning for shade, and modular cargo boxes. If you're documenting the trip, the NomadX Ultra and secure video offload solutions simplify content workflows (see NomadX Ultra and secure video grabber).

Conclusion: The EX60 Cross Country as a Practical Adventure Platform

The 2028 Volvo EX60 Cross Country redefines what an electric SUV can be for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a practical balance of comfort, safety, and modest off‑road ability, provided you pair it with the right tires, protection, and accessory strategy. From rooftop racks to portable power and media capture, the key to successful adventures is planning: conservative range estimates, vetted service contacts, and gear that preserves efficiency while expanding capability. For expedition planning, documentation workflows and live streaming ergonomics that travel well off the grid, consult our guides on streaming observability and secure capture tools like the secure video grabber.

Next Steps

Before your first trip, create a trip ledger: route plan, charger map, gear list, and a maintenance checklist. If you plan shared events or community meetups while exploring, learn how micro‑events and local listings can make group logistics easier: ethical micro‑events and midscale venues planning. Finally, pack a tested portable power station from our field reviews and pick tire and rack combinations from the comparative table above to protect range and performance.

Related Reading

• Portable Backup Power Review (2026) - Field‑tested portable power options for camping and overlanding.
• Best Outdoor Mats for Summer (2026) - Comfort and durability picks for family camps.
• Sunrise Shoots Field Playbook - Planning compact photography kits and permits for early‑morning outings.
• NomadX Ultra Review - A portable media capture rig ideal for creators on the move.
• Mapping for Field Teams - Best practices for offline maps and reducing navigation latency.