The midsize wagon — pretty lonely among U.S. offerings — gets some real oomph from its hybrid power train. And the Swedish nameplate may actually have produced a workable, nonirritating touchscreen.

Volvo might be best known for helping the three-point seatbelt find its way into passenger cars, and for its wagons. The long-roof shape has been a staple of Volvo’s products and helped carve a ...