Overview & Reviews

Crossover SUVs, thanks to their combination of utility and carlike handling, have become the mainstream choice for many drivers. The Volvo XC60 is the Swedish manufacturer's latest entry. Seating five, the XC60 competes in the growing small luxury crossover segment.

Since it's a Volvo, you might assume that the XC60 has safety going for it, and you'd be right. There's even a trick City Safety system that automatically brakes the vehicle to prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions. But the XC60 is also a stylish and functional vehicle, and it handles unusually well for a crossover, let alone one with a Volvo badge on the front. It belongs on your short list if you're shopping for a vehicle of this sort.

Current Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a premium crossover SUV that's available in three trim levels: 3.2, T6 and T6 R-Design.

The 3.2 has a 3.2-liter inline-6 that generates 240 horsepower, while the T6 has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine rated at 300 hp. The R-Design bumps output to 325 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard on the 3.2, with all-wheel drive optional. The T6s come with all-wheel drive. All XC60s feature a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. The XC60 T6 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 7 seconds flat, which is pretty quick for this segment.

Standard features on the 3.2 include alloy wheels, a power driver seat, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod control. The T6 adds the turbocharged engine, leather upholstery and a power passenger seat. The T6 R-Design adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and special styling elements inside and out. Option highlights include heated front and rear seats, a power liftgate, parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry a navigation system, a back-up camera and Volvo's integrated child booster seats.

Safety features are plentiful and include stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front seats. The standard City Safety feature allows the XC60 to automatically apply its brakes below certain speeds to prevent or lessen damage from collisions. A Collision Avoidance package is optional and adds a lane-departure warning system, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control and other driver aids.

In reviews, our editors have praised the XC60's stylish cabin with its avant-garde "floating" center stack, available real oak trim (metallic trim is standard) and high materials quality. The roomy and comfortably elevated rear seat has a convenient 40/20/40-split configuration. With all sections folded down, there are 67 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. Parents should love the optional integrated rear booster seats.

On the road, the Volvo XC60 delivers performance that's easily on par with its European rivals. The base 3.2 engine is just adequate, but the energetic turbocharged straight-6 provides plenty of power with no perceptible lag and is the gem of the two. The handling is hampered somewhat by numb steering, but most will find the XC60 provides a strong sense of vehicle control.

Used Volvo XC60 Models
The Volvo XC60 debuted for the 2010 model year. Initially, there were just the 3.2 and T6 trim levels, the former having 235 hp and the latter with 281 hp. The following year brought increased output for both engines (to 240 and 300 hp, respectively) as well as the debut of the sporty "R-Design" variants of each, for a total of four trim levels. The 3.2 R-Design lasted just one year, however. The T6 R-Design's power output also went up to 325 hp for 2012.

User Reviews:

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  XC 60 3.2 AWD/Premium + Climate Package - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Anand - October 17 - 2:00 am

  AThis car replaced a 2004 V70 2.5T. The XC60 has about the same interior space as my V70 with easier step in height and better ground clearance. The ride is smooth with less NVH than the V70 and the transmission shifts without hesitation. However, acceleration is a little sluggish compared to the 2.5T engine and fuel economy is significantly worse at 22-24 on the highway. Front seats are extremely comfortable but the back seat is cramped. Fit and finish is very good with no squeaks or rattles. Rear visibility is quite good and the headlights are strong. My car is equipped with BLIS which works reasonably well. Overall, My XC60 is a very comfortable,all weather car with mediocre fuel economy.

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  Good car - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Aleksandr Spivak - September 28 - 4:21 pm

  They have to be ready to enjoy this car

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  BLIS - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Long Islander - September 1 - 1:33 pm

  The BLIS has malfunctioned for most of the time I have had this car, with 4 service appointments - the most recent meat 2 weeks with out the car while they replaced more parts. And...it still does not work! Either flashing constantly, warnings on the dashboard, or constantly on. Volvo is unapologetic, and not helping. Pursuing Lemon Law at this point - a car that costs what this one does should work correctly and the BLIS on my car does not, after having quite a lot of work done on a new car. Having a small orange light flashing in my line of vision constantly is distracting and unacceptable, as is the loss of information on my dashboard

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  Outstanding - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Fred - May 6 - 10:26 am

  Best car I have ever owned and at 72 I have owned a lot.

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  Best Ive Owned to Date - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By mdblue - March 26 - 11:53 pm

  By far, best vehicle Ive owned - beats all other luxury SUV/CUVs out there. The "R Series" really makes a difference in handling & performance. Gas mileage is sub-par, but uses regular gas, so its a wash. Every single time I drive the car, heads turn - dont see many on the road which I like. Feels incredibly solid and handles better than my 3 yr old sports sedan. R Series interior is on par with Q5 and nicer than all the others. Exterior styling - esp taillights is very cool. More masc than Q5. Nav system was a little annoying at first, but now Im used to it and it works great. Most comfortable seats on the road.

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  Best luxury crossover for the price - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By AP - February 6 - 2:46 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I bought it for less than $33K with premium package and metallic paint, which is several thousand less than the closest contender, Audi Q5. I like its style and handling better. Interior may not look as flashy but is made of equal grade materials. Seats and ride are super comfortable. 3.2L engine provides plenty of power yet manages to give you 27 MPG on highway which is excellent in this class. The exterior styling is awesome, powerful and slightly aggressive, especially if you look from close distance. 5 year warranty and free maintenance are unbeatable, and you probably heard about the safety features. This is my first Volvo and I am thoroughly impressed!

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  Best car in my 30 years of driving! - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By greatjohndini - November 28 - 1:39 pm

  I created an account just to review this car for anyone on the fence or evaluating cars in this class. I traded in my Infiniti EX35 for this car and I will never look back. Audi Q5 looked boring and audi/vw has a lot of issues. BMW X3 too small-image of driving a beemer:( And weird styling. Lexus.-comfortable but boring. Infinti.Was good but WAY too small and was not aging well after less than a year. And it felt -light?- VOLVO XC60. Totally solid car. I held back on it before because the audio/nav in the 09-10 was an absolute JOKE..but the 2011 version is great! Perfect! European. Safe. Best looking of the bunch. And 5/60 maintenance on everything but the tires! In love w/ driving again!

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  We get great gas mileage - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By MLPJLK - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Volvo (first was 2003 S60 T5). Just like our frist Volvo, this car has excellent build, fit and finish. I cant beliee Ford let Volvo go. I dont understand how other owners use their cars, but we get 19 in town on 29 on the highway at 75 mph. Ours has everything except blind spot warning. The car has 9 inches of ground clearance that is 3 inches more than Mercedes and Audi. Bluetooth should autosync with which ever phone ins in range, not just the first one on the pair list. Driver #2 always has to manually sync, even when in the car alone. Dealer had us test the City Safety before we left the lot. Good idea as it would scare you if it was actually used.

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  Great road trip suv - 2017 Volvo XC60
  By floyd t golden IIII - September 16 - 6:41 pm

  This is a capable suv with great technology and exceptional seats, but the ride is so stiff, on the freeway its alot better, as is the gas mileage I would recommend this as a alternative to the other suvs, its unique. im currently in a 3yr lease and I think im going to keep it. i came out of a s40 with a stiff suspension this is a little worse. My one gripe is i wish the inscription had the dynamic seats but i did not want all the shiny bits the wood enlay is much nicer. Ill live with it. this is a very comfy suv, and i received such a great deal.

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  i love my Volvo XC60 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By LA - July 21 - 2:56 pm

  i love everything even nav if you think its hard then play with it then it will be easy after you familiarize yourself