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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  Stealth performance and style - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By myob - November 19 - 6:23 pm

  This is our first "crossover". After years of sport sedan driving we wanted more space for things and a higher driving position for traffic. The engine is super smooth, it is quieter inside and smoother riding (even with R design) than previous Infiniti and BMW vehicles weve had. The interior looks great in two-tone leather, ergonomics are fine, and at the present it is rated the most reliable of the European brands. The 5 year warranty and free maintenance, including wear items(execept tires) is a plus. Safety is unequaled. I am not thrilled with the lack of steering feel, but the vehicle will take fast corners and sticks to the roadexcellently. Plenty of room for us.

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  Very happy with XC60 T5 after 6 months..... - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By cmvolz - October 3 - 12:01 pm

  We downsized from our XC90 to the XC60 T5. I was apprehensive going from an AWD platform to the FWD. But thus far the XC60 T5 has been just terrific to drive, extremely responsive, fuel economy as advertised and the turbo makes it quite the pocket rocket. Lots of compliments too. Dealer has been great. This is our seventh (7th) Volvo over the years and the XC90 is the most fun Volvo yet.

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  Just love it - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Dan - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This pass July, my wife and I drove out to Yellowstone from Long Island NY. We stopped off at many places along the way. The XC60 was by far the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The first day we drove to Chicago and not once did I feel tired or any back pain from this 11 hour drive. The XC was getting 26 mpg, whick really surprise me. The car handles great and we feel very safe inside it. Its quite and rides very very well. I would advise anyone looking to buy a new car, closely look at the Volvo XC60

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  Very Impressed - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By OutdoorzDude - September 12 - 10:40 am

  Owned two BMWs before this, our first Volvo and will not be going back. Quality of materials and reliability much better. Cost of ownership for 4.5 years and 75,0000 miles has been terrific. Now nothing drives like a BMW but I am not missing the expensive maintenance and breakdowns that go with it. Safety is second to none and plenty of room for my tall family of four. Looking forward to the XC60 upgrade hopefully next year for our next one. Update: 92,000 miles and still performing well, with nothing but routine maintenance required.

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  Bottom Line-opportunity and wifes opinion on looks of the XC60. - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By kk1969 - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  Was deciding between a 10 XC60 and 09 BMW X3-both slightly used and great prices. Used comparison tools to look at space, residual value, warranties, gas mileage, standard features, etc. Save some $$ and get your own aftermarket NAV/DVD systems Hope this helps somebody...dont think you can go wrong with this car! Most luxurious Ive ever owned and a pleasure to drive! Virtually no road noise!

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  What a great vehicle - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By fabdog - August 11 - 12:06 am

  Moving out of a Lexus IS, needed more room. Looked at Lexus, Audi, BMW, Ford. Went with the Volvo. Sharp looking vehicle, AWD, great ground clearance. Drives very nicely, very comfortable front and back seats, lots of cargo room. Have most of the bells and whistles (NAV, backup camera, sound system) and they are very nice. Wife and kids love it. After 1500 miles am getting 21.5 to 22.5 MPG in mixed city/highway driving. Havent had a chance to test it out in winter conditions, counting on the Volvo pedigree there

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  great car and value - 2014 Volvo XC60
  By suninla - July 27 - 11:54 am

  This car is a great value and has all the extra safety features I wanted in the car at a much lower price then BMW and Audi. I drove a 2010 XC60 3.2 and the transmission was a bit sluggish. I just purchased a week ago the XC60 T6 and I couldnt be happier. Car drives smoothly and is fun to drive. Really hugs the road and I like that its a unique car you dont see all the time. Really like the improvements to the navi system and update Blis package with cross traffic alert.

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  Near Perfect For What It Is - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Steve R - June 25 - 11:00 am

  It was a close, but the XC60 got me. The X3 is too dated. The GLKs back seat is too cramped for adults-if human. The RX350 has just about everything. Except inspiration. Life is too short to live like that. So it came down to the Q5 and XC60. The face, rear, skin, and interior chest of the Q still make me wonder if I picked the right mate. But its brains came out of the shop as iDrive, and the plastics used made me feel like its beauty may be skin deep. The Swede caught my eye too, though in a different language. She wrapped her 2-tone arms around me. Had a firm, smooth ride. Stirred me with her strength and agility. And made me feel like shed carry my child in safety. Shes the one.

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  Hopefully Brighter Future - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By bg - June 16 - 10:26 pm

  We have this as a replacement for an RDX. The ride in that was so harsh that it was almost unbearable. This has been the polar opposite. Though the power steering pump was gone after 17 miles (!) the vehicle has a feeling of high quality. I also ran into great difficulties after having ordered a loaded-sans BLIS car, and realizing that every website known to man had incorrectly labeled power-folding mirrors as standard (I need them for my garage), which is not the case. I went to the dealer who went to the ends of the earth to try to change my order, but it couldnt be done. The dealer found another one with BLIS which we got, though it didnt have nav. I believe Volvo has changed their site

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  T6 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Greg - May 23 - 10:36 pm

  Have T6 for 5 months. Replaced VW Passat 07 2.0T. Runs excellent, real fun to drive. Very comfortable. The worth thing is gas mileage. Not to bed on the highways (24-25mpg), absolutely poor in the city - never more then 12mpg, same super and regular gasoline. Comparing to Passat 2.0 - 25mpg in the city, 35mpg on the highways.