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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  Love love love - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By linette - May 21 - 1:03 am

  This is my 4th Volvo and the best yet. Purchased over a year ago and it has performed substantially better than any previous Volvo models Ive owned. Volvos safety reputation is what keeps me coming back and the XC60 is no exception. I constantly get compliments on what a nice looking vehicle it is. Has perfect blend of cargo space, but does not look or feel like a full scale SUV (thats good in my opinion!). Only downside is the gas mileage. I am spending a lot of quality time at gas stations! I would still buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Great package for sporty ride - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By R Driver - May 17 - 1:43 pm

  Its tight and very comfortable. You can feel the road much better compared to the non-R, but dont expect a Porsche. This is still a cross over. So why pay extra for the R? Besides the design elements that are obvious, its all about the drive. This is a great car for the driver who wants to feel the road, have less body roll and tighter steering. For the passengers, they may find it a bit rigid off the highway, so if your passenger has influence over the purchase, bring them for the test drive. Your also going to have to be more careful with those 20" rims - and tires will be more expensive. If you drive a T6 and think its the same as the R. Think again. Drive it and decide.

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  Waited all my life - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By New Mexico driver - May 13 - 3:59 pm

  All I have ever wanted was a Volvo. I could not afford the 90, but test drove it anyway. Bought the 60, even though I am a bells and whistles kind of girl. Boy did I settle. I live in the mountains at over 7000 feet and we get a lot of snow. Even without snow, my drive up the mountain is switchbacks. I need power and it needs to look good as well. Boy, was I rudely awakened. The difference in the 60 and 90 is HUGE! Ok, I got over it and took the 60. Empty nester was my excuse. Point A to B. The eco sucks. Restart is so loud. And delay on start up will leave you in a lurch, regardless of "turbo ". Ok turn off eco. Car surges. At a complete stop and it moves ar least a few inches more before complete stop. Please gage your distance. Less than 1000 miles and black sutt in tail pipes. Backup cam, $1200 add on stays on when in drive. Interior, excellent, luxurious, except when the passenger door does not unlock when you push button on drivers side door. I received a great deal for my trade in. Rebates and discounts were unbelievable. Customer service was impeccable. But did I buy a lemon or just need to work out the kinks. New Mexico driver

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  Attractive and fun to drive - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By heathholley - April 16 - 10:39 am

  Going from a hybrid sedan to a crossover was an interesting change but Ive grown to enjoy my XC60. The vehicle feels very solid, safe, and with a stance like a tiger, grips the road with amazing tenacity!

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  You cant go wrong with the Volvo XC60 T6 - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By atlas4 - April 11 - 10:20 am

  The Volvo XC60 T6 in my opinion is the best small luxury class SUV. I know most car reviewers put the Audi Q5 over the XC60 but having owned a 2011 Q5 I can tell you they are wrong. The XC60 has plenty of cargo space, the seats are the most comfortable I have been in. Performance for the T6 model is top notch. I have been averaging 25 miles a gallon to and from work (combined) and 28 on the highway (and I am not holding back).

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  First Month - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By 1stTimeOwner - April 11 - 2:06 am

  We are staring a family and purchased the XC60 because we wanted a SUV that was safe, reliable, and professional looking. We considered several SUVs including the X5/X3, Tiguan, and XC90. The XC90, XC60, and X5 were the finalists. We choose the XC60 because of its size and agility, styling, and uniqueness. Reliability is a concern and we have noticed some minor build defects. Fuel economy is lower than expected (14mpg), and the rear seat barely accommodates our child seat. Wind noise at high speeds is louder than expected. Driving the XC60 is pleasurable and we are satisfied with our purchase overall. We have received compliments from other drivers and envious stares from XC90 owners.

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  Wipers are a saftey hazard - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Mary L. - February 25 - 11:40 pm

  The vehicle handles well in all types of weather. However, side mirror defrosters would be a great addition since they are standard on other vehicles. Besides the poor navigation system and poor night time back up camera visibility, my main complaint is the poor design for the windshield wipers. For a such a safety conscious company, Volvo blew it in this area. These are a safety hazard. Snow & ice build up quickly despite a defrost temp of 85 degrees, requiring frequent stops in inclement weather and traffic to clear! The large swath not covered by the wipers in upper right windshield, is also a safety hazard due to the poor visibility this creates.

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  After 2 weeks, I love it! - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Ann - January 26 - 7:18 pm

  This is a BIG SUV, but wow, it is great to drive. Still learning devices and how they work. I need a bigger garage for it! This review was for the XC90 T6

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  WOW this is a great car, fast fast fast - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By xc60rchicago - December 25 - 8:46 am

  8 days old today, fast grips like its on rails safe and easy to drive, feels big but its not, our 5 year old daughter loves the car as she can see out the panorama sun roof, auto climate is easy to use, do i have buyers remorse No i would buy again, i traded an 4 year old M3 and this drives better and feels stronger

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  Best Luxury SUV For the Money - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By rudycassap - December 16 - 11:24 pm

  I was hesitant to lease a Volvo XC60 AWD T6 since they are never mentioned in car magazines. All my friends leased Mercedes ML350s for their wives and some complained about the car driving like a Jeep Cherokee with a better interior (I guess it goes back to Daimler owning Chrysler). When I drove the car and got some feedback from the Culver City Volvo, my concerns were gone. The turbos are water-cooled and are just for the lower rpm, not like the high pressure turbos in Audi and VW that make the engine last less than 50k miles and no need to oil cool them by idling the car for 60 seconds before turning it off. The automatic braking feature for emergency is incredible for L.A. traffic. The