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 AND AMAZING FOR THE MONEY - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By ELISEO - November 4 - 5:00 pm

  Beautiful interior, extremely fun to drive, perform excellent & better that MB, Audi, & VW (I tested & drie all). Safe for all, including the kids. Seats excellent can not be better. I have respiratory problems and the air inside is soo clean for the new air system is amazing. Friend this car is amazing.

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  XC60 - Lookin good - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By cerebus1 - November 3 - 7:59 am

  I bought my wife her new 2013 XC60 about a month ago. About six months ago I had purchased myself a 2013 Acura RDX. Boy, am I jealous. The Volvo was more expensive, but it is a much better vehicle.

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  Great for the mountains - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Brian in Colorado - October 20 - 8:03 am

  I have owned my 2010 XC60 for just over a year; it was one of the first delivered in Colorado. With the T6 it has plenty of power and great winter handling. Easily and safely gets to the ski resorts in the winter. Actually fun to drive on snowy roads! Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, as it averages only about 19 mpg. My terra cotta bronze model with the exterior/interior appearance packages and two-tone interior styling looks great, too.

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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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  Steamn in STL - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By susan - July 29 - 1:44 am

  I bought My 2015.5 Volvo xc60 January of 2015, July 2015 transmission goes out completely........no accidents or rough terrain or mishandling of the vehicle in any way. Computer has had several glitches generating problem messages regarding functions in the vehicle. Cars in the shop at present. I have traditionally kept my vehicles and maintained them for years after purchase. I dont see that happening with my Volvo. Instead I am looking into lemon laws for my state. we shall see how warranty/dealer takes care of this and future potential problems In any case I would " steer clear " of this Volvo for sure.

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  Disappointed - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By Amber Moceri - May 30 - 8:53 am

  I loved my XC60 when I purchased it new in 2012. Ive put 40k miles on it since then, and it is at the dealer for warranty work for the 4th time. It has currently been there for 5 weeks with no diagnosis, but I received word they would be rebuilding the entire engine currently. It would keep warning the engine oil was low, however when checked the levels were fine. I expected this vehicle to last me another 10 years, but at this rate, I cant risk the warranty running out. It drives great and is comfortable for what I need, but the reliability is questionable.

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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.