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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  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

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  Great so far - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Max - June 20 - 6:26 pm

  I am completely happy with the xc60 so far. Both the exterior and interior styling are great and the ride quality is nice. I have encountered a few minor quirks which I hope will fix themselves (the doors didnt lock once when I started moving, the optional collision warning sounded once when there was no one near me, and a little piece of plastic fell off the tailgate that I simply had to pop back on). Other than those very minor problems, I love the car and am completely happy with the purchase.

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  Best Buy! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By wmead3 - May 30 - 10:16 am

  Purchased our XC60 a month ago, and its been great. Driving is incredible, and comfort level is awesome. I may have to buy another Volvo because my wife doesnt give me permission to drive this one much. Great job Volvo!

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  Problems with ECO+ mode - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Erin - May 17 - 10:47 pm

  I loved my Volvo for the first 5k miles. Then I started noticing the efficiency/eco mode was acting sluggish. A fuse was recalled related to the function and I had it replaced, but theres been no improvement. My car has died on me 3xs in the last few months while in Eco mode, and even when Im not in Eco mode, my transmission is sluggish and choppy. Ive taken it in to the dealer and they cant find any error messages or issues, and so the problem with my expensive, new lux suv remains. I shouldve gotten the Audi .....

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  Recently purchased 2012 XC60 R-Design - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By laker4life - April 21 - 6:12 pm

  I picked my xc60, 05/19/12 and its one heck of a car. A true beast. Stomp on it and it responds. I had a 10 xc60 with 281hp, it was alright, but this is driving an entirely different vehicle. I absolutely love the way this car rides.

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  all eyes on me - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By shells - April 10 - 11:13 am

  we drove just about every luxury crossover on the market, and eventually came down to the XC60 and the Audi Q5 (which seems to be a common decision). we chose the XC60 for its looks, space, drive, price, and features. this car is definitely a looker and so fun to drive with its 281 horsepower T6 engine. perfect for young families with up to 2 young kids, current offer of 5 years scheduled maintenance wonderful!

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  Volvo Bravo!! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Jerry W - March 22 - 8:23 pm

  Had it for a week. A blast to drive - nicely weighted steering, peppy acceleration, and firm (but not harsh) ride over horrible pothole-filled roads in Michigan. Sandstone beige interior and dual tone dash convey luxury feel to it. Panoramic sunroof is magnificent (a free upgrade too). Unique City Safety (although havent got the guts to test it yet) and long list of Volvos safety features are all good. Very satisfied with the purchase!!

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  Beautiful Mid-size SUV. Cargo area is great. - 2017 Volvo XC60
  By Kwok Chong - February 20 - 11:22 pm

  Great performance and smooth ride. If you need 3 row seats, you need to pick the bigger brother XC90.

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  3.2 non-turbo with AWD is fantastic all-around - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By adamwrites - February 5 - 12:51 am

  This is, hands down, the most luxurious, comfortable, enjoyable vehicle Ive ever owned (prior cars include: 08 BMW X3, 04 Acura TL, 99 BMW 3 Series sedan). Compared it to the latest Acura RDX, BMW X3, a few others. Great seats, handles great in the snow, lots of passenger and cargo space. Chose the naturally aspirated 6 and theres plenty of power without the turbo (tested both passing uphill on Rt. 280 near Livingston, NJ, those who have driven it can appreciate the statement). Love that it is a PZEV and AWD, and I expect better mileage sans turbo. Note: I picked the car up only a few days ago -- so my choice of 5 for reliability is what Im hoping rather than what Ive experienced.

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  A reliable car that I want to like more than I do - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By mihali129 - January 25 - 10:12 pm

  I leased this car beginning in 2011 and it seemed like a perfect match for me. I wanted an SUV as I need to get to work in even the worst weather conditions. This is my first Swedish car after years of driving German and Japanese makes. The ride itself is firm. The acceleration is excellent with the T6. The XC60s only driving quirk that bothers me is that it has a very peculiar tight turn radius. Thats fine if you want to make a U-turn in tight space but it actually takes care not to over-steer when parking. The seats are remarkably comfortable in front and back and that cargo space is good. The electronics and build quality of interior materials leave something to be desired.