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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  An Excellent Vehicle - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By beagleguy - November 18 - 12:54 am

  This vehicle was delivered just over two months ago. I am very satisfied with it to date. Before purchasing it I considered the Acura RDX, Audi Q 5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLK. I decided on the XC60 as having the best combination of style, features and performance. As I live in an area where winters can be severe AWD was a given. That being the case, when similarly equipped, the price difference and fuel consumption between the 3.2 and the T6 are not that great. Given other comments Ive seen this was a wise choice. I would not hesitate to recommend to XC 60 for anyone in the market for this class of vehicle.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By JrDriver - November 12 - 6:10 am

  I had no idea Volvo made such a cool car. This one drives great. Good pickup, excellent handling. I would say it took me a thousand miles to feel this way about it, but I am really impressed. Even better, I bought it because it was super comfortable inside with excellent cargo space and those factors have not disappointed. We looked at a lot of cars and are thrilled that we bought the right one.

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  A bumpy ride - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Don of Cincinnati - September 24 - 12:03 am

  Paid about 47K for the Platinum package and in general pretty nice car. Its my wifes driver and shes very happy with it. This car is way too rough on bumps etc. My 37K new Honda Pilot is a plush ride comparatively. The XC is peppy and really kicks it, but Im very disappointed with the joltiness of the ride. The tech package is OK, but lacks walk away locking and you pay a monthly extra for remote start. The driver/passenger heat/ac lacks synching which has become fairly common.

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  Nice car but missing a few options - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By tpeters2 - September 13 - 1:19 am

  We have only had the car for 2 weeks and it has just over 1000 miles. We love the the car the size is great for our family. It is great in the snow and ice. The snowy weather driving performance good. Love the build quality and way it drives.

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  Great Choice - - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Chris & Sheria - August 30 - 1:00 pm

  My wife and I did extensive research and test drives. Lexus, BMW, Audi and Volvo XC60 and XC90. The Audi was the best driving, but the Volvo won in every other category. The features, ownership cost, performance and overall experience the Volvo XC60 won hands down. We were very impressed with the interior layout and the heated rear seats were a nice feature. We didnt notice very much difference in performance between the 3.2L and the 3.0L Turbo, so we opted for the 3.2L The Gas mileage to date is averaging 21 mpg, and that is with a about a 70% city and 30% highway driving. We are going on our 3rd week of ownership, and so far no issues.

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  Awsome Crossover Kudos Volvo - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Alex - August 26 - 12:40 am

  I purchased this XC 60 to replace a gas hog truck. It has been awsome to drive, I am really impressed with the craftsmanship by Volvo.

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  best ever - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By volvolove - August 19 - 5:37 pm

  Having abandoned leasing I had done for many years and retiring, I decided to buy. Having looked at the Audi, BMW, and Volvo reviews for a fast SUV, I tried and then bought a Xc60. It is the best car I have driven in 54 years. Second was an Audi S4 I had many years ago. The Volvo handles almost as well-the Audi was shorter and and lower, a sports car in disguise. But the Volvo handles so well in much greater comfort (Is this a function of age?), and elegance and relative silence that I cannot imagine a better bargain. It comes near enough to the Audi in turning corners that I was amazed, given its weight and height. The interior defines simple elegance. Perfect for over 40s.

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  Love My Car - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By J Miller - August 11 - 6:48 am

  I bought the 2015 Volvo XC60 as a demo with low miles about six weeks ago and I really like it. The ride is smooth and fast, and stereo system is crisp. I love the rain sensor, and I really appreciate all the safety features (parking assist, BLIS, rear camera). There are a few things I would change about the interior design though. For example, the design of space for storage between the front seats is not very practical. The cup holders are also positioned so that can they interfere with the gearshift. The navigation/sensor software is functional but not very intuitive, especially compared to systems in other luxury brands. Overall though, I am happy with my purchase.

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  May be the best in the segment - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By eliseo.eugenin - July 23 - 4:03 am

  Excellent quality and performance. However, please do not buy this car if you look for fuel economy is (19 or lower). Instead you get AMAZING quality, free maintenance for 5 years (compare prices with audi, MB or acura), fun to drive and a lot of safety features that are extremely fun a useful (even that in the beginning i complain that have to many lights and warnings), stability, room and a look of extra stuff like hicht, and other accessories, really fun.

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  Excelent for the money. FWD - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Cheoto - July 13 - 2:23 am

  I have this car for a month and cannot be better, excellent quality inside and outside. Nice ride and easy to drive and the security features are amazing, better than q5 and X3 (far away)