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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  First of many Volvos - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By JessH.CO - March 15 - 3:50 pm

  We bought our XC60 a few weeks ago and WE LOVE IT! We researched nearly every midsize SUV in the market (Acura RDX, VW, Nissan, Infiniti, Subaru, Jeep, Honda, GMC, Mazda, Lincoln, Lexus, Audi, Mercedes) and we always kept comparing them to the Volvo XC60. We love everything about this car! We went with the T6 w. climate, premium, & convenience packages. We love the power and responsiveness of the T6. Other SUVs we looked at had an annoying turbo lag. The fuel economy isnt fantastic but we knew that going in and it hasnt disappointed. On a long road trip we average 22 MPG. This is our first Volvo and I know that it wont be our last!

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  Wow Our First Volvo and Were Impressed - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By tassopappas1 - January 26 - 8:19 am

  We buy a newer used car about every 12 months. And we just picked up our first Volvo, a 2010 xc50 AWD T6 with multimedia, technology package, convenience, and comfort. Exterior trim package and wood inlay. WOW. it was supposed to be for me, but my wife has confiscated it. Rather than her Tahoe Hybrid. Fun, comfy, elegant, quick and the laser adaptive cruise control is spectacular. We are certainly considerly another volov in the future now. Tasso Pappas

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  Impeccable road manners; a few minor nits - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By drat19 - January 5 - 4:04 am

  Traded in an 06 Acura TL for my new 2012 XC60 T6AWD because I needed some cargo carrying space but in a compact/midsize package whose cockpit could still accommodate my tall/big body. Acura RDX was a finalist but then when I looked at the Volvo XC60 found too much more to like, especially the performance of the T6, and versatile interior. My first 2000 mile road trip revealed a few minor nits (somewhat tight footwell space, a few bugs in the new Sensus system, quirky nav system), but the XC60s impeccable road manners overcome these nits...its such a smooth performer with the T6, cargo capacity is superior for this size/segment, and the handling is also good for a relatively tall CUV.

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  Not all that great! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Nancy - December 27 - 6:56 pm

  Try parallel parking at night when there is no outdoor lighting and it might change your mind about your purchase of this model without buying the Bliss feature. Tinted and extra small rear windows make it hard to see at night. Volvo does not make an adequate dog gate for this model and the one you may have from your wagon will not fit.

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  After 1300 miles, learning more about my XC60 - 2017 Volvo XC60
  By Steve Fox - December 14 - 10:54 am

  Just completed first couple of long trips .... so now willing to document my thoughts on my new 2017 XC60 (last year of the generation). Pros: a) seats are really comfortable (this is a renowned attribute, but I can confirm); b) fuel economy is decent (averaging 25mpg so far); c) plenty of good features (heated steering wheel, ability to start the car from my iPhone etc). d) build quality seems good - nice thunk when closing door etc. Cons: a) handling is just OK; b) heated front windshield has annoyingly visible heating wires; c) infotainment and instrument panel is definitely showing its age ... one example, no ability to see phone messages; no ability to change speed display to km/h (would have been useful when driving to Montreal)

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  AWESOME TECHNOLOGY - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By Roland - November 30 - 1:36 am

  I traded my 2010 VOLVO XC60 T6 for a 2012 XC 60 T except this time I upgraded to the technology package. I have had no problems with the vehicle and love the technology package. I look forward to the release of the 2018 XC60 and hope it has lane control. I also have a GMC Sierra which has the lane nudge feature and also love that as if I get to close to the lines in the road, the steering wheel turns back into the lane. I presently have 44,000 miles on my XC 60 T6 and the mpg is way better than the ratings. I live in a rural area and my average speed is 50 to 55 mph and I am averaging 33 mpg. The mpg has consistently improved as I get more miles on the vehicle. I am a pretty conservative driver.

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  Best Decision Ever!!! - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By funkytown - November 17 - 11:24 am

  researched 6 months before buying. when i drove it home from the dealership i knew id made the right decision. i could not possibly love this car more! the turbo really kicks when i need to merge into heavy traffic. car feels substantial i feel very safe. you can feel that youre driving pure quality. havent found a single thing i dislike yet. im inventing places to go every day just so i can drive it more!! money well spent; ill keep this car for a very long time. i just read about a 1966 volvo in new york with 2.9 million miles on it...now i understand why! just wish id bought it 6 months sooner!! and no, i dont work for volvo!

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  Fun to drive but falls short on MPG - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Joeyomitan - November 12 - 7:21 pm

  First off I would say this is the best driving car we have ever had. It handles very well, has better than average acceleration, stops well, steers well, etc. The interior is nice, our only complaint is the “storage area” under the radio, you can’t really put anything in it or it falls out when you turn. The seats are comfortable, and cargo space is adequate. Our big complaint is gas mileage. The T-5 Drive E engine should get 24 in town and about 30 on the highway. We rarely average over 23 mpg. On our Honda CRV and Chevy Equinox we always meet or exceed the EPA estimated MPG, so I don’t think it our driving habits. Either Volvo over estimated MPG or who knows. The only other complaint is the information/blue tooth system is not very intuitive. The local Volvo Dealer had to contact other dealers on how to check the oil level from the info system. The car does not have a dip-stick. The manual does not describe how to do it My wife or daughter still can’t check the oil level using the information system. Checking the oil is much like running old DOS commands from function keys on your keyboard. The engine does need oil added between the 10,000 mile interval oil changes. Typically at 4000~5000 after an oil change it needs oil. Volvo thought this would go away after the first oil change, but we had to add oil at the 13,000 mile mark.

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  Blood-Blooded Arrow! - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Grama Jean - November 5 - 8:47 pm

  Purchased my 2015.5 Volvo XC60 in December 2015 as a dealer demonstrator with low miles and Volvo Certified. Absolutely love this vehicle! I had narrowed my search to a Acura RDX or the Volvo XC60 and found the safety features, the nimble and quick handling, sleek exterior design and the straight-forward, understated but more than adequate interior won out in the Volvo. The RDX had a dull feel to it compared to the energy and zip of the XC60 and the rear-end design of the RDX fell short. My gas mileage has been phenomenal using the ECO feature and it has the same getup and go as a Acura Integra I once owned. I have Blind Spot technology and the protection package, both features I find helpful. The cargo area is just what I was looking for and like the idea the seats all lie flat. Most of all it is fun to drive! I keep my vehicles for a long time and put lots of miles on them; 296,000 and 263,000 on previous vehicles (Acura and Nissan respectively) and hope to enjoy the same longevity with my Volvo.

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  Everything I thought it would be - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Mark - September 27 - 3:06 pm

  I have had my XC60 for two months now and it has performed better than I expected. I had a S60R and was concerned I would miss the performance. While the T6 isnt the same as my R it is better than I expected it to be. The fuel economy is a little less than the S60R and could be better. There hasnt been one thing I would say was a disappointment,