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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  Factory pickup - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By uncleo - August 8 - 2:10 pm

  We just returned from picking up our XC60 at the factory. What a wonderful experience. We were treated royally and toured the factory. We then took the Volvo and drove in Scandinavia. We drove super-highways, cities, narrow mountain roads, rough roads and smooth ones. The XC60 performed superbly! The safety systems are wonderful. The handling on winding roads is stable and comfortable. The car is quiet and responsive. We drove in snow flurries without any problem. Of course, at nearly $10 per gallon for gasoline a bit more economy would be nice. We anxiously await the stateside delivery.

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  Second Volvo and Even Happier - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Lisa - July 8 - 2:33 am

  This is my second Volvo and I traded in my Volvo S60 to buy the XC60. I was looking for more space without sacrificing good looks and performance. I love the XC60. Volvo makes a great quality product for a good price. And since the car takes 87 octane and 5 years free maintenance, the cost of ownership is really good. Also the service department at the dealership that I purchased both my Volvos from is phenomenal. The service staff is very professional and always helpful. I would encourage anyone in the market for a car to take a look at the Volvo.

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  Volvo Headed Back to Greatness - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Michael Brown - June 26 - 12:40 pm

  As the past owner of 3 Volvo, I can tell you that I switched brands because my last Volvo was a disappointment. After lots of nudging, my wife convinced me to look to Volvo as a replacement vehicle for her wonderful BMW 530i which had come to the end of its lease. We need an SUV type vehicle and the X3 was not satisfactory and the X5 was too big. The XC60 was perfect. It drives incredibly well (a smidge better then the Audi Q5). It has buckets of power and torque and stops well. Coming over a twisty hill at a good clip with an unexpected major drop, my wife was able to control the vehicle easily and there was no loss of grip or direction. That one maneuver closed the deal for us!!

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  Beware of Volvo!!!!! - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By Dennis - June 24 - 4:12 pm

  Purchased this Volvo new and it came with a 5 yr/ 50000 mile promotional factory warranty that has just ended. Aside from scheduled maintenance volvo has either repaired or replaced under warranty the following: Battery twice ( car had to be towed in both times), plastic piece by rear seat headrest broke, plastic piece by rear seat fold down lever broke, AC condenser, gas gauge sending and receiving unit, rear back up camera, dash computer,rear hatch actuator, Windshield was leaking water inside, has now developed a bad smell they believe is mildew caused by water getting under carpet from leaking windshield so they shampooed carpet, car still smells. Based on repair history of first 5 yrs of ownership the time when the least repairs should occur it is obvious the car has issues. Now that warranty is up I contacted volvo explaining that I didnt think it fair that I find myself in a position that I pay $43000 for a car, maintain it well, has less than 50,000 miles and it appears I must sell it to avoid hefty future repairs. I asked them to recognize that this is not their best manufactured vehicle and must be outside of what they believe is acceptable. I asked they either preferably extend the warranty or if not provide a very good incentive to trade in on a newer volvo. Their first response was to tell me that if any of the repairs made broke a second time they would "consider" at that time making the repair. I asked to speak to the person making that decision so we could discuss and was told I cannot. I wrote another letter to volvo a bit stronger and low and behold I received a call from the servicing dealer (Jaguar Land Rover Porsche Volvo of Greenville).  I went in and met contact at dealer. He looked at history and told me the following: The car was out of service 28 days in the 5 yrs, it had been in 11 times for service in 5 yrs, (This doesnt seem too bad however when something broke we lived with it until it was time for next scheduled service as we live about 40 min drive from dealer.) Had I had to pay for those repairs it would have cost me approx $5000. My feeling was that $5000 for repairs in the first 5 yrs was horrible this is when car should need to be repaired the least. He then told me that bringing it in 11 times in 5 yrs was below average. When I told him that Volvo cannot be proud of the repair history of this car and cannot think it is usual and customary he said that two of the repairs added to $2600 and if we separated out those two repairs the repairs history of $2400 was pretty good. While this is all going on they price my car for a trade in and give me a price of $11,000 that would be a 75% depreciation in 5 yrs for a vehicle with no visible damage inside or out with less than 50,000 miles (kbb prices median trade in as $14,000). End result is volvo obviously feels and dealer rep has expressed to me that these repairs are normal and within acceptable limits I obviously disagree. Also be aware that while volvo is responsive to emails you cannot speak directly with a decision maker they are shielded..Very frustrating..

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  Love it...! - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Midwest Alpinist - May 24 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my XC60 for almost a year now and I LOVE everything about it, except for the fuel economy, which isnt bad for this class of car, but its not great either. What a pleasure it is to drive this car though! I took a couple of long road trips last summer (1000+ miles ea) and me and the passengers were all very comfortable. The car handles well, it looks awesome and its loaded with everything you could want in a car. Be sure to check out the overseas delivery program. I saved $2K on the price of the car (after I had already negotiated a disc with 2 separate dealers). They threw in 2 free RT plane tkts, a free hotel stay, + everything you need to drive legally in EU (plates/ins)

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  All-around Family SUV - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By very41 - May 10 - 12:42 am

  iI never regret to buy this car. There is nothing I disliked about this car! Engine is powerful, handling is more than enough from me (dont usually drive on the rural roads, so dont do sharp turns). Fuel Economy is not a strong suit, but it is well above 22mpg for mine, which is not bad at all for a turbocharged V6 engine. Interior design is elegant, I got black dash with creme leather, also a contrast color steering wheel which I love, the infotainment system is well designed, no stupid touch screen, and I love buttons, its just so easy to use! Also, there are many little features that make you happy about this car, such as the interior lighting while driving and a lot more.

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  Tire Problem - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By bishop - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Volvo and I have always enjoyed their style and solid feel. I have had the Volvo XC60 for a year now but have to say I am dissapointed in the low mileage, complex radio control and tire problem. The Pirelli tires are not wearing well. I have a whirling sound that becomes louder with increased speed. Dealer says its the tire tread and is expected. Frankly, I find it annoying. 10,000 miles later I discover prominate wear issues. The inside front tires are not wearing well--so with only 27,000 miles Ill have to replace the tires.

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  AMAZZZZIIINNNGGGGG - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By cheoto - April 30 - 1:49 am

  Awesome, nic looking excelllent performance n dry, wet and snow weather. extremelly stable, 5 years no payments in service a lot of space, great seats and extemelly safe. FUNNNNNN to drive .....absolutly nothing to complain and to much to enjoy. Quality volvo, nice interior totaly different that other cars and i like it. Nice music system, phone connecion, and Ipod connection.... Just i am enjoing this car a lot. Even that i try to be green, with my second car being a Prius, i can not resist to drive the Xc60 instead of the prius. I known the dark side, but is an excellent car.

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  Perfect Car; Perfect Buy - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By aaa20 - March 31 - 6:07 am

  This car is amazing. I love it. Better value than Q5, FX 35, and RX 350 (though those are good choices). I recommend the Volvo overseas delivery program because I got a great vehicle, met the people who made it, and got a great vacation to Sweden. My next purchase will likely be another Volvo.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2011 Volvo XC60
  By glennzwif - December 12 - 4:10 pm

  Hands down this is the best car that I have ever owned. From the day I drove it off the lot, I havent had one complaint (which is rare!). It hugs the road even in our snowy New Hampshire winter, has made it easily through the slippery mountains of Vermont when others couldnt, and last weekend we drove it to Quebec in a blizzard and it handled great. My husband is a pretty big guy (64" and about 240) and he is extremely comfortable. Couldnt be happier with my purchase.