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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  A Safe, Comfortable, Practical Luxury Car - 2016 Volvo XC60
  By Tom Keenan - October 20 - 4:05 am

  My vehicle priorities have included safety, comfort, durability/fuel economy, and carrying capacity (cargo, dogs etc.), in about that order. This is our 4th Volvo since 1990. The other 3 were wagons (a 240 and 2 V70s). The last one we bought now is about 12 years old with over 220K miles; until this past month it has required little more than routine maintenance but now it is starting to show its age. Good price incentives in July encouraged me to buy new. I chose the XC60 over another 70 series mostly for the styling and extra ground clearance in the XC60, and because cargo capacity isnt as big a priority for us anymore. The XC60 is a very comfortable car with supportive front seats and enough leg, shoulder and head room for my above average male body size. The drive-e engine delivers surprisingly good fuel economy for a car this heavy, yet acceleration also is more than adequate for my needs. The leather seats are beautiful, although I would have preferred the cloth upholstery that has held up so well in my old V70 for 12 years. Another thing I miss is the fold-flat front passenger seat in the V70, which allowed me occasionally to carry long items such as lumber (but then, I wouldnt want to do that in a car this nice). The infotainment system keeps me entertained and informed with more choices than I really need. Its a little more complicated than I would have preferred and Im afraid it will seem dated within a few years. The "premier" version is nicely equipped as-is, without adding expensive options. If youre comparing alternatives, Subaru is another (less expensive) make Id consider, especially if you want AWD. Volvo prices seem to run lower than youd pay for most Lexus, Audi, BMW or Mercedes models (unless you get into the bigger, more expensive 90 series, which wouldve been more than we need).

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  BLIS Problem - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Steve Auyer - October 14 - 10:00 am

  After 3 trips to the dealer when they insisted the RH BLIS was working properly, I complained to VolvoCars USA in NJ. That got teir attention. The dealer kept the car for 2 days and finally diagnosed a failed RH BLIS camera. Their software showed no diagnostics so they insisted the camera was working properly. It was only after being pressured by VolvoCars USA that they took the time to find and repair the problem

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  Impressed so far . . . - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By MaxLoad - July 30 - 12:23 am

  Its only been a couple of days since I took ownership of the XC60, but Im extremely satisfied so far. The car has good pick-up, a nice ride, and pretty decent handling. The biggest drawback so far is the navigation system.

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  stylish - 2017 Volvo XC60
  By floyd III - February 16 - 9:15 pm

  Ive own my 2017 xc60 about 3months, I really enjoy the safety and comfort. The ride is firm but not obtrusive, I enjoy the bluetooth for my music. im still getting use to the size of the vehicle as I came out of a Volvo s40. a long road trip is in the future. I just finished a 1000, mile trip gas mileage avg 24mpg and it runs on regular a plus. I love the great visibility and road handling. I now would recommend a Volvo XC60 to anyone looking for a great Suv this truck swallowed up all my luggage and great plus three additional adults in comfort.

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  Overall Happy - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By xcreddy - December 9 - 5:26 pm

  Have driven for a week. Overall happy with the purchase. 32,900 w/ metallic paint and premium package/sunroof. Smooth ride, quiet. Could use a few more hps as tranny has to shift often. Design is nice. Interior is luxurious though there are a few shortcuts (cheap plastic interior door pull)

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  First and Definitely Last Volvo - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By chas16066 - November 16 - 12:47 am

  Safety features are outstanding, but after driving car for 2 months, each day is as frustrating as the last in how poorly designed the interior is. Virtually no place to store things. In order to reach something easily (while driving), it has to be in one of the two cup holders. Bluetooth and iPod functionality is unintuitive. I have had to memorize exactly what will work when, which has relieved some of that frustration. Lots of reviewers praise the comfort; it has been more comfortable than Toyota Highlander, but not by much. Most frustrating : the poor service of ONLY Volvo dealer in my area. Not having a choice for service has been a major mistake.

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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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  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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  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.