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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  Mixed Review - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By vmerch - August 8 - 12:50 pm

  I added the optional Nuvi/Volvo navigation unit when I purchased the car. It looks great in the recessed dash space, but the dealership dented the center stack when installing. After getting the car back, I have had continued rattles in the back. I removed every possible part that could cause the noise and it still exists. Yesterday the BLIS on the passenger side stopped working. I cleaned the lense but it still blinks on/off and most of the time just stays on. It will be in the shop again this Friday. For 6 weeks of ownership it will have been out of service for 2. While I drove both the MB350 GLK and this car, I am beginning to regret my Volvo choice.

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  better options are out there! - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By fshfsh120 - July 26 - 6:54 am

  I purchased a brand new XC60 3.2 8 months ago. It’s a nice car but absolutely doesn’t worth the premium you pay. The worst part of my experience with Volvo was the dealership. I complained about the dealership but the head office did nothing. It’s my third car after a Toyota Venza, Mercedes C300. Worst experience with the dealership!! Safety? It’s not a big deal these days. Not much difference between different models and brands. If you do not believe me, just get a few insurance quotes or crash test results! Last but not the least: terrible fuel economy!

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  Hopefully Brighter Future - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By bg - June 16 - 10:26 pm

  We have this as a replacement for an RDX. The ride in that was so harsh that it was almost unbearable. This has been the polar opposite. Though the power steering pump was gone after 17 miles (!) the vehicle has a feeling of high quality. I also ran into great difficulties after having ordered a loaded-sans BLIS car, and realizing that every website known to man had incorrectly labeled power-folding mirrors as standard (I need them for my garage), which is not the case. I went to the dealer who went to the ends of the earth to try to change my order, but it couldnt be done. The dealer found another one with BLIS which we got, though it didnt have nav. I believe Volvo has changed their site

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  T6 - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Greg - May 23 - 10:36 pm

  Have T6 for 5 months. Replaced VW Passat 07 2.0T. Runs excellent, real fun to drive. Very comfortable. The worth thing is gas mileage. Not to bed on the highways (24-25mpg), absolutely poor in the city - never more then 12mpg, same super and regular gasoline. Comparing to Passat 2.0 - 25mpg in the city, 35mpg on the highways.

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  Attractive and fun to drive - 2012 Volvo XC60
  By heathholley - April 16 - 10:39 am

  Going from a hybrid sedan to a crossover was an interesting change but Ive grown to enjoy my XC60. The vehicle feels very solid, safe, and with a stance like a tiger, grips the road with amazing tenacity!

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  First Month - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By 1stTimeOwner - April 11 - 2:06 am

  We are staring a family and purchased the XC60 because we wanted a SUV that was safe, reliable, and professional looking. We considered several SUVs including the X5/X3, Tiguan, and XC90. The XC90, XC60, and X5 were the finalists. We choose the XC60 because of its size and agility, styling, and uniqueness. Reliability is a concern and we have noticed some minor build defects. Fuel economy is lower than expected (14mpg), and the rear seat barely accommodates our child seat. Wind noise at high speeds is louder than expected. Driving the XC60 is pleasurable and we are satisfied with our purchase overall. We have received compliments from other drivers and envious stares from XC90 owners.

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  Wipers are a saftey hazard - 2010 Volvo XC60
  By Mary L. - February 25 - 11:40 pm

  The vehicle handles well in all types of weather. However, side mirror defrosters would be a great addition since they are standard on other vehicles. Besides the poor navigation system and poor night time back up camera visibility, my main complaint is the poor design for the windshield wipers. For a such a safety conscious company, Volvo blew it in this area. These are a safety hazard. Snow & ice build up quickly despite a defrost temp of 85 degrees, requiring frequent stops in inclement weather and traffic to clear! The large swath not covered by the wipers in upper right windshield, is also a safety hazard due to the poor visibility this creates.

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  XC60 - Lookin good - 2013 Volvo XC60
  By cerebus1 - November 3 - 7:59 am

  I bought my wife her new 2013 XC60 about a month ago. About six months ago I had purchased myself a 2013 Acura RDX. Boy, am I jealous. The Volvo was more expensive, but it is a much better vehicle.

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  Stealth deal. - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By Guido Smet - February 8 - 11:05 pm

  This car is unkown to many it seems and does not get many reviews, but I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Awesome drivers car, great brakes, excellent steering feedback, and deceptively fast. Compared to BMW and Audi, this one is the way to go. Easily $5-8K less expensive, and has been very reliable. Great dealer support. Compared to my friends with Mercedes and BMWs, I am a happy camper! At 63K miles still trouble-free and very happy with this car. The 3.2 liter 6 cylinder is awesome.

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  Love the car when its not in the shop... - 2015 Volvo XC60
  By mustang4305 - November 9 - 9:06 am

  We bought a new XC60 R-Design in June of 2014 and have had nothing but problems since...it has been in the shop every 3-4 weeks with problem after problem. Everything from the suspension to the steering to the electrical has been an issue. We love the design and the build quality but this car has been a lemon.