Volvo XC60 - Volvo’s New Personal Size SUV

Historically, Volvos have received high marks on functionality and safety, but lower scores for styling and interior amenities. Well things have been changing inside the company for several years and the new XC60 SUV poster child of modern Volvo.


The XC60 might rightly be considered a smaller version of the XC90 SUV. Actually, I find the new XC60 a much more appealing vehicle.

To begin with, the styling is a skillful blend of an instantly recognizable Volvo shape presented in a curvaceously appealing and seductive form. From any angle, the new XC60 is a very fine looking vehicle and totally current with the times.

It’s hard to decide if this model is a compact or a midsize SUV but it holds 5 comfortably and has a large cargo area behind the rear seats. With all seats folded, you can bask in its 67 cubic feet of storage volume. This Volvo is a very solid vehicle and weighs in at over 4,000 pounds, yet it handles quite nimbly and drives smaller than it is. I found the XC60 to have surprisingly capable handling as we tested it on twisting west coast mountain roads. On the freeway, it is smooth, quiet and serene inside.

It exudes that “you’re safe in here” Volvo feeling and the vehicle has the technology to deliver. The XC60 benefits from and has all the safety gear that Volvo has developed over the years, plus something new. Volvo’s City Safety technology is being introduced on this model. The system basically monitors the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when driving at low speeds, where most collisions occur. If it senses that you are getting too close, it applies the brakes and can actually bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Volvo is also thoughtful enough to include features like laminated glass in the sunroof so if you are in a crash, the glass won’t shatter all over the passengers. You also get, stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, driver alert control, distance control and whiplash prevention seats just to name a few.

The XC60 is powered by an inline transverse turbocharged 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine. It puts out 281 horsepower and 295 ft lbs of torque. All XC60’s come with a 6 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive. This combination makes this Volvo a joy to drive both in town and on the highway. The engine is responsive, the handling is controlled and ride is very nice.

The interior of the XC60 has also been tastefully done. The leather seats are attractive and comfortable. The design is upscale and the available real Nordic Light Oak wood inlays are oh so Scandinavian. Niceties like navigation, Sirius radio and DynAudio make the drive all the more enjoyable.

by Kelly Foss
MyCarData