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Premium compact SUV; Built in Sweden
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $12,300 – $35,900*


2010 Volvo XC60


2010 Volvo XC60 rear


2010 Volvo XC60 interior


2010 Volvo XC60 profile


2010 Volvo XC60 front


2010 Volvo XC90 passenger area


2010 Volvo XC60 in motion

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Cargo room
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Navigation-system controls (2010 and early 2011 models)
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear-seat room

Refined and loaded to the brim with expected and innovative safety features, Volvo’s first compact SUV is a good one. Kudos go out to the company for quickly fixing the initial XC60’s confusing navigation system. With that issue addressed, its only notable flaw is an occasionally crunchy ride. With more and more manufacturers entering the premium-compact SUV segment, standout products are more critical than ever. XC60’s balance of power, handling, and comfort make it a Recommended choice for those who desire something small, yet upscale.

Overview

The 2010 Volvo XC60 was this Swedish manufacturer’s first compact SUV. Specifically, XC60 was a five-passenger premium crossover SUV that shared elements of its basic design with Volvo’s V70 and XC70 station wagons. XC60 models came as the base 3.2, up-level T6, or sporty R-Design. The 3.2 held a 235-horsepower 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, with front- or all-wheel drive. The T6 and R-Design had a 281-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity was 3,300 pounds. Standard safety features included all-disc antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system with rollover sensing, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. The R-Design had specific wheels and trim. Standard was Volvo’s new City Safety accident-avoidance feature, which automatically activates the brakes at low speeds to avoid or reduce the severity of an imminent collision. Leather upholstery was standard on the T6 and optional on the 3.2. An optional Climate Package included heated front and rear seats, heated windshield-washer nozzles, and rain-sensing wipers. The Multimedia Package included an up-level audio system, a navigation system, and a rearview camera. The Technology Package included adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning, driver-fatigue alert, and Volvo’s Collision Warning, which readies the seat belts and maximum braking force if sensors detect an unavoidable crash. The Convenience Package included a power tailgate and front- and rear-obstacle detection. Blind-spot alert was optional. Competitors for the XC60 included the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Yearly Updates

2011 XC60
The XC60 lineup gained a new trim level, more power, and additional features for 2011. Volvo’s XC60 continued in base 3.2, uplevel T6, and sporty T6 R-Design trim levels. Previously only offered on the T6, the R-Design was newly available on the 3.2. The 3.2 and 3.2 R-Design had front-wheel drive and a 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine. This represented a gain of 5 horsepower. The T6 and T6 R-Design were AWD only and held a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, an increase of 19 horsepower from the 2010 model. A six-speed automatic was the sole transmission on all models. R-Design models had specific interior and exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, and a sport suspension. Leather upholstery and power front seats were optional on the 3.2 and standard on the 3.2 R-Design, T6, and T6 R-Design. A mid-model-year addition to the 2011 XC60 was Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This accident-avoidance feature used sensors to detect pedestrians who might step in front of the vehicle. If this happened, the system could apply full braking force at speeds up to 22 mph.
2012 XC60
Two new option packages were available for the 2012 Volvo XC60. The Premier Plus Package added front- and rear-obstacle detection, remote engine start, and a power tailgate. The new Platinum Package included all that plus a navigation system, rearview camera, and a high-end audio system.
2013 XC60
All 2013 XC60 models added rain-sensing windshield wipers and the headlights gained washers and an automatic system that turned the lights on when driving in a tunnel and off upon exit. There was also a revised steering-wheel-mounted control system for the “Sensus” entertainment system and a new gearshift knob. The Premier package for 3.2 and T-6 R-Design models added keyless starting and Volvo’s Personal Car Communicator (PCC) keyfob. Premier Plus versions of the 3.2 and T6 added Xenon headlamps. The optional Technology Package added active high beams and Volvo’s Road Sign information technology that was able to “read” certain road signs and display them on the driver information screen. Finally, a sport mode was added to the T6 and T-6 R-Design model’s automatic transmission.
2014 XC60
Exterior styling was revised with new front fascia styling. The interior received changes including a new instrument panel and steering wheel. A newly optional Sport Package for 3.2 and T6 AWD models added sport seats and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Climate Package now included a heated windshield and a heated steering wheel.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

The 3.2 model held a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 235 horsepower, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with front- or all-wheel drive. The T6 and R-Design had a 281-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. Output of the 3.2-liter engine rose by 5 hp for 2011, while the 3.0-liter turbo gained 19 horsepower.

dohc I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.2/195
Engine HP 235-240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 236
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/22
Turbocharged dohc I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/180
Engine HP 281
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 295
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/21

 19.5
Turbocharged dohc I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/180
Engine HP 300
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 325
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/21

Road Test

While it doesn’t pin you to your seat, the 2010 XC60 T6 has plenty of power for any situation. Some testers have complained of non-linear throttle action. The transmission shifts smoothly but occasionally hunts for the right gear when driving on hilly terrain. No XC60 3.2 or 300-hp models have been made available for testing.

Fuel economy falls short of thrifty. In Consumer Guide testing, an extended-use T6 with the 281-hp engine averaged 19.5 mpg, with a fairly even mix of city and highway use. Another test T6 averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly city driving. The XC60 uses regular-grade gas.

An XC60 is generally comfortable and controlled, with no hint of float or wallow. Most bumps are absorbed well, but XC60 is surprisingly coarse and lacks composure on rough pavement. Some testers have found that larger bumps registered sharply through the cabin.

Some body lean is apparent in fast cornering, but an XC60 hustles around curves with carlike assurance. XC60 has been available with an option that allows drivers to adjust steering feedback over three settings via the on-board computer. Most users should find the normal setting fine for everyday use. The firmest mode provides excellent road feel, though it’s a bit heavy in low-speed driving. In controlled demonstrations, Volvo’s City Safety accident-avoidance feature worked as advertised.

Most noise sources are well hushed. The engine sounds a bit gravelly under hard acceleration, and some coarse-surface tire thrum is present. Wind noise is quite low, and other sources of ruckus are not intrusive enough to be a bother.

Gauges are large and clear, as are the audio and climate functions. The navigation system’s screen is on the small side, making some readouts difficult to decipher at a glance. In early models, controls are inconveniently located behind one of the steering wheel’s spokes, rather than on the center dashboard stack or having a touchscreen interface. This makes using the navigation system more difficult than it needs to be. As part of a mid-model-year update, the XC60 received the same navigation-system controls as the 2011 Volvo S60 premium-midsize sedan. Though still not quite as intuitive as the best navigation systems in this class, its operation is far easier than the units on model-year 2010 XC60s. Gone is the awkward joystick located behind one of the steering wheel’s spokes. Instead, all controls operate from the front of the steering wheel. Cabin decor is smart and upscale. Soft, textured plastics and abundant soft-touch surfaces impress, as does the optional authentic wood trim. In XC60s equipped with a black interior, the cabin is a bit more austere. It lacks the warmth of versions equipped with a tan interior and wood.

Most adults will have sufficient room up front. Those seats are long-haul comfortable, though heated seats should have been standard at this price level.

The back seat is supportive, and legroom and foot space are adequate for most adults. The available child booster seats are a nice feature that has not been commonly available.

Cargo space is abundant with the rear seatbacks raised. Folding them creates an even larger cargo hold with a flat floor. Awkward positioning of the spare tire limits space under the floor. The interior is nothing special for storage, with fairly roomy door pockets but a somewhat small glovebox and center console. XC60 also has a small space behind the center dashboard stack, which is becoming common on most Volvo products. While a nice idea, that area is not particularly useful.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Volvo XC60 T6 w/nav.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 63

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
109.2 182.2 74.4 67.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
67.4 18.5 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.0 39.5 41.2 36.4
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 XC60 AWD 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: The brakes may apply themselves and the message “Auto Braking by City Safety” may appear unless the closing vehicle module software has been updated. (2010-11)
Audio system
Description: The iPod interface only provides 12 volts from the iPod connection but 5 volts from the USB cable, but then the iPod can’t be controlled by the audio system (2010)
Suspension problems
Description: A bushing in the rear suspension can fail causing incorrect rear-wheel alignment or camber angle resulting in the vehicle drifting or pulling while in motion. Clunking or knocking noises may also be present on uneven road surfaces. (2010-2013)
Water leak
Description: Water may get inside the steering gear causing internal corrosion making steering difficult and the company has extended the warranty to 7 years. (2010-11)
Wipers
Description: The wipers may not work if the car is started while they are switched on unless the software has been updated. (2010)
Electrical problem
Description: The battery may drain requiring a software update to the Central Electronic Module (CEM). (2014)

Recall History

2010
Description: Under certain conditions, software within central electronic module may not send a signal to fuel pump module, inhibiting the start of the fuel pump, which could cause staling after going a short distance.
2010
Description: During certain impacts, driver’s seat side cover panel may release attachment of seatbelt to seat frame.
2010
Description: Fuel line rail cover that protects fuel lines under vehicle may not be properly attached, exposing fuel lines to damage that could result in fuel leakage.
2010
Description: On certain models, curtain airbags may have been mis-assembled, causing failure to deploy or not deploy as intended.
2010-11 w/power front seat
Description: Front seat rail’s detection system may have been manufactured incorrectly, permitting passenger to move the seat forward beyond the intended maximum.
2011
Description: There may be an intermittent fault in the driver’s airbag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system. In the event of a crash, the driver’s frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all, and therefore will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver’s airbag clockspring wiring connector. This service will be performed free of charge.
2011
Description: The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ECM) is too sensitive. Sudden engine stall could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the ECM and TCM with new software free of charge.
2014
Description: Certain 2014 model year XC60 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition may have a Central Electronic Module that does not function correctly. This can cause the windshield wipers to operate continuously when the ignition is on. There can also be problems with the turn signals, headlight switch, and high-beam headlights.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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