Pros: Compelling performance; abundance of safety features; comfortable back seat
Cons: Complex touchscreen control interface can be distracting; topline models get expensive
CG Says: The 2019 Volvo XC60 line adds front-wheel drive T5 models. Previously, only all-wheel-drive XC60s were offered. Volvo’s premium compact crossover SUV was redesigned for 2018. The base T5 has a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the T6 has a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine with 316 hp. T8 models have a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 400 hp. All XC60s have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, steering-linked headlights, City Safety Collision Avoidance Technology, blind-spot alert with steering intervention, drowsiness alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation (which will steer the vehicle back into the lane if it crosses the center stripe when an oncoming vehicle is detected), and Steer Assist that combines with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and large-animal detection to help drivers avoid obstacles by adding additional steering input if necessary and braking individual wheels to increase vehicle control. Other available features include a hands-free power liftgate, heated/ventilated front seats, surround-view camera, cooled glove box, head-up instrument display, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and power-folding rear seats. The XC60 delivers all the available safety features expected of a Volvo, and pairs them with dynamic performance and confident distinctive styling as an unexpected bonus. Although the touchscreen control system can be tricky to master, the cabin is very nicely finished, with good rear-seat and cargo room. Topline trim levels are pricey, but the new XC60 presents itself as a fine alternative to its more-established European rivals.
Class | Premium Compact SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Volvo |
Nation of Manufacture | Sweden |
Base Prices | T5 Momentum: $41,440 AWD T5 Momentum: $43,740 T5 R-Design: $48,290 AWD T5 R-Design: $50,590 T5 Inscription: $48,790 AWD T5 Inscription: $51,090 AWD T6 Momentum: $47,240 AWD T6 R-Design: $54,090 AWD T6 Inscription: $54,590 AWD T8 Plug-in Hybrid Momentum: $55,340 AWD T8 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design: $62,190 AWD T8 Plug-in Hybrid Inscription: $62,690 |
Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T5) |
Horsepower 250 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20-22 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27-29 |
Optional Engine turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric (T8) |
Horsepower 400 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg) 26 |
EPA Electric Motor Combined (MPGe) 58 |
Optional Engine turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T6) |
Horsepower 316 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27 |