The all-new
2010 Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is available in three trim levels: Base Sport Utility, R-Design Sport Utility, and T6 Sport Utility. The XC60 Base trim is powered by 3.2-liter inline-6 engine, with front-wheel drive being standard and all-wheel drive optional. The all-wheel-drive T6 and R-Design trims are propelled by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine. All XC60s feature a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.
A bit smaller than other models, the Volvo XC60 is competitive, sporty, stylish, and comfortable. With its cool headlamps and geometric and trapezoidal contouring, the XC60 provides a step-down between the power dome hood and the fenders, making XC60 elevated at the midline. The XC60 offers superb safety systems hosted on a platform that gets average gas mileage, rated in the range of 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Volvo XC60 is an all-new small luxury crossover with a stylish interior, powerful inline six-cylinder engines, and a wide array of exceptional safety systems. With the R-Design trim, the XC60 sports enhanced suspension, due to a firmer suspension, 20-inch wheels, and additional direct steering.
Essentials
Engines: 3.2L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Body Style: 4-door SUV
Trims: Base Sport Utility, R-Design Sport Utility, T6 Sport Utility
On the Outside
With an exterior that is flowing and expressive, the Volvo XC60 features giant headlamps, trapezoidal elements, a pronounced step-down between the power dome hood and the fenders, and a rising midline from head to toe.
From the Inside
The XC60's interior design features Volvo's signature slim, waterfall center stack as the focal point, while the instrument panel and door inserts have a distinctly modular look. Although the XC60's navigation system display, which is available as part of the multimedia package, is not very large, the system itself comes loaded with standard features and offers a wide array of optional amenities.
Driving Performance
The Volvo XC60's 0-60 mph times vary considerably depending upon the configuration, with the front-drive version of the Base trim completing it in an estimated 8.6 seconds and the T6 AWD and R-Design dashing the distance in a mere 7.1 seconds. Sporting firmed suspension, larger wheels and tires, and greater direct steering, the R-Design trim handles the most easily of the three trims. However, its 20-inch tires don't contribute to smooth ride quality.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Volvo XC60 include rollover-sensing stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, and whiplash-reducing front seats. Also standard is City Safety, which reduces or avoids a low-speed frontal crash by automatically applying the brakes. Optional features are a lane departure warning system, a driver alert system, a heartbeat monitor to detect potential intruders, and a collision warning and braking system.
Gas Mileage
3.2: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway (FWD); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (AWD)
T6, R-Design: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway
Plusses
- Stylish exterior design
- Distinctive interior design
- Ample interior space
- Exceptional safety features
- Strong turbocharged engine
Minuses
- Lacks a bit in sport
- Smallish navigation screen
- Poor AWD fuel economy
Rating
Compact SUV with safety, style, and performance
People Who Like the 2010 Volvo XC60 Also Like
- BMW X3
- Acura RDX
- Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
- Audi Q5