The Volvo XC60 comes in three basic trim levels with a selection of three engine options. All three drivetrains make use of a 2.0L turbocharged engine that also has a supercharger on it. Such arrangements are rare, but do offer the benefit of extremely smooth power across the entire rev range, along with surprisingly good power from such a small engine. The XC60 T5 offers 250 horsepower and up to 28 mpg on the highway. The more powerful T6 engine option bumps power up to 316 horsepower while only compromising highway mileage by 1 mpg. At the top of the drivetrain ladder sits the gasoline-electric hybrid T8 with 400 hp and the ability to hit 26 mpg on the highway. Acceleration ranges from good with the T5 to blistering for the T8, and all XC60s come standard with all-wheel drive.
The most basic trim level for the XC60 is the Momentum trim, which comes well-equipped with standard features that incude 18-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, 2-zone climate control, leather seating surfaces, a 10-way power front driver's seat, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 10-speaker 330-watt sound system. Safety features are plentiful and include a hill-start assist system, hill descent control, tons of airbags, a lane-keeping aid and an Oncoming Lane Mitigation feature. The last two making use of Volvo's new Steer Assist system, which will actively steer the car out of danger when necessary.
The midlevel trim for the XC60 is dubbed 'R-Design' and features bold styling details meant to make the XC60 look just sleeker and a sportier. The R-Design includes a unique front grille, mesh metal inlays, 19-inch wheels, a painted bumper and color coordinated side sills, dual tailpipes and puddle lamps. Inside, there are various R-design badges and a very nice R-design steering wheel to grip. The R-Design also gets several drive mode settings for increasing the sportiness of the vehicle on twisty country roads or a race track.
The Inscription trim is priced fairly similarly to the R-Design, but where the R-Design goes for sport, the Inscription goes for luxury. The Inscription features more exterior brightwork than its siblings, along with a unique mesh front grille. Inside, the Inscription gets a 4-zone climate control system, nicer seats and driftwood inlays, adding a touch of class to the interior of the mid-sized SUV.
Plenty Of Interior Room
On- And Off-road Capable
Strong Safety Emphasis
Fuel Efficient Engine Options
Modern Styling
The Volvo XC60 gets a full redesign for 2018. The Swedes concentrated their energies on technology and safety, while also making the vehicle more practical and more fun drive. Volvo has been on a roll the last few years with regards to styling and the new XC60 is no exception, its sculpted lines are fluid and beautiful with just the right amount of aggression.
The Volvo XC60 is a 2-row SUV competing with the likes of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. While the Volvo nameplate doesn't have quite as much luxury or sporting cachet as its German rivals, Volvo has a rightfully earned reputation for safety that shows no signs of slowing down with their newest vehicle. The Volvo XC60 has been designed with safety in mind from the ground up, with new features and electronic system to keep the SUV safely on the road at all times. Reputation aside however, the XC60 is a fantastic luxury SUV in its own right with a beautifully designed interior and a range of powerful and advanced drivetrain options.
