Name: Volvo V60 Review
Item: Volvo V60
Author: Gumtree.com

A medium-sized estate car, the Volvo V60 has held its own as a versatile option for family travel since it was first launched in 2010. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to engine size, type and trims, with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power available. Whichever set-up you go for, it’s nice and easy to drive and equally capable in town and on longer trips. The second generation of the V60 was launched in 2018, keeping the efficiency and seamless ease of the original while adding a little modern freshness.

Check out the Volvo V60 model page to learn more.

What we think about the Volvo V60

Great road grip, a spacious interior and a top-class safety rating make the Volvo V60 a solid all-round family car for everyday driving and longer trips.

Pros

Easy, predictable handling

Modern safety features

Loads of boot space

Cons

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Automatics can be slow to shift

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Older models not quite as spacious

This five-door estate has room for all the family and is available with petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power. Both first and second-generation models (2012 and 2018) are a blend of class and efficiency. Trims include the Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and performance-focused Polestar Engineered.

Driving performance of the Volvo V60

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

From behind the wheel, the Volvo V60 feels safe and secure. It’s easy to drive and has a reassuring amount of road grip that’ll help you to feel confident even in bad weather. Passengers will find it smooth and comfy on the motorway, but a little niggly over bumps and potholes. The large size means it’s sedate rather than agile, and parking isn’t too much of a problem as all models have rear park sensors as standard to help out with tighter spots. Overall, the V60 offers the kind of relaxed feel that Volvo drivers know and love.

Safety and reliability of the Volvo V60

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

Volvo have an excellent reputation for building safe and reliable cars, and the V60 fits right in. It got a full five stars for safety from Euro NCAP when it was first released in 2012. The second generation also got top marks when it was rated again in 2018. All models come with Isofix points in the backseat for securing child seats and a full set of airbags. Depending on the production year, you’ll also get some active safety features. The oldest ones only have speed assistance, while newer models add autonomous emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, as well as lane-keep assistance for long motorway trips.

Under the bonnet of the Volvo V60

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

First-generation models of the V6 are available as six-speed manuals or seven-speed automatics with petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power. The petrol models are badged from T3 up to T6, with a bigger number indicating more engine power. Diesel models are badged from D2 (a 1.6-litre engine with 115 bhp) up to D5 (2.4-litre engine with 212 bhp), while the D6 is a plug-in hybrid. From 2018 onwards, Volvo introduced a full set of new automatic-only hybrid options. B3(P) is a petrol/mild hybrid engine, while B4(D) is a 194 bhp diesel hybrid powerful enough to tow a trailer. Plugin hybrid/petrol options are now called the T6 or T8.

What you'll find in the Volvo V60

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The suave V60 is available in twelve different shades of blue, black and grey, as well as one red option. LED headlights are standard on second-generation models, giving them a sharp look. First-generation models come in six trim levels including Business Edition, super-comfy SE Nav, sporty R-Design Nav and range-topping ES. For newer models, Momentum is the entry-level trim, R-Design adds sporty touches, Inscription turns up the luxury and Polestar tops the range. For both generations, there’s also the V60 Cross Country edition, which has an extra 60 mm of ground clearance, subtle body cladding and fair off-road abilities.

Comfort and interiors in the Volvo V60

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

As you’d expect from a family estate car, the V60 has plenty of boot room – this is true for plug-in hybrid models too. Regardless of which generation you’re looking at, the large, square load space means it’s easy to pop in a pushchair or fit in several large suitcases. Carrying longer items is no problem as the rear seats also fold completely flat. Newer models have lots of space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seat. It’s a little tighter in the old ones, but there’s still a decent amount of space for kids and teenagers.

What features you'll find in the Volvo V60

Our Features Rating7 / 10

Even the entry-level models of the V60 come fairly well equipped. On first-generation models, you can expect to find navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The second generation adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls multimedia infotainment and displays navigation information. New buyers can also spec an HUD, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and higher-quality speakers, which are worth keeping an eye out for if you’re looking at a more recent model.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Volvo V60

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

Weighing in at 1672kg, the first generation Volvo V60 is pleasingly efficient. The best-performing petrol model is the T3, claiming 47 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 139 g/km. Even more efficient is the D2 model with a 2.0-litre diesel engine capable of 74.3 mpg and emissions of 101 g/km. Second-generation models are slightly heavier at 1844kg. The diesel B4(D) claims 50 mpg with 146 g/km of emissions. Newer petrol models are more efficient, averaging around 40 mpg. As you’d expect, the best efficiency comes from the plug-in hybrid models. Officially you can get 34 miles in the V60 T6 just on battery power. In reality, expect to get around 25 miles, and on longer journeys, it’ll average 80 mpg and emit 50 g/km.

Running costs of the Volvo V60

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Volvo’s safety-first attitude puts the V60 into insurance groups 21-32, depending on engine size, age and trim level. This is reasonable for a fairly high-end estate car. Servicing costs are also competitive given Volvo’s classy status. Great reliability helps too – as long as your V60 has been well cared for and serviced at the recommended intervals, it’s likely to last a long time and should be very dependable.

Our verdict of the Volvo V60

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

With handsome looks and a great range of efficient engine options, the Volvo V60 is a classy and capable family estate car.

Volvo V60 Review