Name: Volvo XC60 Review
Item: Volvo XC60
Author: Gumtree.com

First released in 2009, the Volvo XC60 is highly popular across Europe and comes in decently priced for what it offers. It’s flexible, spacious and suitable for shorter and longer journeys – perfect for families or adventurous adults. A premium compact SUV with subtle yet luxurious features and an automatic transmission, the XC60 is pleasant and easy to drive, although it does lack that sporty feeling. It underwent a major relaunch (XC60 mark 2) in 2017. As well as some changes to the interior and features, this marked the release of a petrol-based plug-in hybrid version, ideal for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact or road tax.

Ready to find out more about the Volvo XC60?

What we think about the Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is an inconspicuous yet stylish compact SUV that’s spacious, easy to drive, and suitable for families.

Pros

Comfortable and practical interior

Available as petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid

Safe and reliable

Cons

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No in-car navigation

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Reasonably high fuel consumption, especially on older models

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High insurance group

Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60

The 2015 Volvo XC60 T5 is a four-wheel-drive SUV with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has a 2.0-litre petrol engine and manages a not-bad 25 mpg. As with all years and trims, the 2015 XC60 T5 seats five passengers in a roomy interior and has five doors.

Driving performance of the Volvo Xc60

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Volvo XC60 offers a smooth and easy driving experience. Although the handling is nice and responsive, it’s not an especially exciting drive – perfect if you’re after an agile family car, though. If you’re needing that little bit more fun, check out the R-design models; they’ve got a lower suspension and can offer a few more thrills. Despite a reasonably large turning circle, the reverse parking sensors that come as standard on all models mean slotting into a space isn’t a problem. The XC60 is also a reasonably quiet car, although diesel models do make a touch more noise than the petrol variants.

Safety and reliability of the Volvo Xc60

Our Safety Rating10 / 10

Volvo has a reputation for high safety standards, and the XC60 is no exception. It received five-star Euro NCAP ratings in 2009 and 2017, which are valid for all models and trims. Standard safety features across the line-up include automatic emergency braking, a rear camera, trailer stability assistance, pedestrian/bike detection systems and a full complement of front and side airbags. The 2017 redesign added steering support and adaptive cruise control, as well as advanced blind-spot monitoring. Volvo’s reputation also extends to reliability and, again, the XC60 fits the mould as a solid, dependable car.

Under the bonnet of the Volvo Xc60

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The XC60 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with options for manual override and two and four-wheel drive, making it easy to choose your driving style. All specs and trims come with a 2.0-litre engine available in petrol or diesel, with plug-in hybrid petrol versions available from 2017 onwards. The pre-2017 line-ups also offered 2.4-litre diesel options. The 2015 2.0-litre petrol version offers 325 bhp and does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, while the 2018 Momentum spec diesel can manage the same feat in 7.3 seconds. Oh, and these wheels can pull by the way – pre-2017 models have 1600kg of towing capacity, while newer versions can take up to 2100kg. It’s worth noting that all Volvos made from 2017 onwards are limited to 112mph for safety reasons.

What you'll find in the Volvo Xc60

Our Design Rating9 / 10

Available in 11 different colours, the Vovlo XC60 is the sort of car that can work for anyone in terms of style. It’s available in three trim options: Momentum (standard), R-Design (a sportier driving experience) and Inscription (a more luxurious interior). However, most features come as standard on all three trims. Whichever you choose, you’ll find the high build quality that savvy car-buyers have come to expect from Volvo, and extras such as LED lights are also standard from 2017 onwards. At 4.6m long and 1.9m wide, the XC60 is a medium-size SUV large enough to be comfortable for all passengers, but reasonably compact nonetheless.

Comfort and interiors in the Volvo Xc60

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The Volvo XC60 features a comfortable and, frankly, premium interior. With leather seats and finishing, it’s a nice place to be. It’s oh-so-simple to clean as well – joy! The backseat has two Isofix points and three top attachment points, making it easy to secure car seats for smaller passengers. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom for folk in the front and back. The boot space is large enough to take a buggy and shopping, although for longer trips with all the seats filled it may feel a little tight. It’s also worth noting that plug-in hybrid versions of the XC60 (2017 onwards) have slightly reduced boot space.

Volvo XC60 interior dashboard — Volvo XC60

What features you'll find in the Volvo Xc60

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Most features come as standard across all trim options for the XC60, but there is some variation for different production years. Bluetooth connectivity is available on all models, and Apple Car Play is standard for all models produced after 2017. Older models have a ten-speaker sound system. This is upgraded in post-2017 models with an infotainment system controlled by a 9-inch touchscreen that can also drive the four-zone climate control (perfect for fussy rear passengers). The 12-inch driver display can also be used to control the interior features, although Volvo does not include a navigation system as standard – so pack a map!

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Volvo Xc60

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

Petrol and diesel-powered versions of the XC60 are reasonably efficient for their size, with pre-2017 2.0-litre petrol models rating at around 30 mpg. This improves after 2017, with the petrol version doing 37 mpg and the diesel offering 44 mpg (both 2.0-litre engines, as this is the only size on offer after 2017). The plug-in petrol-electric hybrid is rated at 112 mpg – this is absolutely ideal, as long as you have somewhere suitable to plug it in. As you’d hope, the hybrid also has very low emissions of just 49 g/km, and the fuel versions aren’t bad either, with the 2018 diesel rated to 127 g/km.

Running costs of the Volvo Xc60

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The Volvo XC60 is a reasonably large and powerful car, and its insurance group reflects this. Depending on age, power and trim, you can expect it to fall into a group in the range 33-40. However, the XC60 is reliable, so servicing costs are generally low relative to other SUVs of this size. It also holds its resale value well, which is always a plus. This is especially true for plug-in hybrid versions – although it should be noted that their battery capacity may diminish with age and use.

Our verdict of the Volvo Xc60

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

Safe, comfortable and stylish, the XC60 is everything you'd expect from a bestselling Volvo. It's spacious and flexible, suitable for families and easy to drive, although earlier models are a touch lacking in efficiency.

Volvo XC60 Review