2017 Volvo XC60

Overview: The Volvo XC60 crossover is about a decade old and will be replaced by an all-new model soon, but despite its seniority, the XC60 has aged rather well and remains a viable mid-pack contender. Credit a handful of recent updates intended to keep the XC60 fresh, including a facelift in 2014 and the arrival of Volvo’s new four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains a year later.

Two available 2.0-liter engines are peddled as the T5 and T6 trims, the former being turbocharged and making 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and the latter being turbo- and supercharged (yes, both!) to produce a healthy 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on the T5, but all-wheel drive can be added for $2000. The T6 is exclusively all-wheel drive. No matter the engine or drive wheels, all 2017 XC60s shuffle gear ratios using an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Three trim lines are offered: Dynamic, Inscription, and R-Design. The Dynamic and Inscription both start at $41,945 in T5 and $47,345 in T6 guise. Although similar, the two trims differ slightly in looks and interior detailing. The XC60 Dynamic comes equipped with heavily bolstered seats and wears more macho bumper covers and wheels, while the Inscription includes items such as wood interior trimmings and body-color side-mirror caps. The $51,995 R-Design is the sportiest of the bunch, offered only in all-wheel-drive T6 form. It includes aggressive bodywork and its own suspension setup. Given Volvo’s history with vehicle safety, it should come as no surprise that all XC60s come standard with blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, low-speed automated emergency braking, and more, although this model lacks the latest features such as those that enable semi-autonomous functionality.

For this review, we sampled a 2017 XC60 Dynamic and a 2017 XC60 Inscription, both T6 models in the same Osmium Grey metallic paint, a $595 option. Each also included the $1550 Climate package (heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated windshield, and more) with integrated child booster seats for the outboard rear seats, the $2500 Advanced package (adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system with automatic braking, a lane departure warning system, automatic high-beam headlights, a Harman Kardon sound system, and more), and upgraded 20-inch wheels at a cost of $500 on the Dynamic and $250 on the Inscription. The Inscription also came equipped with the $1450 Preferred Option package, which adds features including headlight washers, HID headlights, and automatically folding rear headrests. All told, the XC60 Dynamic rang in at $52,490, the Inscription at $53,690.

What’s New: All 2017 Volvo XC60 models are now equipped with the brand’s four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, as the five-cylinder previously used on XC60 T5 AWD models has been discontinued. While inline-six XC60 T6 AWD models were produced in limited numbers last year, this engine has also been dropped. T6 models are no longer available with front-wheel drive. Trims have been reshuffled, ditching last year’s base, Premier, and Platinum models in favor of the Dynamic and Inscription designations. Similarly, R-Design is no longer offered in base and Platinum trims. Instead, Volvo equips every 2017 XC60 R-Design with the toys found in last year’s Platinum model. Newly standard features include a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, and leather seats, as well as the aforementioned safety features.

What We Like: Volvo’s torque-rich Drive-E engines provide both XC60 T5 and T6 models with lively around-town performance. Like most Volvos, the XC60 offers some of the most comfortable front seats in the industry regardless of vehicle price and class. If seat comfort is a high priority, the XC60 won’t let you down. A harmonious relationship between form and function means the XC60’s curvy exterior doesn’t compromise cabin space, and its aesthetic has aged gracefully. The XC60 measures half an inch shorter than the all-new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, with only slightly less cargo capacity behind the seats, at 17 cubic feet versus 19 for the Mercedes.

What We Don’t Like: The XC60’s crow’s feet are most apparent when interacting with the crossover’s clunky infotainment system, which is controlled by an awkward selector knob and a button-dense center stack. Even after having used this system in myriad Volvos over many years, we still have trouble with all but the most basic functions. Additionally, the XC60 lacks both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Back-seat space is on the tight side, and our test cars’ integrated child booster seats, when stowed, negatively affected seat-bottom comfort for adult occupants of the outboard rear seats.

Verdict: Aging well, but only Volvo loyalists would choose it over fresher competitors.

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Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICE: T5, $41,945;
T5 AWD, $43,945;
T6 AWD, $47,345;
T6 R-Design AWD, $51,995

ENGINE TYPES: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 240 hp, 258 lb-ft; supercharged, turbocharged, and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 302 hp, 295 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 109.2 in
Length: 182.8 in
Width: 74.4 in Height: 67.4 in
Passenger volume: 95 cu ft
Cargo volume: 17 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 4050–4200 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA combined/city/highway driving: 22–26/20–23/27–30 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS FOR:
2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 15.9 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 25.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.8 sec @ 97 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.79 g
Curb weight: 4205 lb
C/D observed fuel economy: 21 mpg

*stability-control-inhibited