Strengths

Superb utility, luxury, and safety; powerful engine; attractive styling

 

Changes

For 2010, the XC60 is all new. Standard features include a 281-horsepower turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. LED taillights are used, and Volvo's new City accident avoidance system is also standard, which uses the brakes to automatically stop the car when an imminent rear-end collision is detected. Two new colors are available: Lime Grass Green Pearl and Terra Bronze Pearl. Each can be had with Volvo's new unique "off black" leather interior with matching accents.

 

Value

The all-new XC60 brings Volvo's legendary safety to the small SUV segment. It shares basic design elements with the larger V70 and XC70 station wagons. With the capacity to seat five, it's well suited for small families looking for more power, safety, and more luxurious features than those offered in the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

 

Overview

Making its debut in 2010, the Volvo XC60 is the manufacturer's first compact SUV. The 281-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine used in the front-wheel drive S80 comes standard. It makes an impressive 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine utilizes the latest in fast response emissions technology, allowing it to comply with strict emissions standards, including California's ULEV II.

Power is routed through a standard "Geartronic" 6-speed automatic transmission, which features both manual and fully automatic modes, to Volvo's Haldex all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction, which constantly monitors the speed of the wheels, driver's throttle input, engine torque, engine speed and brakes to automatically direct power away from slipping wheels to those with traction. Hill descent control is standard, utilizing the XC60's brake system to automatically control wheel speed while descending steep grades and the XC60 is also a capable performer when it comes to towing, with a rating of just over 3,300 pounds.

Standard safety features include Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Roll Stability Control, side marker lights, Hydraulic Assist and Ready Alert Braking systems, and Volvo's new City Safety system, which utilizes an infrared sensor to automatically apply the brakes at slow speeds when an imminent collision is detected. A roll over protection system is also standard, using a gyroscope to determine the vehicle's leaning angle and automatically activating pre-tensioners on all seatbelts and inflating a protective curtain when a rollover is detected. Dual stage airbags, side airbags and an energy-absorbing front structure are also standard. An optional Collision Avoidance Package adds Volvo's lane departure warning system and a blind spot warning system.

Outside, the XC60 features clean lines, especially around the nose, with flush-mounted headlights and grille designed to both look good and to minimize injury to pedestrians or bicyclists should an accident occur. LED taillights are used, which are brighter and use less energy, as well as Dual Xenon Gas Discharge headlamps with Active Bending Lights, which turn up to 15 degrees in each direction while driving, are optional.

Inside, leather trimmed seats provide an upright and comfortable position, and in the rear, the 40/20/40 split bench seat can be folded, making a full 67 cubic feet of cargo space. Two-tone leather is available, as is an integrated navigation system. Metallic trim is standard, with real oak wood trim optional.

Other options include metallic paint, a power operated tailgate, Homelink remote garage door opener, heated front and rear seats, a humidity sensor, an interior air filtration system, Volvo's Park Assist, heated windshield washer nozzles, a high-pressure headlight cleaning system, rain-sensing wipers and a premium Dynaudio sound system with 12 loudspeakers and utilizing Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound.