2014 Volvo XC60

Volvo XC60 – one of Volvo's most popular models, has been tweaked majorly for 2014. This car comes with several improvements over the previous years model such as a new front end, a new rear lift glass with solar panelling built in, auto dimming mirrors and a tougher and lighter body. It goes against the likes of Acura RDX, Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

There are three trims of the 2014 Volvo XC60 available, with two engine options. All trims are available with all-wheel drive. Even the base trims are loaded with features and technology, whereas the higher T6 trim gets a more powerful engine and efficient powertrain. Standard features on all the 2014 XC60 models include cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, driver memory functions, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights with washers, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, "T-Tec" fabric upholstery, a leather-wrapped wheel to name a few. 

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Although the base trim offers much in the way of comfort, the T6 is the best choice for those who prefer more power, AWD setup as standard, and some added luxury features such as leather upholstery and panoramic sunroof. Those who purchase the T6-R will be rewarded with sport tuned suspension, steering wheel, and seats to satisfy their sporty side.  

The 2014 XC60’s base engine is a 3.2-liter six-cylinder that produces 240-horsepower and 236 pounds of torque. On highways, acceleration is disappointing. The T6 and T6 R-Design models are equipped with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder which produces 300 and 325 horsepower respectively. Despite the six-speed automatic transmission's smooth operation, it does have trouble finding the right gear when escalating hills. 

The 2014 Volvo XC60 continues to embrace the core idea that the best way to control a car is through its steering, tires, suspension, and brakes. The car's steering responds to inputs with honesty and precision. Every driver input is followed faithfully so you can feel what the front wheels are doing. The cornering forces work in concert with the chassis, suspension, and electronically controlled dampers - making every transition smooth and predictable. 

Accordingly, the Acura RDX and the expensive BMW are the fastest vehicles in the segment, edging out the Audi Q5 by just 0.1 seconds in the 60 MPH acceleration test. Moreover, the Acura is the most powerful machine of the group thanks to its powerful V6 engine. Despite being the slowest accelerated car on paper, the Volvo XC60 is actually relatively quick on the road. 

The base engine of the 2014 Volvo XC60 isn't as efficient as its competitors. On the highways, the XC60 achieves 26 mpg, while the city doesn't exceed 18 mpg. The vehicle gets 21 mpg overall. Although the XC60 features a 18.5-gallon gas tank, its combined city and highway range is less than 400 miles. The T6 trim gets 20 mpg combined with 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway according to the EPA.

The Acura RDX has similar fuel economy to the Audi Q5 with an average of 23 MPG. In contrast, the Volvo XC60 has the lowest fuel efficiency in the segment, averaging 21 miles per gallon in combined driving. At 16.0 gallons, the fuel tank on the RDX is the smallest in the segment. In the city and on the highway, the Volvo XC60 manages 333 and 481 miles, respectively.

Designed for a more comfortable ride, the 2014 Volvo XC60's cabin is designed for the needs of both driver and passengers, encased in an ergonomically sound cocoon where focused attention to detail provides ultimate luxury. Even with five passengers seated, there is plenty of room for luggage, and the trunk can hold over 30 cubic feet of luggage. You can open up 67.4 cubic feet of cargo space by folding down the rear seats. 

The Volvo XC60 shows off beautifully crafted Scandinavian design and interiors that are as plush as they are stylish. The interior is designed with the highest quality materials, including hand-finished wood trim and genuine leather seat inserts with contrast stitching. All seats are heated and cooled for your comfort. 

Segment standards stipulate a five-passenger seating capacity. Each of these SUVs has similar and comfortable seating, so you have no reason to complain. Volvo's XC60 boasts the largest cargo capacity with a capacity of 30.8 cubic feet, followed by Audi's Q5 with 29.1 cubic feet. With only 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the Acura RDX is at the bottom of the table. Major interior features of the 2014 Volvo XC60 include:

• 8-way power-adjustable front seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Steering Wheel Controls
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• 40-20-40 Folding Bench Rear Seat
• Sport Leather Seating Surfaces
• Sport Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
• Leather Gear Shifter Material and Leatherette Door Trim Inserts

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With the 2014 Volvo XC60, you'll get a 7-inch touchscreen, Sensus infotainment, and Bluetooth, which come as standard in the class. Because of the small buttons and screen, it's hard to use the audio control system and navigation system. Designed to keep you entertained on even the longest of drives, premium audio system choices include an innovative concert hall surround sound in the top-trim T6. Some other salient infotainment features include:

• 7-inch Volvo Sensus touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker audio system
• HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming
• iPod device integration
• Built-in navigation
• Full-Service Internet Access

2014 Volvo XC60 is a luxury SUV with a bold personality that embodies the blend of safety, performance, and style that Volvo is known for. This new model grows up just a little bit compared to the last generation, offering a more mature appeal with the proportions of a larger vehicle, but with the maneuverability to make it easy to drive.

The 2014 Volvo XC60 has a sleek and aerodynamic steel unibody chassis with a shortened rear overhang for extra maneuverability. Ice-blue LEDs in the headlight clusters and tail lights give it a distinctive new face. The fender line has moved down and inwards, reducing the size of the rear window, while giving a sportier stance through the reduction of overhangs.

Comparatively, the Acura RDX is the longest vehicle in the segment at 183.5 inches and has a total wheelbase of 105.7 inches. Audi Q5 has better ground clearance than Acura RDX despite being shorter in height. RDX only has 5.4 inches of ground clearance. The Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 are the heaviest vehicles in the segment, while the RDX stands out for its lightweight design. Few major exterior features include:

• Fully Automatic Projector Beam 
• Auto-Leveling Directionally Adaptive Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• Front And Rear Fog Lamps
• LED Brakelights
• Roof Rack Rails
• Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Power w/Tilt Down Heated Side Mirrors w/Turn Signal Indicators
• Panoramic Sunroof w/Power Sunshade

As Volvo is known for offering exceptional safety ratings, the XC60 earned great ratings in crash tests. Overall, the 2014 Volvo XC60 has received the highest rating of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has also been named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Similarly, the NHTSA awarded the 2014 XC60 five stars -- a perfect score -- in all three of its crash tests (overall, frontal, and side), and four stars in the rollover test. With the 2014 XC60, you're guaranteed anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and whiplash protection. Other salient safety features include:

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• DSTC/RSC Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front and Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• City Safety
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

The 2014 Volvo XC60 is a combination of everything that makes a Volvo car special: safety, performance and family friendly looks. It represents a serious challenger to the class-leading Audi Q5 and BMW X3. All in all, the 2014 Volvo XC60 is one of the more upscale models in its segment. It has a fresh look that's more appealing than some of its adversaries, along with a nice balance of features and comfort at a price that's competitive. A roomy back seat and a well-designed cabin with ample storage are big pluses.