Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

7.8

Overall Rating

The Volvo XC60 radiates with the basic 5 trims namely T5 Drive, T5 AWD, T6 AWD, T6 Drive-E, and the T6 AWD R-Design. These trims seem to be available in either FWD or AWD with variations in the powertrain. One has to manage a bare minimum of $38,000 to relish the craving. Thus, it has many offers to cater to a huge customer base. It goes against the market share of the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350, and the Subaru Outback.

8.4/10
Engine and Performance

7.0/10
Fuel Economy

8.2/10
Interior

9.0/10
Exterior

9.7/10
Safety

2016 Volvo XC60 Features

As mentioned earlier, the Volvo XC60 has five major trims which have equivalent structural integrity and cabin insulation. The trim does show some signs of superiority as we move upwards as the base T5 Drive-E has the Adaptive Shift which just gets better with the Advanced Quick Shift in the T6 AWD R-Design.

Not just that, the T6 AWD rests on the 18" Leda Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels while the elder sibling gets the pairs of 20" Ixion II Alloy Wheels. The comfort has been taken care of by the Volvo with a touch of feel in the T5 AWD’s T-Tec Textile Seatings. Moreover, the powertrain does upgrade from Turbo to Turbo-Supercharger coupling trim-wise with increased engine capacity.

Trim	T5 Drive-E	T5 AWD	T6 Drive-E	T6 AWD	T6 AWD R-Design
MSRP	$37,595	$39,095	$42,345	$43,645	$47,945
Key Features	Engine Auto Stop-Start	Memory Function	2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I-4	Roll Stability Control	3.0L Turbo/Supercharged I-6
	Trailer Sway Control	Sirius satellite radio	Electric Parking Brake	Power-Assist Seatings	Emergency SOS
	Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning	2.5L Turbocharged I-5	Tracker Unit	Smart Device Remote Engine Start	Advanced Quick Shift
	EPAS	Adaptive Shift	Voice Activation	Electronic Stability Control	8 Speakers with Amplifier
	Sensus Connect with integrated 7" color display	T-Tec Textile Seating	Bluetooth integrated interface	18" Leda Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels	20" Ixion II Alloy Wheels

All the trims have been armed with some standard features which are as rich as they can be and the list includes the Trailer Sway Control along with the EPAS. The Engine Auto Stop-Start is standard as well. If that is not enough for you to settle you down with it then it further expands its enclosure with the 8-Speaker Audio Set and Voice Activation Commands. Precise and interactive is the infotainment package, one is destined to use. Thus it is simply top-notch for its basic offering which can be amplified with additional extensions.

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The price is something that makes one be very cautious before making a final call and that is completely sane to have it. Hence, it is recommended to go for T6 Drive-E as it gives you the thrill of the turbo-supercharger coupling with parallel safety to counter it. Moreover, the comfort and premium feel have been bestowed in the mentioned trim. So it hardly makes much sense to spend more for a little increment of pleasure instead of opting for the T6 Drive-E.

2016 Volvo XC60 Engine and Performance

8.4/10

The XC60 powertrain is as diversified as its trim nature. There is basically a standard 2.0L Turbo I-4 which can produce 240 hp of power and 258 lb-ft of torque. This variant mutates with an additional supercharger which increases the power surge to level at 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of characteristics. A bit more greed might drive you towards the top-dog 3.6 L Turbo I-6 with 325 hp and 354 lb-ft curves at its disposal. There is a middle ground as well in the midst of this chaos which comes with 2.5L Turbocharged I-5 which offers a trade-off in the numbers somewhere in the middle. The whole setup is in conjunction with an 8-Speed Automatic transmission in either with the FWD or AWD.

Model	2016 Volvo XC60	2016 Acura MDX	2016 Lexus RX 350	2016 Subaru Outback
MSRP	$37,595	$43,990	$42,875	$34,245
Engine	2.0L Turbo I-4	3.5L V-6	3.5L V-6	3.6 L H-6
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	AWD
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed CVT
Power	240 @ 5600	290 @ 6200	295 @ 6300	256 @ 6000
Torque	258 @ 1500	267 @ 4700	267 @ 4700	247 @ 4400
0-60 MPH (seconds)	6.4	6.4	6.9	9.8
Quarter mile (mph)	14.9	14.9	15.3	17.1
Top speed (mph)	N/A	N/A	124	N/A

As far as comparison is concerned, the XC60 swift past clothes with a blistering acceleration which allows it to cover a quarter-mile within 14.9 seconds and reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 6.4 seconds. It is in line with the MDX, but mind you that the latter needs a bigger capacity to achieve the same feat. The Subaru Outback is simply the most underwhelming SUV among the aforementioned.

2016 Volvo XC60 Fuel Economy

7.0/10

Performance is important but fuel economy is as important as the former. The XC60 is impressive in this department as it leads the pack with 23 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg overall. This is further assisted by a huge fuel tank of 18.5 gallons which allows it to cover 481 miles on average in a go. This figure can even touch 573 miles on the highway and 425 miles in the city making daily commuting easy. The size of the engine compliments the economy and turbo boosts the performance.

Model	2016 Volvo XC60	2016 Acura MDX	2016 Lexus RX 350	2016 Subaru Outback
MPG (city)	23	19	20	20
MPG (Highway)	31	27	27	27
MPG (Combined)	26	22	23	22
Fuel Capacity	18.5	19.5	19.2	18.5
Range (City/highway)	425.5/573.5/481	370.5/526.5/429	384/518.4/441.6	370/499.5/407

As per data, it is quite evident that others can also be given consideration as they have pretty much comparable mileage. The Outback might be lagging a little and can be annoying for its range capacity. The Acura MDX and RX350 both have their maximum reachability above 500 miles, thanks to their comparatively bigger fuel tanks where the Outback misses out by less than a gallon. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the XC60 is a clear favorite to own here.

2016 Volvo XC60 Interior

8.2/10

Precision and accuracy will be enough to define the interior appeal offered by the Volvo XC60. The seat height and positioning are power-assisted and hence it makes the visibility and long hauling a simple science at the driver’s end. The spaciousness gives you the freedom to stretch and power-heating keeps you cuddling in the bucket seats. It does get a level up in the higher trims with R-Sports seats. Apart from that, the memory function has been integrated into it as well. The T-Tec Textile and Leather Upholstery are given a nice texture all around to achieve the premium feel from this beauty.

Model	2016 Volvo XC60	2016 Acura MDX	2016 Lexus RX 350	2016 Subaru Outback
Seating Capacity	5	7	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38/56.7/41.2	38.1/61.1/41.4	39.4/57.8/44.1	40.8/55.5/58.1/42.9
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.1/55.2/36.4	38.3/59.1/38.5	39.1/57.6/38	38.9/55/57.3/38.1
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in	N/A	35.6/54.7/28.1	N/A	N/A
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)	67.4	68.4	56.3	73.3

The XC60 outclasses all significantly in the cargo capacity and row seating. The one which is pretty close to it is the Subaru Outback or it won’t be misleading to accept the latter one a bit better as well. But MDX has a generous offering to seat 7 whereas others have a maximum capacity of 5 only. All of them are quite sound in their space management which is actually a part of their utilitarianism. Some of the features are:

T-Tec Textile Seats
Power-Assist Adjustment
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power-Heating
Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning

How intuitive is the 2016 Volvo XC60’s infotainment unit?

The XC60 offers quite an interesting and flashy infotainment package which includes a standard 7” Display Unit along with Sensus Connect. Further adding to that is the 8-speaker audio set with an amplifier and SiriusXM satellite radio. Some other intangible assets are the Voice Activation Commands and Speed Compensated Volume Control, both being handy and functional simultaneously. The content does have HD Radio, iPod function, and USB standing next to in the line. Some of the features have been mentioned as follows:

SiriusXM satellite radio
Sensus Connect
7” Display Unit
8-speaker audio set

2016 Volvo XC60 Exterior

9.0/10

The XC60 silhouette will never get outdated irrespective of time and generation. The bulged-out headlamps on the front with chrome accent grille are perfectly matched. Moreover, its look is so deceptive that it is equally tough to imagine the thrust it holds in its belly. The wide 18" Leda Diamond Cut Alloy or 20" Ixion II Alloy Wheels are charming as well which are in a golden aspect ratio of the overall design dimensions. The rear has a rear lip spoiler more for the downforce phenomenon and to cancel out turbulence than for the appearance perspective. On the whole, it will suit any frame and any curvature.

Model	2016 Volvo XC60	2016 Acura MDX	2016 Lexus RX 350	2016 Subaru Outback
Curb Weight (lbs)	4041	3960	4222	3810
Length (in.)	182.8	193.6	192.5	189.6
Width (in.)	74.4	77.2	74.6	72.4
Height (in.)	67.4	67.6	67.7	66.1
Ground Clearance (in.)	9.1	5.6	N/A	8.7
Wheelbase (in.)	109.2	111	109.8	108.1

It is definitely a difficult task to conclude any story out of the spec sheet as all of them are in congruence with the standard figures of the segment. Even weight has a variation of 200 pounds or so among them which again does not seem to draw any conclusion. Therefore, on paper, they are on par in terms of their handling dynamics, body leaning, and body roll. And on top of that, there is a slight chance, they might even have the same nose dive as well. Some of the exterior features in the Volvo XC60 are:

18" Leda Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
20" Ixion II Alloy Wheels
Chrome Accent Grille
Lip Spoiler

2016 Volvo XC60 Safety

9.7/10

This domain is the forte of Volvo. Name it and it will definitely have it. XC60 has an overall 5-star in the NHTSA crash test in all parameters except the rollover. Even the IIHS has marked it with “Good” in all columns. This is concrete proof of its structural integrity. Now if one adds the spice of advanced tech-end, it becomes a recipe of its own league. Features like the Roll Stability Control, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control come as a standard along with Emergency SOS. It even gets Trailer Sway Control for extra benefit and control with the loading around the corner. Some of the features are:

Trailer Sway Control
ABS
Traction Control
Roll Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control

2016 Volvo XC60 Final Verdict

With no doubt in one’s mind, the Volvo XC60 definitely makes it to the top of the wishlist. Adding it to the cart and exploring others might just waste your time as there is no one close to it in the myriads of offers. Speciousness, performance, and premium touch all at once can be availed of at the same time. The trim variation and powertrain availability make your job even more interesting to land on the special one which will serve your purpose to the fullest.

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Top User Reviews

User Overall Rating

My Volvo XC60!

Luxurious yet affordable

by John

User Overall Rating

a full-blown luxury SUV

luxury SUV with high safety and efficiency.

by Destiny Leyva

User Overall Rating

Not at all good in terms of the drive

Less user friendly

by Perry

User Overall Rating

luxury compact SUV with sufficient power

safe and well designed family luxury vehicle

by Elana

User Overall Rating

This car is pretty smaller than what I expected

Great comfort quality

by Judith

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2016 Volvo XC60 Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

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2016 Volvo XC60 Consumer Reviews and Ratings

2016 Volvo XC60 Reviews

My Volvo XC60!

Pros - *Leather-wrapped dash *Ambient interior lighting *Frisky turbo engine *Better road grip

Cons - *Windshield leaks air while driving at high speeds *Unintuitive touchscreen interface

a full-blown luxury SUV

Pros - Luxurious interior, rear seat comfort, generous standard features and available air suspension.

Cons - Not much fun to drive, small cargo area and the touchscreen requires familiarity.

Not at all good in terms of the drive

Pros - Looks and feels very premium.

Cons - Dull character, Confusing controls.

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Pictures & Videos

Trims

T5$38,100 onwards

T5 Premier$41,350 onwards

T6$42,650 onwards

T5 Platinum$45,650 onwards

T6 R-Design$46,950 onwards

T6 Platinum$47,050 onwards

T6 R-Design Platinum$51,050 onwards

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Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

7.8

2016 Volvo XC60 Features

2016 Volvo XC60 Engine and Performance

2016 Volvo XC60 Fuel Economy

2016 Volvo XC60 Interior

How intuitive is the 2016 Volvo XC60’s infotainment unit?

2016 Volvo XC60 Exterior

2016 Volvo XC60 Safety

2016 Volvo XC60 Final Verdict

Similar Cars

Top User Reviews

My Volvo XC60!

a full-blown luxury SUV

Pros - Leather-wrapped dash Ambient interior lighting Frisky turbo engine Better road grip

Cons - Windshield leaks air while driving at high speeds Unintuitive touchscreen interface