"The fully redesigned 2018 Volvo XC60 has an elegant cabin loaded with tons of safety and infotainment features. " - Cars.USNews

The 2018 model year of the Volvo XC60 sees a lot of change, externally as well as internally. Available in three trims namely, Momentum, R-design, and Inscription. There are three engine configurations available for these three variants, too, the T5, T6, and T8. Hence, overall there are 9 configurations on offer. However, we will be focusing only on the T5 in this review, the T5 trims come priced at an MSRP range of $41,500-$45,300.

Momentum comes in for $41,500 and features 8 -inch silver aluminum wheels along with automatic rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, and more. Upgrading to the R-Design trim would set you back by $44,800. It would include 19-inch aluminum wheels, a voice navigation system, leather seats, and more. The high-end Inscription trim comes for $45,300 and offers 20-inch machined wheels with painted aluminum and a couple more technological add-ons.

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We would recommend you go in for the Momentum trim, priced at $41,500 and equipped with almost everything you need compared to the higher and trims. It lacks leather seats and options of larger wheel rims, and that is pretty much it.

“Out of the XC60's three engine choices, the midlevel T6 gets the most attention. The fuss over it is well-deserved – drop the throttle, hear the soft whine of the supercharger kick in, and you'll get up to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. A turbocharger is also on board, and while it doesn’t feel quite as brisk as Jaguar’s F-Pace, overall an XC60 with this energetic engine is fun to pilot.”- Cars.Usnews

Engine and Transmission of the 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 Volvo XC60 has three powertrains up its sleeve. With the nomenclature of T5, T6 and T8 the powertrain specs offered are a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin charger, and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin charger electric hybrid engine, respectively. In this read, we will be covering the T5 specifically, and it is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with the capability to churn out 250 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid engine offered in the T8 configuration gets a Li-ion 10kWh battery pack. And it boasts 400 HP and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T6, flaunting its twin charger, generates 316 HP and a torque output of 295 lb-ft. In other words, the T5 configuration generates the least power amongst the powertrain lineup.

In comparison with its competition, the 2018 Audi Q5 and the 2018 Porsche Macan generate two ponies more than the Volvo and a significant amount of torque. However, the 2018 BMW X3 produces two ponies lesser than the Volvo, matching it in torque generation. Audi and Porsche come equipped with 7-speed automatic transmissions compared to the 8-speed automatic transmissions of the Beemer and Volvo.

Acceleration of the 2018 Volvo XC60

Volvo goes a step ahead to offer sheer performance in its 2018 XC60. The T5 engine configuration thrusts the Volvo XC60 from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. It also records a quarter-mile timing of 15.0 seconds while traveling at a speed of 89.9 mph, it is in this quarter-mile dash that the Volvo ranks last.

The 2018 Porsche Macan, despite getting engine specs that are identical to the Audi Q5, fails to deliver equally in terms of acceleration. While the Audi Q5 ranks first as it completes the 0-60 mph test in just 5.9 seconds, the Porsche ranks last with the timing of 6.3 seconds, even behind the Volvo and BMW that record it in 6.1 and 6.2 seconds respectively.

Ride and Handling of the 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 model year of the Volvo XC60 comes equipped with a new set of suspensions, which are more active, stable, and deliver a smooth ride. This suspension also reduces the body roll of the XC60, several complaints of which were previously registered. The all-new XC60 not only looks aggressive but also feels more confident to drive around, comfort has always been there, but now the drive experience feels better too. With regard to the steering wheel, there seems to be room for improvement as it is light-weighted and seems to wiggle at times.

Braking of the 2018 Volvo XC60

Equipped with a set of 13.6-inch rotors for the front wheels and a set of 12.6-inch rotors for the rear wheels, the 2018 Volvo XC60 comfortably brings its 4300-pound body to a standstill in 114 feet from a 60 mph speed. This XC60 comes equipped with safety brakes that are activated with sensors, a major addition with regard to the safety offering.

In comparison with its competition, there is only one rival that outperforms the Volvo XC60: the 2018 Audi Q5. It comes to a standstill in 112 feet from a speed of 60 mph. The 2018 BMW X3 performs at par with the Volvo XC60, measuring the same 114 feet. The 2018 Porsche Macan, despite being the lightest car in competition and featuring the largest set of rotors, comes to a standstill in 120 feet measuring the longest distance for the same

Towing Capacity of the 2018 Volvo XC60

With a generation of 258 lb-ft of torque, the 2018 Volvo XC60 increases its towing capacity to a maximum of 3500 pounds, as compared to its previous model year. This number that it puts up on the charts is decent enough for a 2.0L engine. However, it isn't the best offering in the segment.

All the other cars in consideration offer a better towing capacity, starting with the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 which offer 4400 pounds of towing capacity each. The Porsche Macan offers a towing capacity of 4409 lbs and grabs the Premier position for the same.

"With the base either gas-only engine, the 2018 XC60 gets above-average fuel economy estimates." - Cars.USNews

The Volvo XC60, 2018 model year returns an attractive fuel economy, almost the best amongst all the crossovers in consideration. As per the EPA official readings, it returns 22 miles to a gallon for city drives, 28 miles to a gallon for Highway cruises, and 24 miles to a gallon for its combined reading.

Up against its competition, it is the Audi Q5 that delivers the best fuel economy, do keep in mind that this is despite the most power output and best acceleration performance. Following the Audi, we have the 2018 Volvo XC60 and the 2018 BMW X3, with a slight difference of one mile per gallon. The 2018 Porsche Macan ranks last with an MPG reading of 20/25/22 for city/highway/combined respectively.

“The interior of the XC60 captures the same upscale feel as its bigger brother, the XC90 sports utility, bringing a Scandinavian ethos. A key design touch is the "ribbon of woodgrain" that flows along the dash. The rear-seat area is comfortable for three adults, and behind it is a voluminous cargo area."- KellyBlueBook

Seating and Comfort of the 2018 Volvo XC60

Over the years Volvo has built a fine reputation with regard to its seating and comfort. It needs no more mention, as it goes without saying that the 2018 Volvo XC60 offers one of the best interiors in the class. With the right amount of cushioning and posture it also delivers a sense of confidence to the occupants, overall it can accommodate 5 individuals just like its competitors.

Talking in terms of passenger room and interior dimensions, it is the 2018 Audi Q5 once again that proves to be the most spacious and comforting amongst these crossovers. The 2018 BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60 offer similar dimensions and hence rank together in the second position. Lastly, we have the Porsche Macan, accommodating five individuals but with the smallest dimensions to offer. Some of the interior features offered are as given below:

• Supple leather upholstery.
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Lumbar seat for passengers
• 2^nd-row bench seat
• Heated front and rear seats
• Massage seats

Infotainment of the 2018 Volvo XC60

For its infotainment offering 2018, Volvo XC60 features a 9-inch Sensus infotainments system. The base trim, Momentum, also gets an optional 12.5-inch touchscreen. On the other hand, the R-design and inscription trim get a 12.5-inch screen along with navigation as standard. The offering further has a 10 speaker setup up along with several other features some of which are mentioned below:

• 10-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi Hotspot and 4G connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smart Device Integration.

Cargo Capacity of the 2018 Volvo XC60

With regard to the cargo space offered, the Volvo XC60 does a phenomenal job delivering as much as 63.3 cubic feet as its maximum cargo space. It offers the most cargo space in competition, the standard offering being 29.7 cubic feet of space. However, in terms of loading capacity, it provides for the least measuring 952.7 pounds.

In terms of loading capacity, it is the 2018 Porsche Macan that delivers the most, measuring 1488 lbs. However, it measures the least in terms of cubic feet, a standard offering of 17.7 cubic feet and a maximum of 53.0 cubic feet. The closest to the Volvo XC60 is the offering from the BMW X3, a standard room of 28.7 cubic feet, that can be extended to a room of 62.7 cubic feet. With a loading capacity of 1219 lbs. The Audi offers more loading capacity than the Beemer but measures a smaller room in terms of cubic feet.

“Handsome, square-jawed styling is successfully scaled down from the larger XC90, and with it, the XC60 looks undeniably premium. Measurements align closely with key rivals in the segment, and the Volvo's compact shape makes it easier to park and maneuver than its larger stablemate.”- CarandDriver

Dimension and Weight of the 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 Volvo XC60 comes with average exterior dimensions, comparatively large though. It is clearly the heaviest vehicle with a weight that measures 4322 lbs. It further gets the best in class ground clearance of 8.5-inches along with the best in class wheelbase measures 112.8 inches. With the stylish design to offer it also gets several exterior features, which will be discussed later.

Against its competition, we have the 2018 Porsche Macan that measures the lightest car in the class. It records a curb weight of 3902 lbs. However, in terms of dimension it is the Audi that gets the least length, the BMW gets the least width and the Porsche gets the shortest height. The Porsche further measures the shortest ground clearance at 7.8-inches.

Exterior Features of the 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 Volvo XC60 sees lots of improvements in the Exterior like:

• New T-shaped automatic LED headlights with active High beams.
• Rain detecting intermittent wipers.
• Extended vertical LEDs on the rear.
• 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Rear fog lamps
• Dual Sunroof/Moonroof

"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2018 XC60 a Top Safety Pick and gave it the top rating of Good in all seven crash tests it administered." - Cars.USNews

Safety rating of the 2018 Volvo XC60

When it comes to the safety offering, on one hand, we have the federal agency, NHTSA, that did not even test the 2018 Volvo XC60. None of the three engine configurations were tested, i.e. the T5, T6, and T8. On the other hand, we have a reputed organization, IIHS, that awards the 2018 Volvo XC60 with its "Top Safety Pick" tag. With phenomenal performance in all the safety tests, it scores an overall safety grade of "Good". Apart from a couple of safety tests, in all the other aspects it scores the same, a "Good" grade. For its Headlights and Latch: ease of use, it gets an "Acceptable" grade, second after "Good".

Safety features of the 2018 Volvo XC60

• Driver alert
• Driver Drowsiness detector
• Rearview camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• Active high-beam headlamps
• Active braking
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
• Driver Knee Airbag

2018 Volvo XC60 vs 2018 Audi Q5

In comparison with the 2018 Audi Q5, the Volvo XC60 faces a real tough time. Right from its competitive pricing, the Audi has an upper hand. It carries on to the engine performance, adversities performance, fuel efficiency, better interiors, cargo space and safety! Overall, in this segment of crossovers, the Audi Q5 clearly conquers the space. Volvo does make a good second choice, but against the Audi, it stands no chance.

2018 Volvo XC60 vs 2018 Porsche Macan

Compared to the 2018 Porsche Macan, the Volvo XC60 offers a better price, $6,000 less. Though it is the Porsche that gets a more powerful engine, it is the Volvo that delivers a better acceleration performance and brake performance. Porsche comes back with a strong towing capacity to offer, measuring 4409 lbs, the best in class. In all the other aspects, it is the Volvo XC60 that delivers better than the Macan in terms of fuel efficiency, interiors, exterior dimensions, and safety measures.

2018 Volvo XC60 vs 2018 BMW X3

Up against the 2018 BMW X3, which comes in at a price of $43,645, It gets a 248 hp engine that proves to be quick enough. Only that it isn't as quick as the Volvo XC60, it loses out by a split second. However, it is at par in terms of brake performance. The Beemer surpasses the Volvo in fuel efficiency by a whisker of a margin. These vehicles are at par in terms of the passenger and cargo room. Even in terms of exteriors, these vehicles are extremely similar in dimensions. However, given the prices, we believe that the Volvo is a better buy.

The 2018 Volvo XC60 is a value for money product, offering in all aspects. With three trims to offer and three powertrains to choose from, the XC60 comes in 9 variants, priced at $41,500 and ranging up to $56,700. Even the base trim Momentum, gets a host of features, just a bit less than the fully equipped Inscription trims. The interiors come loaded with luxury and top-notch features to soothe the occupants. Priced at a base MSRP of $41,500. Along with a fine acceleration, it goes ahead to deliver a fine economy too.