The Volvo XC60 comes in three basic trim levels with a selection of three engine options. All three drivetrains make use of a 2.0L turbocharged engine that also has a supercharger on it. Such arrangements are rare, but do offer the benefit of extremely smooth power across the entire rev range, along with surprisingly good power from such a small engine. The XC60 T5 offers 250 horsepower and up to 28 mpg on the highway. The more powerful T6 engine option bumps power up to 316 horsepower while only compromising highway mileage by one mpg. At the top of the drivetrain ladder sits the gasoline-electric hybrid T8 with 400 horsepower and the ability to hit 26 mpg on the highway. Acceleration ranges from good with the T5 to blistering for the T8, and all XC60s come standard with all-wheel drive.
The most basic trim level for the XC60 is the Momentum trim, which comes well-equipped with standard features that include 18-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, two-zone climate control, leatherette seating surfaces, a 10-way power front driver's seat, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 10-speaker 330-watt sound system.
The midlevel trim for the XC60 is dubbed R-Design and features bold styling details meant to make the XC60 look sleeker and sportier. The R-Design includes a unique front grille, mesh metal inlays, 19-inch wheels, a painted bumper and color coordinated side sills, dual tailpipes and puddle lamps. Inside, there are various R-Design badges and a very nice R-Design steering wheel to grip. The R-Design also gets several drive mode settings for increasing the sportiness of the vehicle on twisty country roads or a race track.
The Inscription trim is priced fairly similarly to the R-Design, but where the R-Design goes for sport, the Inscription goes for luxury. The Inscription features more exterior brightwork than its siblings, along with a unique mesh front grille. Inside, the Inscription gets a four-zone climate control system, nicer seats and driftwood inlays, adding a touch of class to the interior of the mid-sized SUV.
Safety features such as seven airbags, a rear view camera, Volvo On-Call emergency SOS and City Safety forward collision system are all standard while a Park Assist Pilot, Cross Traffic Alert w/Autobrake and Driver Alert Control are available.
Plenty Of Interior Room
On- And Off-road Capable
Strong Safety Emphasis
Fuel Efficient Engine Options
Modern Styling
The Swedes concentrated their energies on technology and safety, while also making the vehicle more practical and more fun to drive. The XC60 adds power child locks to all trims and gets changes to some options and packages for 2019.
The Volvo XC60 is a two -row SUV competing with the likes of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. While the Volvo nameplate doesn't have quite as much luxury or sporting cachet as its German rivals, Volvo has rightfully earned a reputation for safety that shows no signs of slowing down with their newest vehicle. The Volvo XC60 has been designed with safety in mind from the ground up, with new features and electronic system to keep the SUV safely on the road at all times. Reputation aside, the XC60 is a fantastic luxury SUV with a beautifully designed interior and a range of powerful and advanced drivetrain options.
