2021 Volvo XC60

Volvo offers three models in its current SUV lineup, but the two-row XC60 crossover remains in the sweet spot as a compelling choice in a sea of competitors. Credit its cozy, comfortable Nordic-style interior, a wide selection of trims and powertrains and generous standard safety features as some of the key elements that make the XC60 an attractive alternative in a crowded segment.  

Positioned between the smaller XC40 and the larger CX90, the XC60 crossover debuted in 2008. A cosmetic redesign for the 2018 model year resonated with buyers, driving U.S. sales from 22,516 units in 2017 to 32,869 in 2018, according to Volvo. 

Four trims are on offer: the base Momentum, the racy R-Design, the upscale Inscription and performance Polestar Engineered model with an exclusive 415-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a Polestar engineered chassis. 

As an example of how closely this segment is cut, consider that the XC60’s 184.6-inch length is just an inch and change shorter than the BMW X3, but its design carries a bit more visual heft overall. Both have a 112.4-inch wheelbase. The Audi Q5 cuts it even closer, coming in just three-tenths of an inch shorter. 

Somehow, the BMW manages to carve out more cargo area, offering 28.7 cubic feet behind the second-row to the XC60’s 17.8 cubic feet. Curiously, with the second row folded flat, the XC60 comes in at 63.6 cubic-feet to the X3’s 62.7. The Audi Q5 measures in at 25.9 and 54.1 cubic-feet, respectively.  

2021 Volvo XC60 Performance 

With a turbocharged 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine under the hood, the base T5 spec XC60 feels lively but far from quick. With a maximum of 258 pound-feet of torque coming on at as low as 1500 rpm, however, it has no problem holding its own in heavy traffic and sufficient on the highway, but the SUV is far better off with the T6 powertrain. Stepping up to the T6 adds a supercharger to the mix, helping it deliver 316 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. The supercharger and turbo act as a tag-team of sorts, the supercharger providing boost at step-off with the turbo picking up at higher revs. The T6 powertrain also adds standard all-wheel drive, which is a big plus for buyers living where the air hurts their faces for parts of the year. 

The T8 is a hybrid powertrain rated for a stout 400 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque (415 horsepower in the Polestar-Engineered trim), numbers unheard of in a compact SUV less than a decade ago. 

Regardless of powertrain choice, engine output is funneled through an eight-speed automatic transmission that does a decent job of getting through the gears efficiently. However, there are moments in the hybrid where the communication between the components becomes strained under aggressive driver inputs, resulting in a few noisy and indecisive power handoffs. Nothing you’d notice under mild conditions, but pressed, you can tell the hybrid powertrain discussion is getting lively. 

Though quiet inside, the XC60’s ride is a bit firmer than expected. This is especially noticeable with the larger 19-inch wheels, but the tradeoff here is that the vehicle feels sporty and planted in corners. Thankfully highway travel over maintained pavement is far more tranquil. Otherwise, the XC60 handles and stops better than a 4200-pound plus Crossover has a right to, though it can’t match the Porsche Macan or BMW X3 for pure joy or tactile feel. 

2021 Volvo XC60 Comfort and Convenience 

The XC60’s cabin is beautiful, serene and comfortable, borrowing much of the feel and attitude of the larger and more expensive XC90. Interior materials are top-notch, and Volvo’s color schemes are among the most well-thought-out and pleasing to the eye in the business. The front seats are not only presented in true mid-century Scandi style, but they’re also nicely adjustable—especially in the Inscription trim—and offer great padding and support. 

Beneath the rear cargo area resides an under-floor storage area, and when equipped with the optional air suspension, the XC60 can lower itself for easier cargo loading. Volvo’s Sensus Connect infotainment seems complicated at first but becomes intuitive after a short adjustment period. The swipe menus offer granular control over vehicle features and settings and can be programmed to interact with driver profiles for a great deal of flexibility. The 9-inch tablet-style screen is crisp and responsive, but sometimes, commands pause before the app loads or request is completed. As is becoming the norm, the XC60 is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. 

2021 Volvo CX60 Safety Systems 

The 2021 Volvo XC60 picked up a Top Safety Pick + award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s on top of standard forward collision warning with visual and audible alerts, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance. In addition, front, side and air-curtain airbags add to the SIPS (Side Impact Protection Structure) body structure design to direct damage away from occupants.

Adaptive Cruise Control with semi-autonomous driving feature and front parking assist with 360-degree view camera overhead camera are part of the $2500 Advanced Package. In addition, integrated booster seats for children over the age of four are available for $400.