2010 Volvo XC60

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers find the 2010 XC60 to be a nimble performer, which is impressive considering its hefty curb weight. However, the turbocharged engine suffers bit under all that weight.

• "The XC60 crossover is not as sporty or athletic as some of its competitors, but it is supremely comfortable to drive, with predictable handling and very good ride quality." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The XC60 isn't quite as athletic as the RDX and the X3, but grip, augmented by its standard Haldex 4 all-wheel drive, seems abundant. This Volvo promises to be a pleasant ride to live with." -- Car and Driver
• "We'll save a complete review, of course, until after we test a production model, but we suspect the XC60, based as it is on Volvo's S80 luxury sedan platform, should handle exceptionally well, and its turbocharged engine will likely put it near top of class in performance, too." -- MSN
• "Away from the safe haven of a closed circuit and out on the open road, the XC60 was a little gem. The turbo six pulls strongly, and the handling was safe and predictable." -- AutoWeek

Acceleration and Power

The XC60 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes 281 horsepower. There's also a regular 3.0-liter engine that achieves fewer horsepower (235) but better fuel economy. According to the EPA, the turbocharged XC60 achieves 16/22 mpg city/highway - that's 1 mile per gallon more in the city than last year. VW says that the non-turbocharged model should achieve 18/27 mpg. Reviewers have yet to test the 3.0-liter engine, but they find the turbocharged version adequate -- although some say it's still not powerful enough to match the SUV's curb weight.

• "The XC60's transversely mounted 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (also available in the XC70 and the S80) produces 281 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an available sport mode. With 295 lb-ft of torque on tap from 1500 rpm, power is plentiful throughout the rev range, and acceleration is smooth and seamless." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Although it holds its own, the XC60 would be quicker but for its extra heft, which can be blamed for the disappointing 15-mpg city and 22-mpg highway fuel-economy estimates." -- Car and Driver
• "Strapped to a turbocharged 3-liter in-line 6 with 281 horsepower and an eager 295 pound-feet of torque, the Volvo will rush from a stoplight to 60 miles an hour in barely 7 seconds. That 6 cylinder emits a pleasant snarl when you mash the throttle. And at higher speeds where chunkier rivals start gasping, the turbo-happy Volvo feels as if it's just getting started." -- New York Times

Handling and Braking

Though the Volvo XC60 is a large vehicle (for a compact SUV), most reviewers are impressed with its nimble handling. A major plus for rougher terrain is that it features the most ground clearance in its class. In late 2009, Volvo plans to add an optional Active Chassis system that lets the driver select three shock absorber settings.

• "The XC60 is not a small vehicle, but on the narrow, twisty roads of Spain, the XC60 exhibited a nicely balanced ride that belied its hefty mass. The chassis is set up to minimize body roll, the steering is precise, and the braking performance is quite good." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Yes, the front end understeers through corners at speed, which is what you want to have happen. Volvo did stiffen the suspension, so even with a somewhat high roof (and center of gravity), it stays relatively flat when you crank the wheel. Still, it won't beat you down as you negotiate potholes and bumps. The car feels solid and strong." -- AutoWeek
• "[U]nlike most crossovers conceived primarily for urban duty, the XC60 promises to be fairly useful in trackless terrain, thanks to 9.1 inches of ground clearance, the most in this segment." -- Car and Driver