Volvo XC60 (08 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 01 August 2011
Combining off-road toughness and practicality with coupe styling and driving characteristics doesn't sound like an obvious mix, but that's exactly what Volvo has aimed to do with the XC60 - an alternative to cars like the Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3. It's certainly very stylish with a less boxy and bulky look than the larger XC90, but it's designed to also be spacious and family-friendly. Volvo also offers a low-emission, front-wheel drive version badged DRIVe. On the road it doesn't handle like an off-roader, with good body control, while the ride quality is excellent, making it a superb long distance machine. There are three engines available, including the punchy D5 diesel, although this is fairly noisy and not as refined as newer diesels. The XC60 is also the safest car Volvo has ever made and all models get City Safety - a system designed to prevent low speed impacts.
4 out of 5

Other Volvo reviews

5 out of 5

Safety

The XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever built - no surprise then that it was awarded the maximum five stars by Euro NCAP - even in the more stringent tests introduced in 2009. All models come with City Safety as standard - this is active up to speeds of 19mph and if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly (and the system deems a collision is likely) it primes the brakes - if the driver remains inactive the car applies the brakes automatically. When the speed difference between the two cars is less than 9mph then City Safety may help avoid a collision. Between 9mph and 19mph the focus is on reducing the impact and any potential damage or injuries. Six airbags are standard along with DSTC stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, whiplash protection and roll stability control. Trailer stability assist (TSA) is an option which works with the stability control to prevent a trailer from snaking. Other systems available include a blind spot warning function and lane departure warning.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Volvo has a strong reputation for reliability and the three engines used in the XC60 have all been well-proven in other Volvo models. The interior is particularly robust and should stand up to plenty of abuse.

Car check problem points

Body

A recall in 2009 where the towing eye may not be capable of being fitted correctly.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2009 for a possible cooling fan problem which could cause overheating and engine damage. There was a second recall in 2009 for a fuel pump issue that could cause the engine to stall.

Other

No problems reported.