2021 Volvo XC60 Review

　　

2021 Volvo XC60 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Just about any small luxury SUV you research is going to be practical and useful. But is it also stylish? Well, that's harder to come by. Thankfully, the 2021 Volvo XC60 places an equal importance on style. Inside and out, it's one of the most distinctive SUVs in its class. Its overall profile suggests the station wagons that Volvo was once known for, but it also features broad shoulders, sharp creases, and immediately recognizable headlight and taillight designs. The cabin is just as impressive, with a clean, simple look that pulls from traditional Scandinavian sensibilities.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$188/mo  for XC60 T5 Momentum

　　XC60 T5 Momentum

　　T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,700 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $44,000 MSRPT6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $47,500 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,850 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,150 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,200 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,500 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $53,500 MSRPT6 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $53,650 MSRPT6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) - $55,000 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $59,650 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $61,000 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $69,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Every XC60 comes with a four-cylinder engine. You might be expecting more from a luxury vehicle but Volvo gives you a choice of one of three versions. The base turbocharged engine goes toe to toe with similarly configured rivals, while more potent versions give you more power. Topping the range is the XC60 Recharge, which is a 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid. To top it off, even a bare-bones XC60 comes with a wealth of driver safety aids that cost extra on rivals. Overall, the XC60's eye-catching design, powerful yet efficient engine lineup, and emphasis on value give it strong appeal. You can read our in-depth Expert Rating below to learn more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the XC60 drive? The twin-charged T6 engine has the best balance of power and dynamics of the available XC60 models. No one should be disappointed with the amount of power, and the brakes deliver smooth yet responsive stopping performance. The adjustable suspension gives the XC60 some extra ground clearance, which can be especially helpful in inclement weather.

　　While the XC60 is a solid midpack contender, it does have some flaws worth noting. Surges in power from the twin-charged engine mean some issues with low-speed drivability, but a well-tuned transmission helps even things out. Steering and handling are a bit behind the curve for a luxury SUV, though, lacking some of the precision that rivals possess.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the XC60? It might not be the sportiest vehicle in the segment, but the XC60 is one of the most comfortable SUVs in its class. Seating comfort is a strong point of the XC60 thanks largely to soft-padded surfaces and available features such as massaging seats. The four-zone climate control is also a rather luxurious optional feature, and it works well in all four zones (even if it does take a minute to get the coldest of A/C temps going).

　　Cabin noise in the XC60 is relatively hushed, although you may hear some supercharger whine at low speeds if you've got the stereo turned off. And unfortunately Volvo hasn't optimized the air suspension for ride comfort, and the ride can be busy over broken surfaces.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Volvo's approach to interior design is clean and simple, but it comes at the expense of convenience and usability. Many functions are touchscreen-controlled. And almost everything takes two button presses when one would normally do, and that becomes a hassle when on the move. Getting in and out of the XC60 can be a bit tough since the floor's step-over height is a little on the tall side and the angled front doors are a little on the short side.

　　The cabin is pretty spacious, with the exception of a panoramic sunroof eating up a little headroom. Volvo went above expectations when it comes to visibility, with the XC60's thin pillars, excellent (optional) 360-degree parking camera and power-folding rear headrests.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Volvo backs up its new modern styling with a ton of well-executed technology. It might not be innovating as boldly as the German manufacturers, but the features and driving aids available here are, for the most part, very useful. The optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is highly configurable and provides excellent sound quality along with sleek-looking speakers.

　　Connecting your smartphone is easy, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The voice controls work well to execute navigation and phone-call commands, and they even turn on the heated seats. The XC60's safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are easy to access and work well on busy freeways.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Utility is another strong area for the XC60 thanks to a generous cargo area and smart configuration options. At 29.7 cubic feet, volume is generous for segment, and an innovative cargo cover can either slide up or retract completely. The air suspension allows you to lower the rear-end height for easier loading, and there's both a ski pass-through and 60/40-split flat-folding seatbacks.

　　In-cabin storage is decent, and there are felt- and rubber-lined door pockets that keep items from clanking around while you're on the road. Installing your child's car seat is relatively easy too, with flip-up seat anchors and enough space for two rear-facing seats.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The efficiency of Volvo's twin-charged 2.0-liter may match up with the competition by EPA standards, but it returned lower mpg numbers than we'd expect. The T6 engine is rated at 23 mpg (21 city/27 highway), and we average 22.7 mpg on our mixed-driving loop and 19.3 mpg over two weeks of driving.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the XC60 a good value? Volvo's latest crop of vehicles has certainly elevated the brand's market position and that usually means an elevated price tag. That's true for the XC60, which is priced similarly to other European small luxury SUVs. But the good news is that the XC60 feels well worth the money and even offers you some optional features (such as integrated rear child-booster seats) that aren't typically found in rival models.

　　The build quality is excellent, and Volvo matches most segment competitors with its warranties. Scheduled maintenance coverage is typical for luxury vehicles at three years/36,000 miles, but roadside assistance is above average at four years/unlimited miles. Volvo also offers free towing for the life of the vehicle, a unique perk regardless of how much you've paid for your car.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　We love what Volvo has done with the new XC60 even if it doesn't actually impress us from a dynamic standpoint. But it doesn't have to, because the majority of people buying this vehicle aren't often focused on dynamics first. User-friendly interfaces and driver aids make it easy to log miles, but it's not the car you'd choose first for a windy mountain road. That said, the design is strikingly good-looking.

　　

Which XC60 does zzdcar recommend?

While the T5 engine will be powerful enough for most drivers, the T6 is considerably more fun. Its unusual supercharged and turbocharged layout gives the motor some character, and the punchy acceleration is quite pleasant. The Inscription costs just a bit more than the R-Design, but we appreciate its breadth of added luxury features over the R-Design's sportier setup. The Advanced package is a must-have if you want adaptive cruise control, and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system is expensive but exceptional.

　　

2021 Volvo XC60 models

The 2021 Volvo XC60 is a small luxury SUV. It comes with one of three available powertrains that Volvo calls the T5, T6 or Recharge (last year's T8). These powertrains can then be matched to one of three trim levels that influence how many features the XC60 comes with. The trim levels are Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription.

　　The T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), while the T6 upgrades to a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque). The Recharge uses the same engine as the T6 but adds an electric motor and battery pack (combined 400 hp, 472 lb-ft). This is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows you to go about 19 miles on all-electric power before it switches over to regular gasoline power.

　　There is also a separate model called the XC60 Polestar Engineered, which gets a high-output version of the Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain. It puts out 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque.

　　An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. All T5 models come standard with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional), while all other XC60s come standard with all-wheel drive.

　　Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the XC60 Recharge)

　　This base trim level comes with:

　　18-inch alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Panoramic sunroof Hands-free tailgate Auto-dimming mirrors Dual-zone automatic climate control Driver-seat memory settings Heated front seats (AWD only) Leather upholstery 9-inch touchscreen 10-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationAdvanced driving aids and safety features include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane Rear cross-traffic alert (alert you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)There are numerous packages and stand-alone options available for the Momentum trim level. They include:

　　Premium package Navigation system Power-folding outboard rear headrests Front parking sensors Advanced package Premium package Ambient interior lighting Wireless charging pad Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Volvo and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Climate package Heated front and rear seats Heated steering wheel 19- or 20-inch wheels 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Integrated booster cushions for outboard rear seats Air ionizer (helps further filter and clean air in the cabin)R-Design

　　The R-Design is positioned as the sporty XC60. Upgrades over the base model include:

　　Premium package 19-inch wheels Black exterior trim Ambient interior lighting Four-zone automatic climate control (T5 and T6 only) Heated front sport seats with cloth bolstering 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio systemUnless already included, the optional features listed above for the Momentum trim are available for the R-Design except the 20-inch wheels. Additional options include:

　　21-inch wheels Air suspension (adapts to provide greater ride comfort or sportier handling) 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemInscription

　　The Inscription offers more luxury features, building off the Momentum with these additions:

　　Premium package 19-inch wheels Chrome exterior trim Ambient interior lighting Four-zone automatic climate control (T5 and T6 only) Ventilated front seats Upgraded leather upholstery 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio systemUnless already included, all features on the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim are available for the Inscription. Additional options include:

　　Air suspension 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemPolestar Engineered

　　The Polestar Engineered starts with the R-Design's upgrades, along with an uprated version of the Recharge model's powertrain. It also includes:

　　Advanced package 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires Brembo front brakes Special Öhlins suspension dampers Gold-colored seat belts 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemThe only options available for the Polestar Engineered trim are 22-inch wheels and the integrated booster cushions.

　　

2021 XC60 Highlights

Type: T8 Polestar EngineeredSUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: T5 MomentumT6 MomentumT5 R-DesignT5 InscriptionRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription ExpressionT6 R-DesignT6 InscriptionRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-DesignRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 InscriptionT8 Polestar EngineeredT5 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$41,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles