2021 Volvo XC60 Review XC60 SUV Models CarBuzz

2021 Volvo XC60 Review XC60 SUV Models CarBuzz

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2021 Volvo XC60

New ModelsXC60XC60 RechargeDiscontinued ModelsXC60 HybridXC60 All GenerationsNew202320222021Used202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102021 $41,700 - $55,000 Price Range (MSRP) 2021 Volvo XC60 For Sale Sell Your Volvo XC60 Best SUVs for Snow Best Luxury Compact SUVs Volvo SUVs Volvo Small Cars Review Exterior Interior Trims & Specs Performance Safety & Reliability 68 Photos Compare insurance prices: Save an average of $440 Free Quote

2021 Volvo XC60 Test Drive Review Sophisticated And Spirited

by Ian Wright Nothing sums up the refreshed ethos of Swedish automaker Volvo quite like the XC60: The mid-size crossover drips with style without being ostentatious, has a distinctive and elegant interior, the build quality is on point, on-board tech is leading-edge, and there's a range of technologically innovative drivetrains on offer. Power in the base model is supplied by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making a respectable 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Going up in the range, you'll find a 316-hp four-cylinder engine that utilizes both a supercharger and turbocharger. Topping things off, you can opt for the Recharge PHEV, which currently uses the supercharged and turbocharged engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system, and makes a healthy 400 hp. But that's not all - the Polestar Engineered version, which we had for a week-long test drive, takes this up a notch with an extra 15 horses. There's a lot to take in when it comes to the Volvo XC60, including genuine leather in the cabin, a raft full of safety and convenience features, and those wonderful Thor's Hammer headlights. The XC60 isn't perfect, though, and the price isn't pocket change. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling vehicle in the space occupied by stalwarts like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Read in this review

Exterior Design 9 /10 Performance 9 /10 Fuel Economy 8 /10 Interior & Cargo 9 /10 Infotainment & Features 10 /10 Reliability 7 /10 Safety 10 /10 Value For Money 9 /10 8.9 What is BuzzScore?

2021 Volvo XC60 Changes What s the difference vs 2020 XC60

There have been a number of updates to the standard features list for 2021. Safety is prioritized with every model now equipped with LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. There are new 19-inch wheel designs to appreciate this year, too, along with power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors. The infotainment has also undergone changes, with the deletion of AM Radio and the addition of a wireless charging pad. There has been quite a bit of shuffling of the standard and available features, with park assist stripped away unless you pay extra, and several packages have been renamed and repriced as their contents have shifted to suit all the changes. Inscription models have a new package that includes massaging front seats.
The big news is the renaming of plug-in hybrid variants as Recharge models, which also boast a new entry-level trim for 2021 called the Inscription Expression. With an attractive base price, access to satisfying and efficient performance from Volvo is easier than ever.

Pros and Cons

Handsome exteriorCompetent handlingPlenty of passenger and cargo spaceExtensive list of standard featuresLogical and stylish cabin layoutPlug-in hybrid has great acceleration Expensive to buy and runNot as premium inside as other European rivalsSome tech is a little too complicated

Best Deals on 2021 Volvo XC60

2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription $43,000 33,143 miles Fair Deal $3,400 below 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum $37,990 36,993 miles 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription $48,590 12,438 miles 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum $41,990 42,396 miles Fair Deal Average price See All XC60 For Sale

2021 Volvo XC60 Trims

See trim levels and configurations: Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP) T5 Momentum 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive $41,700 T6 Momentum 2.0L Twincharged Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic All-Wheel Drive $47,500 T5 R-Design 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive $47,850 T5 Inscription 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive $49,200 T6 R-Design 2.0L Twincharged Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic All-Wheel Drive $53,650 See All 2021 Volvo XC60 Trims and Specs

Handling and Driving Impressions

There's a reason you rarely see a Volvo XC60 being driven aggressively. There's something about the whole package that encourages you to drive like a sophisticated adult, even if you're an impatient automotive journalist with a heavy right foot. The ride is as smooth as a kitten's fur and, unless you go with the fussier R-Design styling, the interior inspires the kind of relaxation you'll find in an upmarket and freshly built European log cabin. That doesn't mean you'll end up being that car in traffic holding everyone up, though. The standard turbocharged engine has enough get-up-and-go to do just that, while the twin-charged engine will get you cruising quickly. However, if you mash the throttle pedal, particularly with the twin-charged engine, the coarse sound of a four-cylinder engine being forced to do the work of a six-cylinder lump brings about some cognitive dissonance. You're driving a superbly smooth vehicle, yet with heavier throttle inputs, the engine sounds like there's sand in the oil. Thankfully, the engine sound at lower revs is fine and is mostly canceled out by the plush soundproofing. Our Plug-In Hybrid tester proved to be a genuine delight. The cabin is both airy and quiet around town and when cruising on the freeway, and the engine noise only creeps in when it's being pushed. If you do push the XC60 on a back road, it's surprisingly spry - even with the weight of the hybrid system added on Recharge models. While an optional air suspension setup is available to regular models, the Polestar Engineered variant gets an Ohlins adjustable suspension as standard as well as a lightweight front strut bar and Akebono brakes. We found that while it's no sports car, the XC60 is all about getting where it's going in confident style - and, as a bonus, the Polestar Engineered version can even be quite fun.
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Verdict Is the 2021 Volvo XC60 a good SUV

While we love the XC60 in all its guises, we do wish Volvo had gone for a six-cylinder engine as an upgrade from the base model over the complexity of two forms of forced induction technology. Add that to the hybrid, and while there are no heavy reliability issues noted by the organizations watching for them, we don't like the idea of maintenance further down the road, and the wealth of issues having all those systems working together could present. If you're going to drive one of the upper-tier models for just three or four years, we wouldn't worry, but we have reservations about taking the twin-charged engines into 150,000 miles plus territory. Having a turbo, a supercharger, and a battery pack to think about in the future is worth bearing in mind now. If none of that worries you, the XC60 is a wonderful crossover and a brilliant alternative to BMW's X3, Audi's Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The XC60 lacks the full range of driving dynamics available from the X3, the cutting edge technology on the Q5, and the opulence of the GLC, but every evolution of the XC60 carves Volvo's own take on the mid-size crossover deeper into the segment.

Check out other Volvo XC60 Styles

XC60 Hybrid Compare XC60 Recharge Compare

2021 Volvo XC60 Comparisons

BMW Audi

2021 Volvo XC60 vs BMW X3

It is hard to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, but Volvo makes a valiant effort with the XC60. The slightly lower starting price might sway some more frugal shoppers to move over to the Swedish camp, but the BMW X3 is certainly worth the extra investment. For starters, you get a choice of two far more capable powertrains, with the stronger one developing 382 hp and 365 lb-ft. Despite having more power, the X3's engines are also more refined, so they offer better fuel economy figures. The comparable starter engine returns 25/29/27 mpg to the Volvo's 22/29/25 mpg. The X3 Hybrid also gives the XC60 Recharge a good run for its money. However, since luxury shoppers are unlikely to care too much about fuel economy, the real comparison comes down to how each car drives and feels. The X3 is the sportier SUV, with tighter handling and even better ride comfort when taunting the corners at higher speeds. However, it falls a little behind in terms of cabin quality and available features. If speed isn't at the top of your list, the Volvo seems to be the better value proposition, but the combination of performance and sportiness in the BMW X3 will win over quite a few shoppers. See BMW X3 Review

2021 Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5

Much like Volvo, the German automaker prides itself on more than just designing fast, attractive vehicles. Audi understands that even elite consumers are savvy to a good deal, so fuel economy, practicality, and overall value are top of the agenda. Both midsize SUVs are equipped with capable engines, with the Q5 offering slightly more horsepower than the base T5, at 261 hp, thanks to mild hybrid assistance. This changes when you spec the Volvo with the T6 powertrain, though, since Audi does not offer a second option. Neither vehicle is going to wow drivers, but we have to give the Q5 a nod when forcing ourselves to decide which is the more enjoyable ride. Inside, the two are similarly equipped with loads of tech and a comprehensive, easy-to-use infotainment suite. It will ultimately come down to personal taste or, less likely, your budget since the XC60 is nominally cheaper. See Audi Q5 Review

2021 Volvo XC60 Popular Comparisons

The most popular competitors of 2021 Volvo XC60: Lexus RX TBC Price (MSRP) Compare Subaru Outback $27,645 - $40,645 Price (MSRP) Compare Honda CR-V $26,800 - $36,600 Price (MSRP) Compare Mazda CX-5 $26,250 - $39,000 Price (MSRP) Compare Volvo V60 $40,950 - $46,400 Price (MSRP) Compare BMW X5 $60,600 - $82,800 Price (MSRP) Compare Subaru Forester $25,895 - $35,995 Price (MSRP) Compare Acura MDX $48,000 - $72,050 Price (MSRP) Compare Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Plug-in Hybrid $50,650 Price (MSRP) Compare Acura RDX $40,600 - $53,300 Price (MSRP) Compare Alfa Romeo Stelvio $45,550 - $50,500 Price (MSRP) Compare Audi Q5 $43,300 - $45,800 Price (MSRP) Compare Audi Q5 Hybrid $55,400 Price (MSRP) Compare Audi SQ5 $55,800 Price (MSRP) Compare Audi SQ5 Sportback $59,200 Price (MSRP) Compare BMW X3 $43,700 - $57,800 Price (MSRP) Compare BMW X3 Hybrid $49,600 Price (MSRP) Compare BMW X4 $53,400 - $64,650 Price (MSRP) Compare Buick Envision $31,500 - $41,650 Price (MSRP) Compare Cadillac XT5 $43,995 - $55,895 Price (MSRP) Compare Ford Mustang Mach-E $43,895 - $61,995 Price (MSRP) Compare Infiniti QX50 $39,150 - $57,100 Price (MSRP) Compare Land Rover Defender $48,700 - $114,400 Price (MSRP) Compare Land Rover Discovery Sport $43,200 - $48,500 Price (MSRP) Compare Land Rover Range Rover Evoque $44,700 - $55,000 Price (MSRP) Compare Land Rover Range Rover Velar $58,300 - $78,900 Price (MSRP) Compare Lexus NX $38,350 - $49,400 Price (MSRP) Compare Lexus NX Hybrid $41,550 - $57,400 Price (MSRP) Compare Lincoln Corsair $36,580 - $43,710 Price (MSRP) Compare Lincoln Corsair Hybrid $51,810 Price (MSRP) Compare Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe $66,500 Price (MSRP) Compare Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV $59,900 Price (MSRP) Compare Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe $52,500 Price (MSRP) Compare Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV $43,850 - $45,850 Price (MSRP) Compare Porsche Macan $54,900 - $79,900 Price (MSRP) Compare Tesla Model Y $65,990 - $69,990 Price (MSRP) Compare Audi Q4 e-tron $43,900 - $49,900 Price (MSRP) Compare Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron $52,700 Price (MSRP) Compare Genesis GV70 $41,500 - $53,100 Price (MSRP) Compare See All 39 Comparisons

Volvo XC60 News

Industry News 13 Americans Are Going Into Bigger Debt For Pickups And SUVs That higher seating position also comes at a higher cost. Technology 5 Volvo XC60, S90, V90 Just Got A Huge Update Volvo has rolled out its intuitive Android-powered infotainment system to the XC60, S90, V90, and V90 Cross Country. Industry News 7 80 Percent Of Volvos Sold In America In 2021 Have Been SUVs No wonder the Swedish automaker wants to kill sedans. LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top
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