Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $50,725 (Base Model starts
at $36,675)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, front, side curtain); active high
beam lights; road sign information alerting the driver of posted speed limits;
ABS; collapsible steering wheel; stability-traction control; electric parking
brake; LED Daytime running lights; soft nose and energy absorbing hood for
accidents; a whiplash protection seating system; a tire pressure monitoring
system; and Volvo’s City Safety System which includes an automatic braking
system at low speeds, when an object appears in front of the vehicle.
Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; front-wheel drive; a 6-speed
transmission; a rain sensor wiper system; steering wheel audio controls; dual
zone climate control system; non leather seats; power driver’s seat with
three-position memory; and a manual tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Suspension System:
Front-MacPherson strut-with
asymmetrically-mounted coil springs
Rear-Multilink independent
Standard Audio: an 8-speaker, 160-watt
AM/FM/HD/6-month satellite radio subscription
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4
years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty:
4 years or 50,000 miles
Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes
USB and
iPod Compatibility: Yes
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/240-horsepower
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/31-hwy (base 4-cylinder engine)
Other
Trim Levels:
Premium
Premium Plus
Platinum
Premium Plus R-Design
Platinum R-Design
What’s New: While the XC60 design is
basically a carryover, two new fuel- efficient 4-cylinders have been added to
the option list. Added to the new engines, the crossover is now available with
piano black sport seats, jewel-like knobs in the center stack and a frameless
rear view mirror.
Pros: There is so much to like about this vehicle. It is
not the typical station wagon-like crossover. The Volvo XC60 offers a cool
futuristic design that is great for mom, dad and the kids, whether they are
rolling solo, as a couple or with the kids.
The smooth-riding
XC60 is available in a variety of trim packages and engine choices, too. Shoppers
in the market can opt for a 4-cylinder turbo, which produces 240 horses, a
4-cylinder supercharged turbo, kicking out 302 horses, a 6-cylinder, which
pumps out 240 horse or a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, kicking out 300 horses.
We
had an opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the brand’s new 4-cylinder
turbo, which was wrapped underneath the hood of the high end Platinum model. In
fact, the Platinum model consisted of a power operated tailgate with memory, a
rear park assist camera, power retractable exterior mirrors, a cargo cover, a
grocery bag holder, power operated rear headrests, a navigation system, and an
auto dimming rear view mirror.
Our
Volvo also was outfitted with the larger 20-inch wheels, an oversized power-activated roof and the extremely
supportive orthopedic-approved sport seats, one of the best in the industry.
Furthermore,
our XC60 was equipped with a technology package, which consisted of a
radar-controlled cruise control system, a collision warning system with
pre-braking, a pedestrian (and cyclist) detection with an auto braking system,
a lane departure warning system and an auto high beam headlight system.
Lastly,
our vehicle was also optioned out with heated front seated, a blind spot
system, a lane changing warning system and an audible rear traffic cross alert
system. Yes, this Volvo has almost every safety feature that is currently
available in the market.
Cons: In this day in time where automakers are pushing for
larger infotainment screens, the XC60 only offers a puny screen to view both navigation and
infotainment system functions.
Moreover, Volvo engineers raved about
their premium sound system, which they claim offer an improved bass system.
Conversely, we were
disappointed with the whiney bass and strongly believe that the
engineers need to rework the system. In our eyes, a premium vehicle requires a premium sound system. Lastly, many critics would like to see Volvo improve both its short-term and long-term quality ratings so that there on par with that of an Acura RDX.
The Verdict: We are big fans of the Volvo’s five passenger
crossover, especially when equipped with the new 4-cylinder turbo and its
fuel-efficient 8-speed transmission. With the XC60, the designers were able to
find the right balance between a stylish futuristic design and the right
packaging to make this luxurious utility vehicle appeal to both men and women
alike, depending upon the trim selected.
Volvo
is the first in the luxury crossover segment, offering a 4-cylinder engine. And,
in many instances, the 4-cylinder offers more horsepower than the 6-cylinders
in the segment. For decades, Volvo has been known for offering safety. The 2015 XC60 continues to live up to the standards. In fact, this Volvo
offers almost safety features unheard of with many of its competitors. So, if you’re in
the market for a luxurious crossover, this is one we would consider placing on
the shopping list.
Competition: 2014 Acura RDX, 2014 BMW X3, 2014 Cadillac SRX,
Infiniti QX50, Land Rover, Lexus RX, 2015 Lincoln MKC, Range Rover Evoque and 2014
Mercedes Benz GLK
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