Volvo XC60 review (2017-2023)
The Volvo XC60 is an well-equipped SUV with a classy, spacious and high-quality interior. It's jam-packed with safety kit and is a great alternative to premium rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Pros
- Great Scandinavian styling inside and out
- Very practical interiors, especially for families
- Excellent comfort on short and long journeys
Cons
- Not as fun to drive as some rivals
- Boot is on the small side
- Fuel economy could be better
Summary
“The XC60 has a lot in its favour, especially its outstanding reputation for safety.”
The Volvo XC60 has sleek looks on the outside and a stylish interior, with long-lasting materials and just the right amount of technology. It’s designed to be practical, which is one of the reasons the XC60 is such a popular choice with families.
It also makes a great tow car. The XC60 is capable of pulling a caravan across the country in style, comfort and with minimal fuss. It has a lot in its favour, especially its outstanding reputation for safety.
This latest generation model was introded in 2017 and elevated the XC60 into the same style league as Volvo’s luxury SUV, the XC90. It came with more space, more equipment and a focus on executive design and technology as well as safety. It’s so good that in 2018 it was voted the World Car of the Year.
What's the interior like?
“The interior of the Volvo XC60 has a true sense of Swedish style.”
The interior of the Volvo XC60 has a true sense of Swedish style, from the floating centre console with its neatly arranged buttons to the simple and practical layout of the dashboard. The materials are all excellent, which adds to the comfortable feel.
Like most Volvos, the seats are extremely comfortable whether on short or long distances and there’s plenty of adjustment options. A three-split (40:20:40) back seat provides a hugely versatile space. You’ll be able to carry three in the back one day and one in the back plus a bike the next due to backrests that fold out. The seat cushions are fixed and the backrests fold individually.
The interior has lots of storage space for holding your bits and bobs. With up to 495 litres of boot space, you can fit in several suitcases. There’s even extra space under the floor. However, rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC have more space still.
What's it like to drive?
“The XC60 is much easier to drive than many other big SUVs and feels like a smaller car to drive.”
The Volvo XC60 is available with a range of responsive engines with excellent diesels that provide lots of power and great fuel economy. The petrols have lots of power but aren't particularly economical. If you do a lot of driving in town, there are a couple of powerful plug-in hybrid options that can manage several miles on electric-only power and are seriously quick when the petrol engine kicks in.
Through the corners, the XC60 lacks the solid feel of its rivals, partly because of the light steering. Compared to a BMW X3 or an Audi Q5 it feels much less nimble. That said, it’s much easier to drive than many other big SUVs and feels like a smaller car to drive.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“Great value and excellent equipment have made the XC60 a popular choice.”
The XC60 offers great value compared with the price you pay for an Audi or BMW, especially in higher specification models.
The mid-spec R-Design versions hold their value the best, so expect to pay more for one. The powerful plug-in hybrid models can cost very little to run if you do lots of urban driving and can rely on the battery, but they'll cost you more to buy. The most efficient diesel models claim to offer up to 47.9mpg according to official figures.
Insurance costs are generally lower than rivals. Many XC60s will be liable for the premium Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) that’s payable on cars that cost more than £40,000 when new and were registered after April 2017, so it's worth checking whether that's the case with a used model you're looking at.
An easier way to find or sell a car
You’ll find lots of used cars for sale at Cazoo, all available to buy through our trusted dealers.
Cazoo makes selling a car just as easy – just enter a few details for an instant online valuation. If you accept the offer our partners will get in touch to arrange payment and collection of your car at a time that suits you.
Which one is best for you?
While the XC60's petrol engines are impressive, they’re also less economical than the XC60’s diesels, which suit the car much better especially if you dolots of long-distance driving. For around town, look at the plug-in hybrids, which offer emission-free trips in the city and have loads of oomph for open road and motorway journeys.
The mid-spec R-Design is the most popular model, so there are lots to choose from on the used market, although be aware that its sporty suspension makes the ride quality less supple. The Momentum trim miught be the entry-level model but it's still paacked with all the features you need and a bit more, while the top-spec Inscription trim is seriously posh.
