The XC60 mid-size crossover, although based on an aging platform, has been spruced up recently with the addition of the automaker’s new Drive-E four-cylinder/8-speed auto drivetrains, freshened interior and revised front and rear styling.
The XC60 still looks contemporary and impresses with its solidity, excellent crash ratings, stylish sheet metal, fine seats and generous cargo capacity. It shows its age with a stiff ride and somewhat lackluster handling.
2016 XC60 shoppers are spoiled for choice, thanks to Volvo’s insistence on offering a dizzying array of versions that include both old and new drivetrains.
Let's start with the new. The base model T5 Drive-E FWD at $42,000 powers the front wheels with Volvo’s new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder generating 240 hp and 258 lb-ft. Standard equipment includes City Safety, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, front and rear foglights, LED running lights, roof rails, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with power lumbar support, driver seat memory functions, fabric upholstery and a 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat.
The $4150 Premier Package bestows a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, leather upholstery, configurable digital gauges, a navigation system and an auto-dimming mirror. Pony up more blind spot detection and Volvo’s latest safety systems.
Move up to the $47,550 T6 Drive-E FWD and the twin-charged version of the 2.0L jumps to 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. Next up the four-cylinder ladder is the T6 Drive-E AWD at $50,500, followed by the $57,350 T6 Drive-E AWD R-Design that spices up this swift all-wheel-drive Swede with stylish interior and exterior upgrades, along with dual xenon headlights and 20-inch wheels.
The XC60 T5 AWD Special Edition ($56,450) may use the old 250-hp 2.5L turbo five-cylinder and six-speed auto, but this is a fine drivetrain that pulls with smooth, strong power. “Special Edition” equals good value here, as this model is loaded with a full complement of luxury, comfort kit plus Volvo’s full suite of safety technology.
Turbocharged six-cylinder power with a six-gear auto is still on the XC60 menu for 2016. The 300-hp T6 AWD runs $49,750, which begs the question, why chose this thirstier old-tech version over the more efficient 302-hp twin-charged T6 Drive-E AWD that only costs an additional $750? Same can be asked of the six-pot $56,500 T6 AWD R-Design, although at least that model gets a boost to 325 hp.
As with most vehicles from Europe, pricing can escalate quickly with the addition of a few option packages, yet despite the tough (and fresher) competition in this ever expanding luxury mid-size crossover segment, the Volvo XC60 remains a solid choice.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
