Unlike other websites and magazines, our ratings are not based solely on a singular road test, but rather a more encompassing batch of criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value. When comparing vehicles using our Rating System, it's important to note that the rating earned by each vehicle correlates only to the models within its class. For example, a compact car cannot be compared to a SUV—They are different vehicles altogether.
You can interpret our ratings in the following way:
5-Star: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.
4-Star: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.
3-Star: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.
2-Star: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.
1-Star: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.
2016 Volvo XC60 OVERVIEW
Like other Volvos, the XC60 is well-known for safety features. Buyers of this five-passenger crossover wagon also get a stylish exterior and enthusiastic road manners. The XC60 comes with either front-drive or all-wheel drive. Volvo offers quite a choice of turbocharged engines, including two Drive-E four-cylinders, a five-cylinder, and a pair of six-cylinders.
Volvo made a number of changes at mid-season of 2015, including a new Drive-E 2-liter engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and start-stop technology. A new five-cylinder T5 AWD replaced the prior 3.2 AWD model.
What's New for 2016
Paddle shifters have been deleted from the XC60 T6 trim level, and the Platinum version no longer has a digital compass. The option list no longer includes a quick-fold front passenger seat. Otherwise, little has changed.
Choosing Your Volvo XC60
Drive-E 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines go into each front-drive model. The base T5 Drive-E engine makes 240 horsepower, with fuel economy estimated at 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway (24 mpg combined).
Producing 302 horsepower, the supercharged and turbocharged T6 Drive-E is estimated at a slightly thriftier 23/31 mpg (city/highway). ECO+ fuel-saving technology includes a start-stop function. Both Drive-E engines mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel-drive models may have a 250-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder (T5); or a 3-liter inline six (T6) that generates either 300 or 325 horsepower, depending on trim level.
Each engine mates with a six-speed automatic transmission. T5 AWD fuel economy is estimated at 19-mpg city/26-mpg highway; T6 AWD is 17/23 mpg.
XC60 models are differentiated by drivetrain, and each comes in two or three trim levels:
Available only with front-wheel drive, the T5 Drive-E has a 240-horsepower four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Base, Premier, and Platinum trim levels are offered. Standard base-model equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-speaker audio with satellite and HD radio, CD player, eight-way power front seats, fabric upholstery, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel controls, rear step bumper, roof rails, heated power mirrors, and 18-inch wheels.
Premier adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, auto-dim day/night mirror, and navigation system. Platinum includes a 650-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system; HomeLink garage door opener; rear park distance control; power tailgate; and roll-up cargo cover. Driver Assistance systems on Platinum models include adaptive cruise control, collision warning with auto brake, lane departure warning, and pedestrian/cyclist detection.
All-wheel-drive model holds a 250-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine driving a six-speed automatic. T5 AWD comes in base, Premier, and Platinum trim, each with equipment similar to the equivalent T5 Drive-E.
Top series contains a 325-horsepower 3-liter six-cylinder and all-wheel drive. Distinctive styling touches include rocker panel extensions and a black/chrome grille, as well as 20-inch wheels. Base and Platinum trims are offered.
Several option groups can be added to an XC60, including a Blind Spot Information System, Proximity Package, Inscription Package, and Technology Package.
CarsDirect Tip
Drive-E engines deliver class-leading efficiency and thrifty operation, as well as stimulating performance. If you need or want all-wheel drive (not a bad idea), a five- or six-cylinder engine is the only way to go. Otherwise, we vote for one of the four-cylinder Drive-E versions as a more prudent choice, though the new T5 AWD is worth considering.
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