2017 Volvo XC60
Small but powerful
The Volvo XC60 is a unique crossover SUV, one that blends eye-catching visuals and spirited driving mechanics without sacrificing efficiency. It combines the very best of what makes a crossover SUV desirable (smooth, car-like driving dynamics, enhanced safety, and additional interior and cargo space), while avoiding the segment's traditional pitfalls (unrefined driving dynamics, woeful fuel economy).
For 2017, the XC60 benefits from a number of changes. The trim levels have been simplified and last year's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine has been replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder. All-wheel drive is now available across the entire lineup.
Performance
The 2017 Volvo XC60 T5 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Volvo undertook a number of efficiency measures to deliver the best possible fuel economy, including standard front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, though all-wheel drive is available. An automatic stop-start system that shuts down the engine to save fuel when the vehicle comes to a complete stop is also standard, resulting in an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway).*
Next up is the T6. It receives its power from a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on the T6, as is an eight-speed automatic. And like the T5, the T6 provides impressive fuel economy despite the added benefit of AWD, earning an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway).*
The top spot of the XC60 lineup is the performance-focused R-Design version. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Features
The 2017 Volvo XC60 is a small crossover SUV that can seat five and starts at $40,950.** It delivers near endless utility and comfort and is offered in three main trim levels (Dynamic, Inscription, and R-Design) that are further differentiated by two engine choices (T5 and T6).
The entry point to the XC60 lineup is the T5 Dynamic. It comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, and heated mirrors. Other standard exterior flourishes include front and rear foglights, automatic headlights, and automatic wipers.
Inside, the T5 Dynamic is equally impressive, sporting standard goodies such as eight-way power front seats, Bluetooth® hands-free audio and phone connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system, complete with CD player, satellite radio, and USB/iPod® interface. The Volvo Sensus Connect system with navigation and mobile app support is also standard.
The T6 Dynamic trim offers up even more features. Gone are the T5 Dynamics' 18-inch wheels, replaced instead by larger 19-inch versions. The T6 also gets a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, and digital gauges. Stepping up to the T6 Inscription piles on even more goods. These include 20-inch wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, front comfort seats, and much, much more.
R-Design models are similarly outfitted as the T6 Inscription but come with their own unique exterior and interior styling treatments. R-Design models also boast adaptive xenon headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic high-beams, and a litany of other premium features.
Design
Volvo has elevated its styling in recent years and that enhanced level of excellence is on display for all to see outside and inside the 2017 XC60.
With a sleek profile and a commanding presence, the latest XC60 doesn’t rely on cheap design tricks or superfluous flourishes to grab your attention. Instead, the 2017 XC60 marries form and function, resulting in a design that is equal parts harmonious and functional.
That design tranquility transcends inside as well, where the cabin flaunts its Scandinavian roots by delicately balancing understated design with a modern yet occupant-focused interior. Whether it’s the dash layout and its available and configurable digital instrument cluster, or the now signature ‘pictogram’ climate controls that mimics a person sitting down, the XC60’s interior is as clever as it is comfortable.
As with any crossover worth its weight, the cabin is spacious. Rear passengers are treated to a particularly roomy second row while discerning buyers will appreciate the XC60’s versatile 40/20/40–split rear seat and voluminous cargo space, which measures in at 67 cubic feet.
Safety
It’s impossible to speak about Volvo without recognizing the brand’s unrivaled dedication to safety. But rather than wax lyrical about the automaker’s various safety initiatives, we imagine you’re more interested in what the 2017 XC60 has to offer. (If, however, you'd like a comprehensive look at Volvo's industry-leading safety technologies, don't hesitate to stop by Volvo Cars Silver Spring.)
Thankfully, that’s not a problem. Volvo’s latest crossover carries a litany of standard and available safety features, including traction and stability control, antilock brakes, whiplash-protection front seats, front seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard is Volvo's City Safety system, which is an automatic braking system that kicks in at speeds of up to 30 mph when the car detects that a collision is imminent.
Additional standard and available safety equipment include a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) package that adds a blind-spot warning system, cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. If that's not enough, a frontal collision warning system with fully automatic braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection with fully automatic braking, a driver-inattention warning system, and lane-departure warning are also available.
Verdict
If you're a fan of advanced safety features, fuel-efficient engines, and sumptuous Scandinavian styling, then you'll absolutely adore the 2017 Volvo XC60. It's a smart and capable crossover SUV designed to deliver on Volvo's promises of unrivaled refinement and safety.
For more information, or to test drive the 2017 Volvo XC60, contact us online or visit Volvo Cars Silver Spring at 3121 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
*Estimated city and highway mpg. See fuel economy.gov for fuel economy combinations. Estimated city/highway mpg based on base engine and transmission combinations. Your actual mileage will vary.
**Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.
Image Credit: Volvo