2011 Volvo XC60

The 2011 Volvo XC60 is the Swedish car company’s entry into the very competitive luxury compact SUV market. The luxury compact SUV is characterized by premium SUVs and crossovers that can give seating for 5 people and priced within the $30,000 to $40,000 dollar range. As this is one of the more lucrative genres in the automotive market, you can expect that Volvo has pulled out all the stops in creating a product that can compete with the best of them.

The Volvo XC60 has come a long way since coming out as a concept car in 2007. It is the illustration of the “New DNA” of Volvo, a design revolution that they would soon incorporate into their entire model range. Sitting on the Y20 platform, it shares components with the Land Rover Freelander. In production since 2008, the 2011 edition still belongs to the first generation, albeit with some updates.

Performance

There are a variety of engines available for this model. The first engine, the 3.2, features an inline 6 cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 240 lb/ft of torque, a huge number considering that this is just the entry level model. The second engine, the T6, a 3.0 liter inline-6 turbo, is capable of producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque. This is the top of the line engine, and is the same engine equipped in their R-design model. There are diesel engines too. There are two diesel engines available, the D3, a 2.0L producing 160 horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque, and the D5, a 2.4L producing 200 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque. Both are 5 cylinder engines equipped with turbochargers. These engines are mated with 6 speed Geartronic transmissions, and depending on the trim, can come in either front wheel drive or four wheel drive.

Interior & Exterior

As always expected with a Volvo, the XC60 is a well-thought design, combining great looks and impeccable practicality. Even though Volvo purists might say that it had lost that trademark Volvo look, it still looks gorgeous, and it has spawned a new legion of Volvo fans. Still, despite the design change, it is great to know that the priorities of Volvo haven’t changed.

Safety

Safety is still a big priority in the design, and it can be seen on the high scores that it got on safety tests from different agencies. It can even stop itself if it senses an accident seems imminent.

It is equipped with all the safety technologies you expect in a Volvo like traction control, side impact protection, whiplash protection, and then some more. In fact, it is one of only 3 cars that were able to get a perfect score (37 out of 37) on the Euro-NCAP safety evaluation. The interior design was also excellent. The materials used are of great quality, the seats have an elegant feel into it, and the placing of the gauges is efficient.

Pros & Cons

Even though Volvos in general and the XC60 in particular are built with excellence in mind, there are complaints that its owners have said. The electronics, particularly the navigation system, can be too complicated to use and can obviously use some work. Also, the fuel economy suffers a bit with the petrol engines, especially the turbo equipped T6 engines. And with prices of fuel on the upswing, this isn’t exactly great news. Also, while all the seats are great, there’s lack of legroom in the rear seats, which means trouble if you’re riding with tall people on long distance trips.

Despite these weaknesses, the Volvo XC60 is still one heck of a car. Continuing the tradition of Volvo as a creator of safe and practical vehicles, it has what it takes to compete with the best crossovers the world has to offer.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Volvo XC60 offers top in-car tech and luxury features, in a secure package that’s big enough for small families.”Car Connection

“This premium-compact SUV seats 5 and shares elements of its basic design with the Volvo XC70 station wagon.”Consumer Guide

“This year, Volvo has added a new trim level and increased horsepower on both engines. Lastly, there is a new infotainment system, but it will be released later in the year.”JD Power

“Some dated controls; mediocre fuel economy with the turbocharged engine.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact SUV Base Price: $32,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.2 in.(462.7 cm) Width: 74.4 in.(188.9 cm)
Height: 67.4 in.(171 cm) Wheel Base: 108.2 in. (274.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs (1819.8 kgs) Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. (23 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 67.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 24-Valve DOHC Inline-6 Displacement: 3.2 Liters
Horsepower: 240 HP Max RPM: 6200 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-4800 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic (Geartronic)
0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs (1496.8 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:T6 All-Wheel-Drive MSRP: $38,950; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy
Option: T6 AWD R-Design MSRP: $43,150; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy

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