2012 Volvo XC60

The 2012 Volvo XC60 is pitched as a family car that will double as an SUV.

It falls in under the luxury compact class of SUV, and overall has many positive features to make it a viable choice.

The XC60 comes with all the features Volvo has been known for, safety, fuel efficiency, and a luxurious design

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $34,200.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70L) MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.2 in. (462.8 cm) Wheel Base: 108.2 in. (274.8 cm)
Height: 67.4 in. (171.2 cm) Width: 74.4 in. (188.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs (1819 kg) Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. (23.1 cm)
Cargo Capacity: 30.8 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 24 Valve Inline-6 DOHC Displacement: 3.2 Liter
Horsepower: 240 HP Max RPM: 6200 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs (1497 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:T6 AWD MSRP: $40,450; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy
Option:R Design AWD MSRP: $44,650; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy

Performance

The XC60 comes with a choice of engines, all of which deliver adequate power and performance. For drivers who want that extra response from the accelerator, the turbocharged engine is just the ticket.

The base power plant is a 3.2-liter V6 engine that can deliver 240 horsepower. The T6 and T6 R-design versions of the car are supplied with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that generates 300 horsepower in the T6 model and 325 horsepower in the T6 R-design.

Although the car is an SUV, the drive feels far from sporty. There is noticeable understeer and an equally obvious body roll tendency. Furthermore, the car does not shield the occupants very well from bumpy surfaces, with larger bumps being particularly uncomfortable. On normal surfaces where the car is not being pushed to its limits around corners, the drive is very comfortable.

Fuel consumption is average for a car of its size and weight. The 3.2-liter with front wheel drive gets 19 mpg in city and 25 mpg in highway driving. There is a slight increase on the all wheel drive version, the figures being 18 mpg/24 mpg, city/hwy respectively, while the turbocharged models get 17 mpg and 23 mpg.

Exterior

The Volvo XC60 manages to convey a sleek yet solid exterior appearance. The curved and sloped front, with its chrome surrounded radiator grille, blends seamlessly into the sides of the car. From the rear, the car looks solid and spacious.

Interior

Volvo has being trying to improve the internal appearance of its vehicles, and the XC60 clearly demonstrates how far the company has come, especially in the R-design model, which is extremely stylish and attractive with its black and ivory color scheme. The quality is clearly top-class, and great thought has gone into designing the beautifully curved and smooth dashboard. Genuine wood trim is an option.

The car seats five in all, but, being in the compact class, may be a little uncomfortable for taller rear seat passengers on longer journeys.

Standard equipment supplied with the XC60 includes Bluetooth connectivity, satellite and HD radio, climate control and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. Two different navigation systems can be purchased as options.

Safety

Being launched primarily as a family car, safety is one of the highest priorities. The XC60 is shipped with the Volvo City Safety feature. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reckons that this feature can result in the prevention of one quarter of crashes that occur at lower speeds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute has also praised the feature.

The feature uses a detection system to monitor the road ahead. If it senses an obstruction and the car’s speed is less than 20mph, it will automatically apply emergency braking.

Reliability

Volvo has a reputation for building solid, reliable cars and there is no reason to expect that the Volvo XC60 will be any different. This is backed up by the company’s warranty scheme, which is better than that of most other manufacturers.

Pros & Cons

The XC60 is perfect for owners who rate safety as a priority in a family car. The car also scores highly for its stylish interior. The most negative aspect of the car is its uncomfortable performance on bumpy surfaces.

SUVs abound over the last 20 years, the XC60 joins the BMW X1 (MSRP $30,650; 24 city / 34 hwy), the Jeep Grand Cherokee (MSRP $27,495; 17 city / 23 hwy), and the Subaru Tribeca (MSRP $32,595; 16 city / 21 hwy) in this segment.

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“Excellent safety scores; ample interior space; comfortable ride; strong turbocharged engine; distinctive design inside and out; available integrated booster seats…Some unintuitive interior controls; pokey acceleration with base engine.”Edmunds

“The 2012 Volvo XC60 is an attractive, well-designed family luxury vehicle, with a class-leading roster of innovative safety and tech features.”Car Connection

“Some body lean is apparent in fast cornering, but it hustles around curves with car-like assurance. XC60 has an option that allows drivers to adjust steering feedback over three settings via the on-board computer. Most should find the normal setting fine for everyday use…”Consumer Guide

“The ride is a little stiff, but handling is responsive and secure at its limits.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Not surprisingly, the 2012 Volvo XC60 offers distinct driving impressions depending on what’s under the hood. The base, 240-horsepower 6-cylinder engine has enough oomph to get the Volvo SUV up to speed adequately, clocking a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds.”KBB

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