2010 Volvo XC60

2010 Volvo XC60

The 2010 Volvo XC60 ranks 3 out of 8 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo XC60, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.As Volvo's first entry into the luxury compact SUV segment, the XC60 combines stylish looks with powerful performance and innovative safety features. Its inexpensive price makes it a good value, but its high points are undermined by poor fuel economy (with its optional turbocharged engine) and some confusing electronics.A baby brother to the XC90, the all-new XC60 competes with the BMW X3, and shares a platform with the Land Rover LR2. It costs $3,000 to $5,000 less than both. In fact, the XC60’s $32,395 base price makes it the least expensive SUV in it the luxury compact class.

 The XC60 is so well liked that it won Road & Travel Magazine's 2010 International Truck of the Year award.Aside from good value, the XC60 offers a dizzying number of advanced safety options. All trims come with Volvo's new City Safety system, which reduces low-speed impacts by automatically braking when it senses an impending accident at speeds under 18 mph. "Even though it's Volvo's first foray into this growing segment, the XC60 is well executed overall,” says Cars.com. “From its stylish design and upscale cabin to its sporty performance and numerous safety features, the XC60 impresses in all the right areas.

 Its gas mileage, however, may be a sticking point for some."Indeed, less-than-average fuel economy is the XC60’s major drawback if you choose the optional turbocharged engine. The EPA rates it at 16/22 mpg city/highway. The only SUV in the class that does worse is the Land Rover LR2, which is rated at 15/22. However, the LR2 makes up for that poor economy with its excellent off-road skills.

The XC60 provides surprisingly spirited performance for a heavy SUV. "The 3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine provides 281 horsepower to help this big crossover fly on the road like a much smaller vehicle," says the Detroit News. "Volvo included a stiff suspension to handle all of the power, but not so stiff it shakes you around like a rattle on Detroit's pothole-strewn streets. The ride was smooth and quiet, with the focus on luxury instead of sporty." However, a few reviewers say the engine could stand more horsepower. Poor fuel economy compared to its competition is also a low point.

The XC60 stands out from most SUVs with its especially sleek looks. "For people who associate Volvo with its old-school days -- boxy and boring, and I mean that in a good way -- the real surprise is the XC60's style," says the New York Times. "Too many crossover SUV's in this overpopulated field come off as U.F.O.'s: Unidentified Family Objects. But instead of inflicting another two-ton blob on the suburbs, Volvo has delivered a handsome standout.

The 2010 Volvo XC60's cabin is both luxurious and comfortable. "From Volvo's characteristic wafer-thin center stack to the contrasting materials throughout, this is the Swedish company's best interior design yet," writes Road and Track. "We especially enjoy the optional Nordic Light Oak inlay on the driver-canted center stack -- you can see (and feel) the grain of the wood. Rear-seat head- and legroom are excellent and the center seat is even manageable for trips." But while reviewers love the look and feel of the cabin, they complain about the confusing navigation system.

The Volvo XC60 has not yet been crash-tested by the federal government, but wins a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the insurance industry. Carrying on Volvo's reputation, it comes with plenty of safety features, including the innovative City Safety system. "Indeed, it wouldn't be a Volvo without a ton of safety equipment -- this is being called the safest car yet," says AutoWeek. "Volvo even went so far as to christen it ‘probably the safest car in the world.'"

The 2010 Volvo XC60 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The XC60 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

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