“The Volvo XC60
is a solid entry
in a segment
filled with quality
competition.”
Kelly LinService life: 12 mo/ 2 6, 02 8 mi
Avg Econ/CO2 22.7 mpg/0.85 lb/mi
allowing the SUV to reach 60 mph in
a pacy 6.5 seconds. That’s about on
par with our long-term Acura RDX
A-Spec (6.4 seconds), but subjectively,
acceleration doesn’t feel as immediate
in the Volvo as it does in the Acura.
The Swede is reasonably efficient forBase price $42,495 As tested $52,740
*IntelliChoice data; assumes 42,000 miles
at the end of three yearsSPECS Options Advanced package
($2,500: Adaptive cruise control,
360-degree camera, head-up display,
LED headlights); Multimedia package
($2,500: Harman Kardon sound system,
digital instrument panel); Premium
package ($2,200: Hands-free tailgate
opener, blind-spot assist, park assist,
power-folding rear seats and headrests);
Leather upholstery ($1,600); 19-inch
wheels ($800); Metallic paint ($645)
Problem Areas None
Maintenance Cost$0 (2-oil change,
inspection; in-cabin air filter)
Normal-Wear Cost $0
3 -Year Residual Value* $33,900
Recalls Tailgate lifting arms replaced to
prevent freezing and separating.Verdict: 2019 Volvo XC 60 T 5 AWD
I
was excited to learn I would chap-
erone our new Volvo XC60, but that
feeling was short-lived. The crossover
arrived early, and I was still finishing up
my year in the fuel-efficient but some-
what clunky Kia Niro, so my colleagues
got the keys. For two months, I looked
longingly at the red beauty in our parking
lot until it was time to take home the
small SUV with the stately waterfall grille
and piercing Thor’s Hammer lights.
Stately is also the best way to describe
the driving experience. The 2.0-liter
four-cylinder is neither eager nor lax,its class, netting 20.3/32.5/24.4 mpg
city/highway/combined in our Real
MPG tests. The only issue we had was
a slight lag in response when trying to
make a quick lane change at low speed.
Otherwise, the engine provides plenty of
power on city streets or the highway, and
it’s complemented by a smooth ride and
responsive brakes.
The XC60 found many admirers
among my social circle. It suffers from
neither the stark design of BMW nor
the flashy opulence of Mercedes-Benz.
Inside, it features a refreshing look
with few buttons. You get a fully digital
instrument cluster and a large tablet-like
central touchscreen instead. The leather
seats proved comfortable and easy to
clean. Still, the leather in the driver’s seat
started to pucker with use, and the uphol-
stery isn’t as soft to the touch as I would
have liked. The XC60 provided plenty of
legroom for my rear passengers and cargo
space for everyone’s rock climbing gear.
We had a few bones to pick with the
technology. The touchscreen takes too
long to boot up after the car starts, so
you have to wait a minute before you can
adjust the climate controls or entertain-
ment. Something as simple as changing
the radio station becomes complicatedMT GARAGE
86 MOTORTREND.COM JUNE 2020