Used Volvo XC60 Review (2017-present) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Very reliable
- Spacious
- Easy to drive
- Large wheels and tyres sacrifice comfort
- Thirsty petrol engines
- Equipment is below par
What's the Volvo XC60 like?
Volvo's XC60 crossover takes the fight to other junior executives like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
They're easy to drive, sleeker than the average, and capable of all the family things that we tend to need such cars for.
There's a wide range of engines available, and only some models come with 4WD, so if you want that facility for towing or to keep going in the winter, make sure you get it.
Engines
Most engines are diesels, either 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre, with power ranging from 163bhp to 215bhp.
There are two petrol models, the T6 3.0-litre with 281bhp or 304bhp and the T5 2.0-litre with 240bhp, both of these come with an automatic gearbox as standard.
The diesels get a 6-speed manual as standard, but the automatic was always available as an option and many have been fitted with it.
Driving Experience and Practicality
Comfort is good in most apart from some bump-thump from the large wheels and tyres, while handling is also up to the competition, albeit with some lean in the corners.
More sporting R-Design models have firmer suspension to reduce the amount of roll, but this affects the quality of the ride.
The optional 4WD works well and uses a system that takes power to the front wheels in the main, adding the rears only when slipping is detected.
There's plenty of ground clearance for off-road work, but few owners are likely to give them serious mud-plugging to do. That’s not the market they're aimed at.
The interior is good-looking and well-made, with an airy feel and plenty of practicality for a family of five and both front and rear seats are high, so the view out is excellent all round.
Peter Hayward
Most drivers will also be comfortable behind the wheel because the seats are very supportive and offer plenty of adjustment.
Storage is good all round the cabin, and there’s plenty of space for three adults in the back.
The boot is a large and square with a floor that is level with the boot lip, making loading and unloading very easy, while there’s an underfloor storage compartment for hiding valuables.
Equipment
Top models have leather and electric seat adjustment, dual heating controls, voice commands, cruise control with auto distance control, and stop start.
But, as with some other cars, the stop start doesn't work if you put on the parking brake and take your foot off the footbrake.
The sat nav system is rather dated and quite difficult to use in earlier models, but you do get used to it.
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Find your Volvo XC60 your way with CarStore
The Volvo XC60 is a mid-sized SUV you can rely on, which is why it's a front-runner for many families in the UK. There's no need to worry about maxing out space inside the XC60, with plenty of head and legroom and a massive boot, making it ideal for a variety of needs and responsibilities.
