Introduction:
Most people know of ABBA, the popular Swedish pop band from the 1970s that enjoyed a recent revival after its songs were used in the "Mamma Mia!" musical and movie. Now it seems there's another Swedish export ready for a re-release -- and it's not Ace of Base. It's Volvo. Yes, Volvo is still building family wagons (how '70s!), but its new 2010 XC60 is as up-to-date and fashionable as a small premium crossover can be.
The popularity of small luxury crossovers has grown in recent years, with an increasing number of shoppers desiring vehicles that offer the utility of a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 but in a more luxurious package. Volvo's 2010 XC60 meets this desire with a healthy dose of power and style (yes, really) while also boasting the safety-conscious design for which the brand is known.
In terms of size, the five-passenger XC60 is smaller than the brand's XC90 seven-passenger crossover SUV and roughly comparable to a BMW X3, but it's roomier inside than many other vehicles in this segment. To our eyes, the XC60 is to Volvo's lineup as Anni-Frid Lyngstad is to ABBA's, which is to say, it's the best-looking of the bunch. Underneath the distinctive, cleanly styled sheet metal is hardware related to the brand's latest S80 sedan, including two of the S80 engines -- the base 3.2-liter inline-6 and the uplevel 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. Like the S80, the XC60 has standard front-wheel drive (on the 3.2 model) and available all-wheel drive (optional on 3.2 and standard on T6).
Even the base XC60 comes packed with plenty of amenities, including a power driver seat, an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and dual-zone automatic climate control. The T6 model adds standard leather upholstery and a power passenger seat as well as the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. You can also get cool-looking two-tone upholstery and real wood trim for the center stack to dress up the interior -- a hip Swedish counterpoint to the typically austere German designs. Another item of note is "City Safety." Utilizing a short-range infrared rangefinder, this system can detect an imminent low-speed frontal impact at up to 19 mph and either minimize the impact or avoid it entirely by automatically applying the XC60's brakes.
Could the XC60 be Volvo's "Mamma Mia!" a chart-topping smash that takes discos -- er, the automotive world -- by storm? Well, probably not. There are plenty of other desirable choices in this segment, such as the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35 and FX35 and Mercedes-Benz GLK350. Even so, the 2010 Volvo XC60 is a solid hit thanks to its combination of performance, convenience, style and safety. If you take one for a test-drive, just make sure to bring some ABBA tunes along for the ride.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The 2010 Volvo XC60 small luxury crossover is available in two trim levels: 3.2 and T6. Standard equipment on the base 3.2 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a power driver seat with memory functions, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, City Safety, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with satellite and HD radio and USB and auxiliary audio inputs. The T6 model adds the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, leather upholstery and a power passenger seat.
The 3.2 model is eligible for a Premium package that adds the T6's additional interior accoutrements, and both models can be equipped with a few other packages. The Multimedia package adds a 12-speaker Dynaudio surround-sound audio system, a navigation system and a back-up camera. The Climate package contributes heated front and rear outboard seats (not available with the integrated booster-seat option), heated washer nozzles, headlamp washers, rain-sensing wipers and an interior air quality system. The Convenience package tacks on a power liftgate and front and rear park assist. Finally, the Technology package adds adaptive cruise control, a driver attention alert system and a lane-departure warning system.
Stand-alone options include 18-inch alloy wheels (3.2 only), a panoramic sunroof, exterior styling enhancements, adaptive xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a light-toned wood inlay for the center stack, a dual-screen rear entertainment system and dual integrated rear booster seats.
Powertrains and Performance:
The XC60 3.2 is powered by, yes, a 3.2-liter inline-6 that generates 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional. The all-wheel-drive T6 model receives a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine rated at 281 hp and 295 lb-ft. All XC60s feature a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. The XC60 T6 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is a good number for this segment. EPA fuel economy estimates are a solid 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined for the XC60 3.2 FWD. The T6 model drops to a less-impressive 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.
Safety:
Rollover-sensing stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front seats are all standard on the 2010 Volvo XC60. Also standard is City Safety, which can reduce or avoid a low-speed frontal impact by applying the vehicle's brakes without driver intervention. Hill Descent Control is standard on all-wheel-drive models. Other safety options include a lane departure warning system, a driver alert system, a heartbeat monitor that can detect intruders inside the vehicle and a collision warning/braking system.
Interior Design and Special Features:
Volvo has been making an effort in recent years to give its vehicles some interior flair, and the five-passenger XC60 is the brand's best result yet. The thin-panel center stack -- which comes with metallic trim as standard and real oak wood trim as an option -- combines with the optional two-tone upholstery to make the XC60's cabin look upscale and inviting. However, the controls for the optional navigation system -- they're mounted to the back of the steering wheel -- aren't immediately intuitive. Overall materials quality is high, let down by just a few hard plastic trim pieces.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The rear seat is particularly roomy as small crossovers go, with a high seat cushion, above-average headroom and decent legroom for adults. To take on cargo, the versatile 40/20/40-split rear seat can be folded. Maximum cargo space, at 67 cubic feet, is above average.
Driving Impressions:
The 2010 Volvo XC60's impressive blend of performance and comfort should satisfy the majority of shoppers looking for a small luxury crossover. The base inline-6 is unremarkable, but it will get the job done for those who don't care too much about passing power, and its fuel economy is laudable. The turbo straight-6 lacks the aural excitement one might expect, but it pulls cleanly from low rpm and is certainly sufficient to motivate the XC60's 4,200-pound approximate curb weight. Gearchanges from the six-speed automatic are prompt. On the highway, the XC60 is quiet and stable.
The 2010 XC60 is a capable handler -- in fact, the T6's 65.0-mph slalom speed at our test track is among the quickest in this segment. When driven aggressively around corners, though, the XC60 doesn't feel confidence-inspiring. Body roll is significant, and there's a general sense that this softly sprung chassis doesn't want to be pushed, even though it can be. The payoff, not surprisingly, is a comfortable ride. Some drivers might also take issue with the Volvo's myriad safety features, as their various beeps and warnings are sometimes nettlesome. All can be disabled, however.
