Volvo XC60 (2017) Review

Volvo XC60 (2017) At A Glance

Very comfortable and refined on the move. High quality well designed interior. Strong performance from all engines. Great seats for long distances.

Not quite as sharp to drive as its rivals. Has one of the smallest boots in its class. Polestar Engineered version is expensive.

Real MPG average for a Volvo XC60 (2017)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Reviews for Volvo XC60 (2017)'s top 3 rivals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Comfortable, spacious and supremely practical. Refined diesel engines. Plenty of modern technology.

BMW X1

Practical, spacious and good to drive. Diesel engines offer strong performance and low running costs....

Lexus NX

High quality and impressively refined. Luxurious feel to interior. Usefully large boot. Cheaper entry-level...

Ask Honest John

Which SUVs can be started remotely?

"Which SUV manufactures in the UK provide a remotely started engine?"

Most modern automatic Volvos (including the XC40, XC60 and XC90) can be started remotely with Volvo's On Call app. Also, look at Jaguar or Land Rover models with the Connect Pro Pack.

Answered by Andrew Brady

I'd like something that's fun to drive, good looking and reliable. Any suggestions?

"My 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport will be 3 years old in July, with about 20k miles on the clock. I usually change my car every 3 years when they go out of warranty. Generally, I've been happy with it apart from a couple of minor issues, but I've been very disappointed with the dealer service. My budget is up to £40K and I would prefer a high-riding, comfortable car with good rear load space for my band gear. I would like something with a decent warranty that's fun to drive, good looking and reliable. Any suggestions?"

How about a Volvo XC60? It's a really comfortable alternative to the Discovery Sport. Consider a pre-registered model to make your money go further. A BMW X3 is another strong option, especially as you're after something that's fun to drive. If you're looking at mainstream brands, too, we'd recommend a Volkswagen Tiguan or Skoda Kodiaq. Both are very practical.

Answered by Andrew Brady

Can you recommend some all-weather tyres?

"I have 2018 Volvo XC60, which was fitted with Michelin Latitude Sport 3, 235/55 R19. They will soon be coming up for replacement. What do you recommend? In the past, on a V70 and my previous XC60, I had Pirelli P Zeros - which were excellent (nothing wrong with the Michelins). Or do I try an all-weather tyre? In a normal year, I do around 9000 miles. Thank you for your help."

Both the tyres you mention are great options, and I personally think (when it comes to the expense of new tyres) it's better to stick with a tyre you know you like than to change and get something you potentially don't like. The Michelin Latitude are specifically aimed at SUV/4x4 use, while the Pirelli are Ultra High Performance - so you can decide which one would suit your needs better based on your driving. The same goes for whether you need all-season tyres. All-season tyres can be expensive, so if you live on a hill or down a steep driveway, regularly see snow and/or ice where you live, find summer tyres don't give you the grip you want in winter months etc - then I'd advise all-season tyres. Or you may find mud + snow tyres are a good enough choice. I'd recommend Michel CrossClimate+, Continental AllSeasonContact or Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 if you do want to venture into all-season tyre territory. Here are the links to said tyres: Michelin CrossClimate+: https://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/brands/michelin/crossclimate-plus?awinaffid=106674&awc=1244_1605886318_36194acd90ab5bb48c668edca9004dd0 Continental AllSeasonContact: https://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/brands/continental/all-season-contact?awinaffid=106674&awc=1244_1605886328_3fddbc30acd8fba0a59c1bb26381f089 Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2: https://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/brands/goodyear/vector-4seasons-gen-2?awinaffid=106674&awc=1244_1605886334_456c61733d1a2e5137f4d888b1559e37

Answered by Georgia Petrie

What midsize, petrol SUV should I buy?

"I'm in quandary and require your help! I have a 2009 Lexus GS450h - which I love - but I want an update because the boot is ridiculously small. I feel the need for an SUV as I have had 4x4 in the past and liked the feeling of elevation with loads of space. I don’t really want the largest of the SUVs, but I'm hesitant to buy the smaller options as I was put off either by complaints on reliability (or gearbox in the Lexus) or lack of customer care (Jaguar). My thoughts turn to Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLA - say one to two years old. I don’t want diesel as my journeys are normally up to 50 miles. I want room for my golf clubs and clutter, and there are normally only two adults in the car. I would very much welcome your thoughts and recommendations as always."

First of all, we'd cross the Mercedes-Benz GLA off your shortlist. A new model arrived this year but its predecessor is quite small and, even when it was new, wasn't that great. The Audi Q5 is a better option, or a smaller Q3. We'd recommend looking at the Volvo XC60 – it's a really good mid-size SUV with a superb interior. There's a T8 plug-in hybrid model, too, which sounds like it could suit your needs well (provided you're able to charge a car at home). It's worth considering the Lexus NX, too – its CVT gearbox doesn't appeal to everyone, but it's a very dependable choice.

Answered by Andrew Brady

On the inside of an Volvo XC60 (2017)

• Boot space is 598–1395 litres
• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Like the XC90, the interior of the XC60 is comfortable and spacious. It will easily cope with four adults, thanks to the abundance of head and legroom at the back. The cabin is also filled with high quality materials, while the overall build quality is first class, with no worrying creaks or squeaks from the plastics. This gives reassurance that everything has been bolted together with purpose.

All models get leather seats, with electric controls for height and lumbar adjustment in the front. Heated front seats are also standard across the range, along with central pillar-mounted ventilation for those in the back.

Head and legroom will seldom be an issue in the XC60 and the rear seats will easily accommodate two large adults, with room to spare for an equally large or tall driver to get comfortable in the front.

A powered tailgate is standard fit and provides simple access to the boot, with a click of a button. However the XC60 doesn't have as much storage space as its rivals with the shallow boot offering just 505 litres. This means it fills up surprisingly quickly when the load cover is in place. In comparison, the Land Rover Discovery Sport will provide 689 litres while the Audi Q5 has 550 litres.

As with the latest crop of Volvo cars, the XC60 features a minimalist dashboard with the highlight being the eye-catching tablet touchscreen. The TFD display is bright and straightforward to use, although the myriad of sub-menus can be a little confusing at first.

However, while its high-tech nature will undoubtedly impress passengers, the screen can become a little bit of a distraction, with the driver needing to take their eyes off the road to change something as simple as the ventilation.

Voice activation controls – for heating and audio – are included, however, which allows the driver to adjust the ventilation or temperature by telling the system to increase the heat or air con. Sensus Connect, which provides access to a range of apps, like the digital music service Spotify is also fitted, but can equally distract. Ambient interior lighting and massaging front seats are also available to those with a penchant for extras.   

As you'd expect from Volvo, safety has been comprehensively addressed, with all cars getting a whiplash protection system that's built into the front seats to prevent spinal injuries. Pretensioners are also fitted to the belts in the back and all XC60s get Volvo's run-off road protection system, which automatically tightens the belts to cushion the impact should the vehicle leaving the road.

Standard equipment (January 2020):

Momentum comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox featuring stop/start and manual change functions, all-wheel drive, height and reach adjustable steering column, speed sensitive steering, three-spoke leather steering wheel with chrome trim, steering wheel remote infotainment controls, cruise control, hill start assist, power parking brake with auto hold, hill descent control, drive mode settings, keyless start, dynamic chassis, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, autofolding heated power door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers, electric tailgate, integrated roof rails, piano black front grille with chrome surround, twin exhaust pipes, roof spoiler, front and rear park assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, tyre sealent kit and compressor, two-zone electronic climate control, 12.3-inch active TFT driver's information display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, floor mats, driver and passenger seat with electric height adjustment, 60:40 split folding rear seat, rear armrest with storage and cupholders, nine-inch centre console touchscreen, voice activated control, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Sensus Connect sound system, Sensus navigation, Volvo On Call.

T8 Twin Engine models add a panoramic sunroof, auxiliary heater with pre-conditioning functions, subwoofer, electric rear axle driver, 11.6kWh Lithium-Ion battery, 87PS electric motor, 4.5m charge cable with three-pin plug.

Edition comes with dark tinted windows, rear park assist camera, 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome window surround, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

Momentum Pro adds heated windscreen wipers, heated steering wheel, active bending headlights, keyless drive, head-up display, headlight cleaning system, handsfree tailgate opening/closing, front LED foglights with cornering function, power driver seat with memory for seat and exterior mirrors, puddle lights.

R-Design builds on Momentum specification with sports seats with leather/textile upholstery, front seat cushion extensions, high gloss black steering wheel remote infotainment controls, front LED foglights, dual exhaust pipes, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports steering wheel, sports pedals, dark tinted windows, lowered sport chassis.

R-Design Pro adds heated wiper blades, heated steering wheel, active bending headlights, keyless drive, power driver seat with memory for seat and exterior mirrors, handsfree tailgate opening/closing, 21-inch alloy wheels, headlight cleaning system, head-up display, front LED foglights, Active Four-C chassis with adaptive dampers.

Polestar Engineered models come with a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, black chrome exhaust pipes, floating front brake discs, Polestar Engineered front and rear brake calipers, gold seatbelts, 21-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, front aluminium tread plates, Polestar Optimised engine and gearbox, Polestar Engineered chassis. 

Inscription features Nappa soft leather upholstery, power driver and passenger seat with memory for seats and exterior mirrors, front LED foglights, driftwood inlays, 19-inch alloy wheels, crystal gear lever, chrome window surround, dual exhaust pipes, multicolour theatre lighting, ambient door lighting, multi-directional lumber support.

Inscription Pro adds heated windscreen wipers, heated steering wheel, active bending headlights, keyless drive, Active Four-C chassis with adaptive dampers, 20-inch alloy wheels, headlight cleaning system, handsfree tailgate opening/closing, front LED foglights with cornering function, head-up display, front seat backrest massage, puddle lights.

Child seats that fit a Volvo XC60 (2017)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Driving Volvo XC60 (2017)

• Engines range from D4 Automatic to T8 AWD
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–81 mpg

The XC60 wafts along with the air and grace of a luxury saloon, while the raised driving position provides a commanding view of the road that makes it easy to navigate this 2.1 metre wide SUV though narrow B roads or multi-storey car parks.

Admittedly, the steering doesn't boast much in the way of feel, but despite its numb nature it remains light and accurate, with compliant turns that will allow the car to complete a u-turn in just 11.4 metres.

As long as you avoid the largest wheel options, the XC60 is comfortable, with the suspension soaking all but the most violent of pot hole-related jolts.

Most XC60s feature all-wheel drive, meaning the 1800kg SUV can carry itself through demanding turns without any sign of scruffiness in the handling department. Those wanting limo-like comfort can fit air suspension as an optional extra, with a soft cushioned ride that will match that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

While there's a long list of engines available in the XC60, the good news is you can't really pick a bad one. It's worth taking time to understand the differences, though, and working out which one best suits your needs.

There's the entry-level T4 petrol which we're yet to drive and sells in limited numbers, only available with front-wheel-drive in Edition trim. If you're after a petrol, you'd be better opting for the mild-hybrid B5, available with two- or four-wheel drive and capable of returning up to around 39mpg depending on things like the size of the alloy wheels.

The T6 is an amusingly powerful 2.0-litre petrol without the faff of a plug-in hybrid, providing 310PS. It's thirsty, though, officially returning 31.7mpg on the combined WLTP fuel economy cycle. 

Many XC60 buyers will be better catered for with a diesel, particularly if you cover a lot of motorway miles or are looking to tow regularly. The mild-hybrid B4 is so good that it almost makes the more powerful B5 irrelevant, unless you really need the extra torque on offer. It's efficient, too, returning more than 45mpg.

If you can justify the B5 diesel, though, it's a lovely engine and well suited to the XC60. It offers effortless performance, with excellent refinement on offer. You won't really notice the mild-hybrid side, although it'll quietly recuperate energy under braking, on hand to provide a useful amount of power on hand when you look to overtake.

Then there's the plug-in hybrid T8. If most of your journeys are within its 27-mile electric range but you need a car capable of travelling further when required, an XC60 T8 is a true Jekyll and Hyde car. Around town, with a full charge, it's a quiet and serene electric car. But when the 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in, it's got a combined 390PS and can sprint to 62mph in 5.5 seconds.

If that's not quick enough, you can spec the T8 in Polestar Engineered form. This has an extra 15PS, shaving a tenth of a second off the 0-62mph time, along with upgraded brakes, firmer suspension and lightweight alloy wheels. While the Polestar Engineered XC60 can certainly be chucked around in a manner unbecoming of its size, it's extremely firm on anything but the smoothest of roads.

It's not as fun as the figures suggest either. If you're happy to spend £65,000 on an SUV the size of an XC60, you'd be much better looking at a Porsche Macan if driving enjoyment is high on your wishlist.

Long term test

Volvo XC60 T5 R-Design Pro

Volvo XC60 (2017) Models and Specs

Currently on sale

On sale until August 2020

On sale until May 2020

On sale until April 2020

On sale until August 2019

On sale until June 2018

On sale until March 2018

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Model History

• February 2017: Volvo announced second generation XC60
• April 2017: Volvo XC60 available to order in the UK
• July 2017: Polestar upgrades for the XC60 launched
• January 2018: Volvo XC60 is 2017’s safety car in Euro NCAP testing
• March 2018
• February 2019: New B4 and B5 models launched
• October 2019: Polestar version of Volvo XC60 announced
• December 2020: Volvo XC60 engine line-up refreshed with hybrid power