The Volvo XC60 first came up in the year 2008 and went on for a decade without any major upgrades. However, after doing rounds for a decade, the engineers at Volvo finally laid some emphasis on this mid-size SUV and came up with some major changes. As the Volvo XC60 entered its second generation, it did wonders for the auto-marque, catapulting the sales figures, resulting in a major inward flow of cash. Come the year 2020, the Volvo XC60 remains slotted between the smaller XC40 and the absolute mammoth, the full-size SUV from the house of Volvo, the XC90.
If you are in the market, seeking an all-round fully loaded luxury SUV, the 2020 Volvo XC60 is a car that you should consider checking out once. It comes with a variety of engine options that would wonderfully cater to all your power and performance thirst while keeping a check on fuel efficiency. Needless to say, the new XC60 is spacious enough for tall passengers and can carry the luggage of your entire family. It gets all standard and optional amenities that make it an upscale SUV, and that too at a price that's simply too hard to believe.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The Volvo XC60 can spoil you with choices as the car can be procured in 4 trim levels, that offer varying levels of luxury and sport-focused amenities. The Volvo XC60 comes with three engine options to choose from - a turbocharged 2L Inline 4, a supercharged 2L Inline 4, and finally, a battery-assisted supercharged 2L Inline 4, which is known as Polestar-engineered.
Being there in the market for over a decade now, the Volvo XC60 has developed with time as a potent and practical mid-size luxury SUV. However, with the advent of time, and the market's shift of focus towards SUVs, the XC60 has some serious competition to go against. The 2020 Volvo XC60 locks horns with some of the most popular SUVs of this market-niche such as the BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. So will the 2020 Volvo XC60 be able to earn a name against such cut-throat competitors? Scroll down to find out.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV third quarter view
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV rear third quarter view
8.2/10 Features
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
8.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.8/10 Interior
9.9/10 Exterior
8.0/10 Safety
7.5/10 Competition
8.9/10 Final Verdict
2020 Volvo XC60 Features
8.2/10
The 2020 Volvo XC60 is available in four trim levels that offer varying levels of luxury and sport-focused amenities: Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, and Polestar Engineered. With the exception of the Polestar Engineered (which only comes as the high-output hybrid model), each trim level is available with any powertrain — T5, T6 or T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. All T5 models come standard with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional), while all other XC60s come standard with all-wheel drive.
The T5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, churning out 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 upgrades to a turbocharged and supercharged version, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid offers the same engine as the T6 but adds an electric motor along with battery pack, delivering combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC60 Polestar Engineered is said to be the high-output version in the lineup powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that churns out 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque.
22" 10 Spoke Black Alloy Wheels w/ All Season Tires (Accessory)
Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers
Leather Gearshift Knob
Subwoofer
Nappa leather, open grid textile upholstery
Bright decor side windows
Blond Leather in Charcoal Interior
Heated mirrors
Amber Leather in Charcoal Interior
Park Assist Front and Rear
Sport seat padding
Color Coordinated Rear View Mirror Caps
Driftwood Inlays
Lumbar support for both Driver and Passenger
Maroon Brown Leather in Charcoal Interior
Dual Integrated Tail Pipes
19" 5-Double Spoke Matt Black Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels
Leather Upholstery
Linear Lime Deco Inlays
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
High gloss black decor side windows
3-Spoke Leather Steering Wheel w/Uni-deco Inlays
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Foglights in front, Cornering if LED Bending, XC90 Cornering if LED Mid before MY20
19" 10-Spoke Black Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels
10-speaker audio system
4-Zone Automatic Climate Control + CleanZone
Power liftgate
4 way power adjustable lumbar support
Panoramic sunroof
R-Design Steering Wheel
Note: An array of equipment from the R-Design and Inscription trim levels are available as options or small packages for the base Momentum.
We recommend
We would highly recommend the T6 Inscription trim as it gets a desirable power boost compared to the T5. You get all sorts of available XC60’s features with the Inscription. Well, if you plan to add some package then opt for the Advanced package as it offers good safety features.
2020 Volvo XC60 Engine and Performance
7.0/10
The Volvo XC60 comes bearing gifts for each kind of driver out there. The XC60 is spoilt with choices with a total of three engine options on offer. The first and the foremost engine is a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4, which is available in the T5 models. The second step-up the ladder is the T6 model, which adds a supercharger to this basic 2.0L Inline 4 setup. The third option, that goes by the name T8, bundles an 11.6 kWh battery with the T6 setup, thus making it the most powerful engine of the lot.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV engine bay
The Volvo XC60's basic 2L Turbo Inline-4 setup churns out 250 ponies and 258 lb.-ft. of the spinning force. The T6 musters 316 ponies and owing to its unique supercharger and turbocharger duo setup, is the most adequate powerhouse that can pull along with the XC60's hefty weight. The T8, which signifies the electrification in the XC60 lineup, is the mightiest powerhouse of the lot, generating around 400 hp and 472 lb.-ft. of the twisties. Regardless of the engine configuration you opt, 8-speed automatic transmission is the sole option available to consummate the shifting tasks.
Models
Volvo XC60
Mercedes Benz GLC 300*
Porsche Macan*
BMW X3
MSRP
$40,150
$44,500
$50,900
$43,950
Engine
2.0L Intercooled Turbo I-4
2.0L turbo inline-4
2.0 L Turbo inline-4
2.0 L Turbo inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
9-speed Automatic
7-speed Automatic
8-speed Automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)
250@5,500
255@5,800
248@5,200
248@5,200
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
258@1,500
273@1,800
273@1,600
258@1,450
*used for MY 2019 for reference Purposes
The base 2020 XC60 with the T5 looks powerful for the price tag it comes with. The XC60, being the most affordable offering of the segment, comes packing in a decent amount of punch, and holds in enough passing power for the highways. The 8-speed automatic transmission panel does wonders and somewhat compensates for the ride's not-so-enticing performance.
How fast is the Volvo XC60?
The 2020 Volvo XC60 doesn't disappoint us in the sprinting game. Tap the throttle pedal and the XC60 moves ahead eagerly, accrediting to the ample torque available as early as 1500 rpm. However, the base engine's 250 ponies do not seem sufficient enough to continue the initial push and can make this hefty Volvo go from 0-60 in a rather bland span of 6.4 seconds.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV hits 0-60 mph just in 6.4 sec
However, the same is not the case with the more powerful engines on offer. The T6 powertrain, which fabricates over 310 ponies, provides enough grunt to the vehicle to carry its heft without really hampering the performance. The 0-60 time for the T6 engine dips to 5.9 seconds, which is pretty impressive.
Models
Volvo XC60
Mercedes Benz GLC 300*
Porsche Macan*
BMW X3
0-60 MPH (sec)
6.4
6.1
6.3
6.0
Quarter Mile (sec)
14.9
14.8
14.9
14.8
Top Speed (MPH)
140
130
158
155
Engine
2.0L Intercooled Turbo I-4
2.0L turbo inline-4
2.0 L Turbo inline-4
2.0 L Turbo inline-4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
7.7
7.3
8.4
6.9
The Volvo XC60, in its basic, T5 powerhouse can go the quarter of a mile distance in a span of 14.9 seconds, at a speed of 86.1 mph. The Volvo does a fabulous job of covering up with the competition in the quarter-mile lap test, after being the slowest car in the 0-60 fixture.
What about the ride quality?
The Volvo XC60 is equipped with quite an active and stable suspension that minimizes the body roll. Overall we can call it a quite composed and well-mannered companion for all sorts of drives bet it a short drive across the city or the long weekend rides on the highway. An air suspension can be availed on all the trims of the XC60, except for the base model. The active suspension can raise or lower the car's height, depending upon the situation and the mode of driving. Speaking of the driving modes, 2020 XC60 offers three of them, namely- Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic. Out of these three, the Comfort mode matches the best with this Volvo's mien, with a subtle and sweet outlook towards the car's damping, steering, and throttle response.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV third quarter view
Apart from that, it’s sensitive steering feels quite responsive and thus provides a quality ride at lower speeds but as you stab the throttle pedal and obtain high digits on your speedometer, the steering starts feeling a little sensitive, constantly asking for micro-inputs from the driver. Speaking of the 2020 Volvo XC60's handling, well the car does feel a little top-heavy, yet there is minimal body roll when going across a corner. Obviously, the XC60 is not an absolute cornering Picasso like the BMW X3 or the Porsche Macan, yet you can rely on it to go in and come out of a corner without trembling.
How do the brakes on the Volvo XC60 perform?
The Volvo XC60 is equipped with a light and easy to modulate brake pedal. The front brake is 13.6 inches in size and the rear brake is of 12.6 inches. These brakes give out a quick and smooth response while driving at lower speeds but when at high speed it gets a bit snappy.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV has front brake rotor of 13.6 inch
The brake pedal is light and pretty easy to modulate under city traffic conditions. There is that perfect amount of initial brake bite which makes this SUV's halting capabilities dependable. Under panic braking scenarios, the XC60 can decelerate from a speed of 60 mph to an absolute standstill in a distance of 114 feet. There is not the slightest hint of sway or nosedive in the XC60 under hard braking conditions.
Models
Volvo XC60
Mercedes Benz GLC 300*
Porsche Macan*
BMW X3
Brake Rotors Front (in)
13.6
13.5
13.6
13.0
Brake Rotors Rear (in)
12.6
12.6
13.0
13.0
Curb Weight (lbs)
4105
3977
4099
4041
60-0 MPH (ft)
114
116
110
115
Despite its hefty weight, the Volvo XC60's braking arrangement and capabilities inspire a high degree of confidence. The SUV's 114 feet 60-0 figure is pretty impressive and matches with the figures of the segment leaders such as the Macan or the Mercedes Benz GLC 300, which come fitted with all-season tires.
The Volvo XC60 is quite a fuel-efficient midsize luxury SUV. It gives an average of 24 mpg with a 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on highways. These figures look very practical for a midsize SUV of this range even after having such a power-packed engine that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best performers of the class.
Model
Volvo XC60
Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Porsche Macan
BMW X3
MPG (City)
22
21
19
24
MPG (Highway)
29
28
23
29
MPG (Combined)
24
24
21
26
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
18.5
17.4
19.8
17.2
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)
407/536/444
365/487/417
376/455/415
413/499/447
The Volvo XC60's combined mpg is at par with that of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The BMW gives out the best in class fuel efficiency with a combined mpg of 17.2. However, one major advantage that the Volvo XC 60 has on its side is the amount of gasoline it can stow. The Volvo XC60 gets a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons, which is one of the best in class. This cavernous tank, along with respectable city and highway mpg figures, lend the Volvo XC60 the ability to go the most number of miles before it sleeps.
Speaking of the comfort factor, the seats available inside the XC60 speaks volume for its Swedish luxury lineage. The seats are aptly stuffed and the cushions have just the right amount of firmness. While the heated and ventilated seats on offer give the warmest of welcomes, there's ample space to make you feel applauded for your decision of bringing this Volvo home.
Models
Volvo XC60
Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Porsche Macan
BMW X3
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38/58.2/41.5
37.8/57.3/40.8
N/A
41.1/57.6/40.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38/56.3/38
38.5/56.5/37.3
N/A
39.1/56.0/36.4
The XC60 can carry up to 5 passengers with the utmost ease and has enough space on offer for each passenger to cocoon themselves in their own personal expanse. The legroom on offer in both the rows is the best in class, and the headroom and shoulder room are nothing short of liberal as well. The cabin is well insulated, as most of the engine and wind noise is kept at bay. However, some of the road noise creeps into the cabin, owing to the 18-inch wheels, but it's not really of a distracting degree.
How’s the tech inside the cabin of Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 follows the "good luxury car" notion with the tech features it offers inside the cabin. The 2020 XC60 gets a Sensus Infotainment System, that beams up all the vital information on a 9-inch touchscreen panel. Volvo steers away from the conventional and common landscape infotainment panels and goes with the portrait layout. The infotainment panel is intuitive and user-friendly and responds rapidly to the inputs. Some of the most eminent infotainment features of the Volvo XC60 are:
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV has 9-inch infotainment screen
10-speaker audio system
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi Hotspot and 4G connectivity
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Smart Device Integration.
What are the interior features?
The 2020 Volvo XC60 stands for Sweden luxury and runs on the motto of providing comfort to all its occupants at all times. Some of the most intriguing convenience features on offer inside the XC60 which help it achieve this feat are:
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Front Seatback Storage
Cruise Control
Keyless Ignition
Climate Control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Front And Rear Cupholders
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Leather And Simulated Alloy Steering Wheel
Electric Power Steering
Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
Front Door Pockets
Interior Air Filtration
How much cargo area is provided with Volvo XC60?
The 2020 Volvo XC60 is not just about form, but rather lays special emphasis on function as well. The 2020 Volvo XC60 offers more than 29 cubic feet of space under the trunk lid. This space is more than enough to carry your whole family's luggage for a weekend-long getaway. While the fact that the 2020 Volvo XC60 offers 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space was just too hard to believe, fold down the rear seats and you'll end up with more than 63 cubic feet of storage space.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV cargo space
The seats of the Volvo XC60 can do a 60/40 split, however, in case you have passengers to occupy the rear seats and you also need to carry long items such as ski-board, well, fret not, the XC60 also offers a ski-pass through vent inside its boot area. Speaking of the in-cabin stowage, the Volvo XC60 offers a number of slots to store in your loose and cubby items.
Model
Volvo XC60
Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Porsche Macan
BMW X3
Cargo Capacity (ft3)
29.7
19.4
17.6
28.7
The Volvo XC60 offers the best in class cargo space with more than 29.5 cubic feet of space dedicated completely for storing your belongings. The BMW X3 makes a close chase with around 28.7 cubic feet of space under its trunk lid. The GLC 300 rakes in the third spot, offering around 20 cubic feet of cargo space. The Porsche Macan ranks last with just 17.6 cubic feet of space at your disposal.
If the Volvo XC60 had a city named after it, it'd have been somewhat called Presence-York, or maybe Presence-tin, or something of that sort only, cause it's the ride's presence on-road that's simply enchanting. One look at the XC60 from the front and you are smitten with its looks. The T-Shaped LED DRLs can be regarded as the most fascinating exterior feature of this SUV. Between the LED headlamps, sits a wide trapezoid grille, which proudly adorns the Volvo badge.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV side view
On the sides, there are neat, crisp, and defined lines that flow towards the back door, lending this SUV a more chiseled and sharp profile. The body of the XC60 sits upright yet is rounded and does not look like other old-school SUVs, the XC60 rather gives an idea of what truly an urban-SUV should look like. On the rear side, the XC60's tidy dimensions and vertical taillights, ensure that you do not mistake it for the XC90.
Models
Volvo XC60
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Porsche Macan
BMW X3
Curb Weight (lbs)
4105
3977
4099
4041
Length (in)
184.6
183.3
184.9
185.9
Width (in)
74.9
74.8
76.2
74.4
Height (in)
65.3
64.7
63.9
66.0
Ground Clearance(in)
8.5
5.0
7.9
8.0
Wheel Base (in)
112.8
113.1
110.5
112.8
What are the exterior features?
The Volvo XC60, in its second generation, sees a whole lot of improvements on its shell. Some of the most noteworthy exterior features of the 2020 Volvo XC60 are:
New T-shaped automatic LED headlights with active High beams
Rain detecting intermittent wipers
Extended vertical LEDs on the rear
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Rear fog lamps
Dual Sunroof/Moonroof
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV Exterior2020 Volvo XC60 SUV Exterior2020 Volvo XC60 SUV Exterior2020 Volvo XC60 SUV Exterior2020 Volvo XC60 SUV Exterior
2020 Volvo XC60 Safety
8.0/10
The XC60 gets a long list of standard safety features such as stability control, seven airbags (including a driver-side knee airbag and full-length side curtain airbags) and disc brakes for all four wheels. Volvo's City Safety system (standard in the XC60) has evolved to the point where it can provide steering assistance (between 30 mph and 60 mph) in situations where automatic braking would not be adequate.
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are yet to crash-test the 2020 XC60. However, the IIHS gave the 2019 XC60 a Top Safety Pick award with a Good rating in every crashworthiness category and Superior front crash prevention.
Some of the most prominent safety features aboard the 2020 XC60 are:
Collision avoidance
Driver alert
Driver Drowsiness detector
Rearview camera
Adaptive cruise control
Active high-beam headlamps
Active braking
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Driver Knee Airbag
2020 Volvo XC60 Competition
7.5/10
Volvo XC60 vs BMW X3
The BMW X3 is the most performance-oriented offering of the segment. The 2020 BMW X3 houses a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 engine that belts out 248 hp, along with 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The power figures of the X3 may seem at par then the XC60, yet the X3 is the fastest car of the segment, doing 0-60 sprint in dot 6 seconds, as compared to the XC60's 6.4 seconds. While performance remains to be the forte for the X3, the XC60 excels in the comfort factor. The XC60's interior feels much more rewarding than that of the X3 and provides more comfort to the occupants.
2020 BMW X3
Volvo XC60 vs Mercedes Benz GLC 300
The Mercedes Benz GLC 300 is one of the top-selling models of this segment. The GLC 300 houses a 2L 4-pot engine that generates 255 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful car of the segment. The GLC 300 can go from 0-60 in just 6.1 seconds, making it the fastest car of the segment after the Bimmer. While the BMW X3 focused on performance and the XC60's emphasis lies in comfort, this Merc somewhat takes the middle-ground between these two and delivers an enticing performance as you accommodate yourself in its captivating interior.
2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Volvo XC60 vs Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan is the most expensive offering of this segment, with prices starting from $50,900. The Macan comes fitted with a 2L Inline-4 as well, which, in this case, churns out 248 ponies, along with 273 lb.-ft. of the twisties. While all the other contenders here are trying to hold a specific ground and prove it, it's kind of unclear what this Porsche wants to achieve here. There's nothing really exciting about the Macan, and in a segment which is characterized by cut-throat competition, there's nothing the Macan really excels at. Well, of course, it's a competitive car, but being the most expensive offering, there's nothing it really does to justify the price tag.
2020 Porsche Macan
2020 Volvo XC60 Final Verdict
8.9/10
The 2020 Volvo XC60 is an alluring set of wheels that packs in a decent performance and bundle it up with great driving dynamics and a truly captivating interior. The Volvo XC60 does everything right, checking all the boxes of practicality, performance, and persona. While the base powertrain of the XC60 may not really send chills down your spine with its potency, but at a price so humble there's nothing more you can really ask for.
Pros - Drive modes, booster cushion seats for kids, smooth
Cons - Not a thing
Overall Review
10 /10 Overall Rating
What I love about my Volvo is that it manages to nail down the family hauler part in a better way and still holds on to the solo adventure capabilities. Comes with different drive modes to give a driver whatever he could ask for
10/10
Features
10/10
Interior
10/10
Design
10/10
Safety
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Deal Value
9/10
Dealer Review
TY
Todd T. Yamamoto
2020 Volvo XC60
T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
7
User Overall Rating
Posted On: October 7, 2020
Nimble and quiet
Pros - Trunk space and 12v outlet, Steers back in lane itself, automatic start stop
Cons - No usb ports at back, Takes a long time to cool down, Not happy with the rearview camera quality
Overall Review
7 /10 Overall Rating
Our new car drives quietly. Xc60 wasn't our first choice but after drive testing it, we couldn't think about anything else. It comes with best utility and safety
What I love about my Volvo is that it manages to nail down the family hauler part in a better way and still holds on to the solo adventure capabilities. Comes with different drive modes to give a driver whatever he could ask for
by Kevin J. Mitchell
7
User Overall Rating
Nimble and quiet
Our new car drives quietly. Xc60 wasn't our first choice but after drive testing it, we couldn't think about anything else. It comes with best utility and safety
