2019 Volvo XC60 Test Drive Review: A Beautifully Crafted Compact Crossover Experience

Volvo has been putting its own distinct spin on the compact crossover in order to compete with the ingrained premium brands for a while now. It's a sophisticated take with safety, style, and technology at its core. The XC60 is no exception as Volvo has managed to take the much larger XC90 and shrink it without losing too much volume in the right places. The basic ingredients are a spacious interior for its class, a premium look and feel inside and out, overriding attention to safety, and a healthy list of standard and optional features.

When it comes to Volvo interiors, the word minimalism gets thrown around too much. However, the current crop of Volvo interiors is an exercise in minimizing clutter and distraction while keeping things functional and stylish.

The technology reaches under the hood with all of Volvo's models being powered by a variation of its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines. For the most powerful gas option, rather than shift up to a 6-cylinder power plant, Volvo has instead opted to use turbocharging and supercharging together to make comparable power outputs.

What's the Price of the 2019 Volvo XC60?

There are nine variations of the non-hybrid XC60 to choose from, which means potential buyers get a wide range of options, and there should be a variant of the XC60 fit for every budget. The base model T5 Momentum starts off at an MSRP of $40,150 in FWD guise, while the T6 AWD version will cost you $2,300 more. The R-Design is $46,850 in T5 spec and $49,150 in T6 AWD guise. The T6 Momentum is only available in AWD and will set you back $45,950. At the top sits the Inscription range, with the T5 Inscription starting at $49,150. The range tops out with the T6 Inscription AWD which costs $52,650. These prices exclude tax, registration, and a $995 delivery fee. The XC60 offers the most affordable base model when compared to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, both starting above the $41,000 mark, but the Volvo can get expensive as the options list grows,. Potential buyers should take note that the XC60 can start matching higher class cars for price.

2019 XC60 Exterior

Dimensions

2019 XC60 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Volvo has found a very nice balance in the suspension that keeps the XC60 level when fooling around and giving a smooth and comfortable ride when being as sensible as a Volvo driver should be. The steering is light and reactive to make driving in a brisk and businesslike fashion a smooth affair. The light steering also comes into its own in the parking lot, although when out on the open road things start to feel a little numb. That's not a big deal though for a car that's target market isn't the speed enthusiasts and, on balance, the steering suits the chassis remarkably well.

The base T5 engine is uninspired and best described as adequate. It's perfectly serviceable around town and out on the freeway but lacks the effortless power expected to come with a premium vehicle. Our tester arrived in T6 spec fitted with the turbocharged and supercharged engine making the kind of punchy power the XC60 deserves. However, while making the torque we want to get us up to speed, the engine does lack the refinement we would usually expect. It's also thirstier than we would like for a four-cylinder, but we'll come to that.

Where Volvo gets points back is with the drivetrain and how transparent it is when driving. On top of it being smooth and effortless, it helps the engine become peppy and enthusiastic when the need arises.

2019 XC60 Interior

2019 XC60 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2019 Volvo XC60 A Good SUV?

None of our minor quibbles detract from the fact the XC60 is a good car, and we would go as far as saying it's a great car. It's a complete package for a sophisticated buyer. While it may not have the sporting chops of BMW's X3 or X5, it's still a fun car when you want it to be. It may not have the badge cache of a Mercedes, but it does have its unique style to give it a different edge. The bottom line is that the Volvo XC60 is a great car and a unique one at that.

What Volvo XC60 Model Should I Buy?

While we appreciate the peppy handling and power from the sportier accouterments on our R-Design Volvo tester, none of it was necessary and we prefer the airier feeling of a regular interior. The T6 Momentum sits right in the sweet spot for value for money and boasts a suite of excellent features and is firmly where we would spend our money. We would also spring for the sound Bowers & Wilkins sound system if it didn't break the budget, and the Pilot Assist package if we knew we would be racking up the highway miles.

For someone getting into their first premium crossover though, there's no shame in snapping up the value for money and cheaper entry point of the base model.

2019 Volvo XC60 Comparisons

2019 Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 has been around since 2008, and since then has become a firm favorite with well-to-do, family orientated people who like to look good while carting the groceries around. The 2019 model starts off at $42,950 (2.0T Premium quattro AWD), and in its base form offers similar performance to the XC60. Its turbocharged four-pot engine produces 248 hp and a superior 273 lb-ft of torque and matches the Volvo on fuel economy. The Q5 is only available with one engine choice, and as such, the Volvo T6 will trump the Q5 in terms of outright performance, although the SQ5 is a costly way to prove a point in response. The XC60 offers better safety levels and cargo space, but both feel premium and are seriously comfortable. The Volvo ends up offering a more diverse motoring experience, making it our recommended pick.

2019 Volvo XC60 vs BMW X3

BMW's X3 combines SUV practicality and an engaging drive in a premium package that has found mass appeal around the world, and there's a good reason for it: Starting at $41,950, the sDrive30i, powered by a turbocharged four delivers 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and gives the X3 enough power to feel spritely in town and relaxed on the open road. It's also light on gas, returning a respectable 27 mpg on a combined cycle. The X3 can't match the Volvo for interior and cargo space but matches it in terms of build quality and interior feel. The BMW offers slightly more standard features but is not as safe. The XC60 should be your choice if you're looking at the practical side of things.

2019 Volvo XC60 vs Volvo XC90

A little sibling rivalry never hurt anyone, and some buyers may question whether the XC60 or XC90 is the better Volvo SUV to buy. The XC90 is bigger, seating up to seven in three rows, while the XC60 only seats five. The XC90 also offers more interior space, and with more ground clearance and an adaptive air suspension, it can tackle mildly more intimidating off-road tasks, too. But here's the kicker - while German brands pile all their tech into their range-topping models offering cut-price alternatives at a lower price point, Volvo has gifted the XC60 with all the same safety and convenience tech as the larger XC90. For $8,000 less, that makes the XC60 a tech and safety bargain, but the XC90 does boast more space and greater levels of comfort, making it a more comfortable family hauler.