As a family car, Volvo XC60 is the best choice for all the right reasons. High on security, great in practicality and ample with the rest of its features, the XC60 is the perfect car for those looking for a crossover SUV that can serve the family and bring style into the mix.

Pros

The XC60’s three petrol and two diesel engines can prove to be the envy of a lot of car owners looking for power in a practical car. Flexibility can be an issue for drivers, but the D4 and D5 engines give the car just the right speed. Meanwhile, for drivers looking for a quick boost, the 3 litre petrol T6 can charge to 60mph in over seven seconds. But what makes the XC60 one of the best in the segment is its great overall handle. Body lean is manageable and the grip is generous, giving a smooth ride perfect for family uses. The cabin can also remain very quiet no matter the speed: wind, suspension and road noises are virtually zero, and the engine noise is not unsettling.

For a family car, the XC60 is one of the classiest in the segment. The plastics don’t look at all poor; they can also very well withstand the wear and tear of everyday family use. As a five-star Euro NCAP crash test vehicle, families will get the full assurance of having a wide range of safety features, including front and side airbags, window airbags, anti-whiplash restraints and the City Safety system which can stop the car from colliding with other cars.

Drivers will be happy to know that the XC60’s seating is fully supportive and adjustable. Leg and headroom are also ample for all seats. Passengers on the rear seats are also treated to a highly comfortable and entertaining ride because of high seating, a central picnic table, and DVD screens. These seats can also be folded flat to accommodate at most 1455 litres in cargo space, up from the big 495 litre boot standard.

The equipment for the standard trim is already adequate for most users, which includes Bluetooth, climate and cruise controls, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels. Sat-nav can also be added in all three trim levels.

Cons

A few drawbacks can make buyers hesitate. The diesel engines can be noisy when revved hard. The XC60 comes with all-wheel drive models, but these are better on roads than off. Also, the central instrument stack can be difficult to read while on the move.

Buying an XC60 can be painful, but buyers of the diesel can rest assured knowing that they can score huge savings in the long run because of lower emissions and fuel efficiency. For the price of power, T6 buyers may have to cough up more than the diesel counterparts.

Apart from these, the XC60 passes with flying colors, which doesn’t surprise. Volvo has a great reliability record, and when it comes to a family car, buyers will rest well knowing that Volvo is at its best.

The Volvo XC60 was conceptualized in 2007, with its design features including a glass roof, a more prominent Volvo logo that would include the signature “V”, a new version of the grille, 20 inch wheels, and an electronic boot lid. The first generation of the XC60 was released in 2008, with its introduction into the European market done in the third quarter of the same year. In terms of features, the XC60 has similarities to the Land Rover Freelander and the Volvo Y20. 

In terms of safety, the Volvo XC60 boasts of a side impact protection system, dynamic stability, inflatable airbags, collision warning, brake support, roll stability control, and patented structures on the rear, front, and sides. The XC60’s main danger-free feature is its City Safety, a driver support system that aims to prevent any vehicle collisions that run at 30 kilometers per hour. These features have not gone unnoticed, as the EuroNCAP gave the XC60 five stars for its adult occupant protection. It also received a total of 37 points from the same evaluation body, with points being given for its pole test and seat belt reminders. Other cars that shared the same amount of safety points were the Renault Megane and Nissan Qashqai.