For decades, the name Volvo has been synonymous with safety, reliability, and premium luxury. With timeless Swedish design and a dedication to protecting those who occupy its vehicles, this automaker’s commitment to excellence is truly unparalleled. That being said, the newest iteration of the Volvo XC60 does not disappoint as it continues to uphold those high standards we have come to expect from this iconic brand.
In this review, we will dive deep into what makes the 2021 Volvo XC60 stand out among its competitors in the compact luxury SUV market, as well as touch on essential factors like interior comfort, performance, safety features, and modern technology.
Design and Interior Comfort
The exterior of the XC60 showcases a sleek design characterized by clean lines, Thor’s hammer headlights, and muscular proportions that create a sophisticated yet powerful appearance.
Inside the cabin is where the true magic of Volvo really comes alive. The 2021 XC60 boasts a spacious and versatile interior that can undergo quick transformations to adapt to your needs. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, offering both comfort and style while providing ample legroom for passengers in both rows. The vehicle also accommodates a generous amount of cargo space and additional storage compartments.
One minor flaw worth noting is that some of the interior materials are not quite at par with other competitors in the segment; however, they are still well above-average in quality.
Performance
The Volvo XC60 offers three engine options under the hood: the base T5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower), an optional T6 supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine (316 horsepower), and finally, a plug-in hybrid T8 option (400 – 415 horsepower depending on trim/model). Each engine provides excellent power output for merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles smoothly.
Drivers will also appreciate the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, which ensures effortless acceleration when necessary. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the base T5 engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The powerful T8 plug-in hybrid version gets an impressive combined gas/electric range rating of 57 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Safety Features
Volvo has always put safety as its number one priority; therefore, it should come as no surprise that safety features in the XC60 are top-notch. Every XC60 model receives a comprehensive safety package that includes:
– Automatic emergency braking
– Rear Park Assist camera & sensors
– Lane keep assist
– Road sign recognition
– Oncoming lane mitigation system
– Collision avoidance system
– Driver attention warning
For families concerned about their safety on the road, Volvo continues to be an excellent choice.
Technology and Infotainment
The center of attention within the XC60 is undoubtedly its vertically-oriented 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It includes:
– Apple CarPlay compatibility
– Android Auto compatibility
– Navigation (standard in Inscription trim or higher)
– Voice controls
– SiriusXM satellite radio
– 10-speaker audio system
While using Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system may require a slight learning curve due to its uniqueness compared to other systems in competing vehicles, users find it generally user-friendly after some time spent familiarizing themselves with it.
All in all, if you’re looking for a compact luxury SUV that perfectly combines style, comfort, performance, cutting-edge safety technologies with environmentally conscious options like efficient engines or even a plug-in hybrid variant – all under one stylish Scandinavian-designed roof – then the 2021 Volvo XC60 is right up your alley. It competes favorably with other vehicles in its class while still shining through with distinctiveness stemming from Volvo’s strong identity as an automaker deeply dedicated to quality and safety.