Volvo XC60 Part 3: Performance Review

Volvo's new XC60 proves that the SUV species has evolved into what is undoubtedly a more practical, efficient and user-friendly animal known as the CUV. Crossovers - as they're more commonly referred to these days - provide better on-road manners than their truck-like ancestors as they do without the body-on-frame construction of old-skool SUVs, and instead share platforms with their car siblings.

In the case of the XC60, Volvo employs its Y20 platform - shared with its newest large cars - to underpin their latest XC model. The resulting crossover provides the raised drivers-point-of-view that so many buyers are looking for these days, coupled with a competent chassis with moves that belie its size and weight.

While other markets get a variety of engine options, motivation for all US-market XC60s is provided by the top-of-the-food-chain three-liter, turbocharged, six-cylinder engine and its 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of twisting force.

The XC's turbocharged engine is nearly without lag, but still feels like a turbo should when you step on it, with all of the surging turbo boost sensations that make these artificially aspirated engines so much fun! And fun is a word you don't normally use when discussing these types of vehicles. "Fun" can also be used to describe the XC60s handling. While you won't confuse it with a sportscar, the XC still changes direction quite well, feeling nimble rather than clumsy - a word that does come to mind all too often with many CUVs. The ride is on the sporty side as you'd expect given its sharp handling, but it's completely acceptable with better body control than most of the contenders in its class.

The CUV category is over-populated to say the least, but this Volvo should fare well. If you consider aesthetics, you can eliminate a number of contenders right off the bat. Take into account athletic moves and the list gets shorter still. And if you factor in safety content, well... forget about it... it's a Volvo!

Not to be overlooked as a safety feature, Volvo's All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction system is front-drive biased and will send 90 percent of the torque to the front wheels most of the time. It's only when the front tires start to lose traction that the rear axle really gets involved, with the system sending a maximum of 65 percent of the engine's torque to the rear. It's all seamless, as you'll only feel the drive shifting from front to rear and visa-versa while putting down the power on extremely loose surfaces.

When you examine the XC60's diverse mix of talents - sporty handling, comfortable if firm ride, turbo power and great looks - and you consider its unmatched safety technology, it starts looking like the top contender in in its class. And when's the last time you could say that about a Volvo?

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Volvo XC60

Performance
- Acceleration: Within its category, this thing is a rocket - nearly imperceptible turbo lag
- Handling: Surprisingly stiffly sprung, so it's sharp, although the ride suffers due to its non-compliant suspension - numb steering feel
- Braking: Like the steering, the brake pedal isn't exactly communicative, but it is effective

Design
- Exterior: Arguably the best looking Volvo in the company lineup (but the concept version was better still) - less Volvo-looking than some might want
- Interior: More drab than expected on our test car (go for the two-tone option) - a couple of design afterthoughts sprinkled about as well as some unexpected ergonomic flaws

Utility
- Comfort: Good seats, good visibility, and all the creature comforts expected - only the choppy ride lets it down
- Space: More spacious than almost all others in this class in back as well as in cargo area

Safety
- Dynamics: Sharp moves help the XC60 avoid accidents in the first place...
- Technology: ...but if they occur, it's got everything we've come to expect from a Volvo and then some - City Safety is an impressive feature (but a little scary to try out!)

Value
- Price: Considering the standard safety tech on board, it does represent good value - still easy to bump that price up high with options
- Mileage: Turbo thrust has its price, and the fact that the power is addictive doesn't help the cause in this area

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Perhaps if Scandinavian design is your thing, otherwise, not really
- Fun to spank: Not on the menu

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-6
Power (SAE): 281 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4225 lbs.
0-60 mph: 7.1 sec.
Top Speed: 120 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 16 city / 22 highway
Base Price: $37,800
Competitors: Audi Q5, Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, Cadillac SRX