Welcome to the world of Volvo, this is still one of my favorite brands no matter what you put the company up against. The 2016 Volvo XC60 is a smaller sized luxury crossover SUV, and like Volvo promises, it’s safe with lots of space inside for comfort.
The Volvo folks didn’t make too many changes for 2016 on this model and really about the only differences are a few tweaks inside.
The exterior styling is still looking good on this smooth little crossover, which was first introduced back in 2010. It has been doing a good job ever since in this segment for Volvo fans.
The competition for the 2016 Volvo XC60 includes the Lexus NX 200t, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Acura RDX.
A five passenger crossover SUV, the 2016 Volvo XC60 has five trim levels and the trim level matches up with an engine and drive train. You can choose from the T5 Drive-E, T5 AWD, T6 Drive-E, T6 AWD and T6 AWD R-Design.
On the T5 Drive-E and T5 AWD, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, front and rear fog lights, LED running lights, roof rails, heated mirrors, cruise control, multi-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and take note of the “T-Tec” fabric. There is also the 40/20/40-split-folding back seat. Of course, Volvo always stands out in the technology area and for the XC60 its safety features like a collision warning and automatic braking system as well as the Bluetooth and audio connect are excellent features. There is also a seven-inch screen, voice commands, app integration and Wi-Fi capability. The stereo has eight speakers and there is an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface.
On the T5 Premier package offered for these trims, there is a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, navigation system, auto-dimming mirror, power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry and 12 speakers along with accent lighting inside. There is the choice to add a Technology or Convenience package, which gives you a cargo area cover, power-retractable exterior mirrors and a power outlet in the rear cargo.
On the T6 Drive-E and T6 AWD, you get the Premier features as standard and the T6 AWD R-Design is much the same other than the 20-inch wheels and a unique look for the exterior, interior and the digital gauges.
There is also an Inscription package that can be added with high-end upgraded leather upholstery, leather interior and wood trim.
Under the hood, the 2016 Volvo XC60 T5 Drive-E has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. There is also a stop-start system that turns off the engine to save fuel when the vehicle is not in motion.
On the XC60 T5 AWD, you get a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that will give you 250 horsepower and 266 pound feet of torque. With this trim, it is a six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive.
For the T6 Drive-E, the engine is a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Expect 302 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For safety features, which Volvo is all about, there is traction and stability control, whiplash-protection, front seat side and full-length side curtain airbags and the City Safety features that include a low-speed forward collision warning as well as a mitigation system with automatic braking.
Of course, there are more options for safety that includes some optional add-ons like Dual Two-Stage Integrated Booster Seats that pop up from the backseat – good for children – and there is the Blind Spot Information System package. This package offers not only blind-spot warning, but also front and back parking sensors.
Being a Swedish brand, you can expect a Scandinavian styling that is progressive with a clean design. Inside the floating center stack is well placed and the interior atmosphere is high-end, consider the real wood trim you can add for even more elegance. Of course, the seats are all about comfort for the driver or passenger and the buttons and knobs are easy to figure out as needed. The “mode” control helps you navigate whatever you need in regard to climate and other creature comforts making for a suburb driving experience. For the audio there is a number pad and the navigation system is also trouble free to figure out.
In the backseat, the cargo space is 67-cubic feet at its best, with all the seats in use get still get 30.8-cubic feet. There is plenty of room in the rear for passengers with respectable leg and headroom overall.
Acceleration will hit most drivers’ needs on the XC60 and the fuel efficiency certainly stands out. Taking to the road in the 2016 Volvo XC60, you will feel a smooth ride and notice the handling is idea with a bit of “sporty” thrown in for good measure. From turning and twisting to taking the curves, this Volvo certainly has the power and ability to do whatever one needs for the best drive no matter where you are going.
Should You Need to Know: The 2016 XC60 had excellent crash test scores as would be expected with this moniker.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD I drove got 19 miles to the gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD had a price tag of $52,505.
For more auto tips and information, follow Rita @RitaCook13.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.