Volvo has an appeal that crosses generations and for 2015 the XC60 is a viable Volvo offering that will turn heads. Highlights for the New Year include the front-wheel-drive model touting a new engine in this compact luxury crossover. You can expect plenty of room and a cool interior and exterior vibe too.
Competition can be fierce in this class, but the Volvo XC60 is up to the challenge against the likes of the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
With enough room for five passengers, the 2015 Volvo XC60 offers five trims that also determine the engine and drivetrain. There is the T5 Drive-E, 3.2 AWD, T6 Drive-E, T6 AWD and T6 AWD R-Design, and from there you can choose from available sub-trims.
On the T5 Drive-E and 3.2 AWD, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, front and rear fog lights, LED running lights, roof rails, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Also look for the “T-Tec” fabric upholstery and there is a 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat, as well as audio connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system.
For the Premier sub-trims of both of these trims you not only get the T6 Drive-E and T6 AWD, but you can add a keyless ignition and entry, panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, leather upholstery and an auto-dimming mirror. On the T6, there is a transmission paddle shifter and the T6 AWD R-Design adds to the package with 20-inch wheels, different exterior and interior design, and some really cool digital gauges for a supreme driving experience.
There is a Premier Plus sub-trim package that will give you a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and a liftgate and folding rear headrests, add to that as well a folding front-passenger seat and a pop-up trunk-mounted grocery holder.
On the Platinum sub-trim, you get auto-dimming exterior mirrors, interior accent lighting, 12 speakers and a navigation system, which can also be had in some packages on the other trims too.
The Climate package comes with an air quality system and heating in the front seats. For the Sport package you get 20-inch wheels and sport front seats with options for add-ons as diverse as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, dual-screen rear entertainment system. The R-Design can include a unique leather/simulated suede upholstery.
On the T6 Platinum sub-trim, you can up the look and feel of your Volvo with an Inscription package that includes upgraded leather upholstery, a power front-seat lumbar adjustment, unique floor mats and wood trim.
Under the hood, the 2015 Volvo XC60 T5 Drive-E has a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. On this it’s front-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic stop-start system that turns off the engine when the car is at a stop.
Under the hood of the XC60 3.2 AWD, it’s a 3.2-liter inline-6 cranking out 240 horsepower with 236 pound-feet of torque in an all-wheel drive, six-speed automatic transmission.
For the XC60 T6 Drive-E, there is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is also a front-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic and the engine saving addition too.
Finally, the 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD has a super turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine and on the regular T6 it is 300 horsepower with 325 pound-feet of torque with the R-Design giving you 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. These are both offered in all-wheel drive with six-speed automatic transmissions.
For safety, Volvo has always been outstanding, and on the 2015 Volvo XC60 it is no different with traction and stability control, antilock brakes, whiplash-protection front seats, front seat side and full-length side curtain airbags. You also get the Volvo Safety system feature and that means automatic braking at speeds of up to 30 mph to avoid a collision.
This Volvo also includes some optional safety choices like Dual Two-Stage Integrated Booster Seats, a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and front/rear parking sensors too.
All-around looking good, the 2015 XC60 offers an elegant interior with a nod to its Swedish roots as well as an easy-to-use center stack — and take note of the authentic wood used on the trim. Front seats are also comfortable in comparison with the competition and the back seats are ultra-roomy with high seat cushions, plenty of leg and headroom and a 40/20/40-split rear seat meaning 67 cubic feet if needed.
When driving a Volvo, it’s unmistakable and the 2015 Volvo XC60 purrs, taking the driver through an experience of tight handling and steering and firmly handling turns as needed.
Should You Need to Know: Depending on the different trims and subtrims zero to 60 is easy with the T5 Drive-E at 6.9 seconds, the XC60 3.2 AWD in 9.1 seconds, the T6 Drive-E 6.3 seconds and the T6 R-Design at 6.2 seconds.
MPG: I drove the 2015 Volvo XC60 AWD with 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Cost: The 2015 Volvo XC60 AWD price tag came in at $52,225.
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