Does the world really need another sport utility vehicle on the market?
If you’re leaning toward a negative response, you might want to hold back until you try a 2010 Volvo XC60.
At first glance, the car doesn’t look much like a Volvo. Gone are the classic straight lines that are the familial bones of every car by this Swedish automaker. Instead, the XC60 has a curvier body, larger grille and a broader shoulder line than the rest of the line combined. Large “projector beam” headlights also boost the look. There are also plenty of extra features such as heated outside mirrors.
Suffice to say the XC60 is the first of what seem to be an interesting design concept that clearly boosts the XC60 to the “prettiest sister” that also has some great personality features, too.
Engine: T6 AWD; six-cylinder turbocharged engine (also available as a 3.2, six-cylinder engine)
Transmission: Six-speed geartronic transmission
Gas mileage: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $37,800
The great news for buyers is this SUV is as pretty on the inside as the outside with gorgeous, plush interior that seat up to seven with the optional third row. The two-row model I tested — which had a beautiful two-tone color combination — had plenty of leg- and headroom for five. They also offered incredibly firm lumbar support in the eight-way power front seat.
The only downside might be in the rear passenger seats where taller passengers might have to shrug down a bit to fit comfortably.
The car is all high-tech with an attractive center stack and incredible stereo system with eight speakers. What I really enjoyed was the comfort, accentuated by the telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. The XC60 is all about comfort.
There’s also plenty of room to haul thanks to the 40/20/40 second-row seats that fold flat. Even if you don’t feel like pulling those seats down, you have a cargo area that boasts more than 30 cubic feet of storage. Another perk is the various configurations you can choose in the storage area to suit various needs.
As the saying goes, pretty is as pretty does. No problem there. The car is nimble, takes curves the ease and offers plenty of power. But if you’re looking for an off-road vehicle or even one that offers quite a bit of athletic prowess, this car arguably isn’t for you.
The XC-60 is a sturdy, fun drive with quick, secure handling and firm braking.
This SUV does its Swedish automaker proud.
