Driving the Volvo XC60 R-Design proved to be a pleasant surprise. Let’s just put that out front. Initially, I had thought it would be your typical soccer mom vehicle — roomy enough to fill the trunk with hockey sticks, mildly sluggish and just generally unappealing. After driving the XC60, my expectations were blown away, and I’m happy to say that I am actually considering getting it once the lease on my current car is up.

Bridging the gap between the XC70 and XC90 (funny how the numbers work out), our XC60 came with 20″ stylish 5-spoke R-Design alloy wheels, the Volvo Sensus system with Integrated 7-inch color LCD monitor, laminated panoramic roof with power sunshade, Xenon headlights with Active Bending, Keyless Drive, Bluetooth Hands Free Phone interface with audio streaming, heated power outside rearview mirrors, High Performance Audio system with 4 x 40 Amplifier and 8 speakers, CD/MP3/HD Radio/USB and SiriusXM. It also had the Blind Spot Information System and the Climate Package & Child Booster Seats, which includes heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, Interior Air Quality System and dual two-stage child booster seats.

The XC60 was great to drive — super comfortable, very sporty and backed by Volvo’s renowned vehicle safety. Acceleration in the car was superb — when you stepped on it, it moved. The panoramic roof was great to look out of and the central location of the controls (radio, AC, etc.) was very easy to maneuver. Interior styling was excellent — with two-tone leather and aluminum accents, it had a very good looking interior and was roomy as well. The only drawback of the car was it’s price — a little pricey for a small SUV. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the XC60 and think it’s a well-rounded vehicle and we’d still consider it one of our top picks.

 

Pros: Unexpectedly fast, very spacious & comfortable, good styling cues, easy navigation on steering wheel controls.

Cons: Its’ price.

 

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $34,350 || Price as Tested: $47,345

Vehicle Layout: Front Engine, AWD, 5-passenger Crossover

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder, 325-hp, 354 lb-ft torque || Transmission: Six-speed Automatic

Curb Weight:  4,225 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 182.2/74.4/67.4 inches

0-60:  5.7 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 17/23 MPG

 

RATING: 8.4/10

Exterior: 8

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 8

Braking: 9

Ride: 9

Handling: 8

Gearbox: 9

Audio: 8

Tech: 9

Value: 8

 

We’d like to thank Jay Tobia at Englewood Volvo for getting us into the impressive XC60 R-Design. For all of your Volvo needs, go check out Englewood Volvo in Englewood, NJ and online at http://www.kundertvolvo.com. Make sure you tell him Greg and Dave sent you!