2019 Volvo XC60 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Last year, Volvo executed a successful redesign of its compact XC60 luxury crossover, bringing an athletic shape, refined luxury, and...

Last year, Volvo executed a successful redesign of its compact XC60 luxury crossover, bringing an athletic shape, refined luxury, and cutting-edge technology to the model. For 2019, it gets minor updates.

Amid a segment of complex, attention-grabbing vehicles, the XC60 continues to impress with its elegant exterior. The proportions are classic, with a tall greenhouse and long hood. Minimal chrome details mark this as a luxury crossover. Drivers can easily identify the XC60 by Volvo’s trademark “Thor’s Hammer” LED signatures up front, along with its full-height taillights. The interior shows the same restraint as the outside. Controls are arranged in logical groups, such as the row of buttons that control the car’s media functions. And rather than trying to squeeze in a third row, Volvo simply provides ample room for five people.

All three of the XC60’s powertrains make a return for 2019. T5 is the base variant, consisting of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Up until now, T5 was only available with all-wheel drive (AWD), but the 2019 model includes a front-wheel drive variant (FWD) that shaves a not-insignificant amount off the price sticker. T5 can hit 60 miles per hour in as few as 6.4 seconds. The FWD T5 returns 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 combined. AWD sees a slight dip, 20 mpg city and 27 highway using premium fuel.

The T6 gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline 4-cylinder engine good for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. AWD comes standard, plus it offers a 5.6-second 0 to 60 run. The T6 returns 19 mpg city and 27 highway. The T8 eAWD tops the range, pairing the T6’s basic engine with an electric motor for AWD plug-in hybrid capability. In addition to 400 hp, 472 lb-ft, and a 4.9-second run to 60 miles per hour, the T8 can travel 17 miles on electric-only power. All XC60s are paired to an 8-speed automatic and offer stop-start functionality. The T8 returns 26 mpg combined for gasoline only; with electric and gas, it returns 58 mpge.

The XC60 spreads across three grades: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. Momentum comes generously equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, keyless access and start, an 8-inch color instrument cluster display, SiriusXM satellite radio, LED headlights, LED taillights, a power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, driver-side memory settings, an auto-dimming front mirror, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Leatherette is now standard on Momentum, with leather as an option.

R-Design and Inscription trims have similar features, but different themes. Where Inscription is tranquil and polished, R-Design is loud. R-Design gets unique aggressive bumpers, side-skirts, wheels, sportier paint colors, and an R-Design grille. Inside, it gets special athletic seats with a leather and suede upholstery combination. Both trims tack on an LCD instrument cluster, a Harmon Kardon sound system, 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beams, passenger memory settings, and power lumbar support. Optional features include air suspension, a Bowers and Wilkins sound system, a heated steering wheel, and navigation.

Like most Volvos, the XC60 puts a emphasis on safety. A reversing camera, hill-descent control, oncoming lane mitigation and lane-keeping assist are included on every model. A parking assistant, auto-dimming side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and rear-collision mitigation are optional. Naturally, the XC60 aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests in 2018, earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

With a level of style and sophistication that matches or exceeds its competitors, the XC60 remains a strong choice in the compact luxury crossover category.