2010 Volvo XC60 Saint Simons Island GA
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2010 Volvo XC60
December 7, 2009 By Zach Bowman, DriverSide Contributing Editor
2010 Volvo XC60
DriverSide Overview
There are plenty of options out there if you’re looking for a compact, capable SUV or crossover. Each new model year brings an array of vehicles that blend the comfort of a car with the high ride height and going power of an SUV. Volvo’s jumping into the fray with the 2010 XC60 – an all-new full time all-wheel drive crossover with plenty to offer. The XC60 brings svelte new styling, advanced safety features and a sharp interior with plenty of room to the fight, helping to differentiate it from the rest of the rigs in the crowd. With the company’s powerful 281 horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine under the hood and a well-planted suspension, the XC60 dishes up the kind of acceleration and handling you’d expect out of a low and lithe sedan. Volvo’s offering all kinds of standard features, too, including a beautifully crafted leather interior, a massive laminated panoramic sunroof and stylish 18-inch wheels. If you’re looking for a vehicle with a little more room, but aren’t quite ready to step into the bland crossover masses, the XC60 is worth a look.
What's to Like
Sharp styling inside and out, plenty of power and gobs of room behind the rear hatch all make for a vehicle that’s engaging on every level. From the exterior, the XC60 catches your eye and holds it thanks to a bold grille and emblem, aggressive headlights and a stylish rear dominated by tall LED taillights. Inside, Volvo has done what it does best – creating an interior that’s attractive and useable.
What's Not to Like
Volvo borrowed a bit too much SUV DNA for the XC60’s suspension, creating a stable, but all together rough ride. Pavement inconsistencies jar the whole vehicle, made worse by stiff seats that boarder on the uncomfortable. As with most all-wheel drive Volvos, this ride suffers from fairly lackluster fuel economy as well, pulling down just 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Aside from the occasionally rough ride, the XC60 is a pleasure to drive. Power is consistent and instantaneous, and Volvo has done a wonderful job keeping nose dive and lift to a minimum under hard acceleration and braking. Similarly, this crossover tackles winding asphalt with glee, delivering largely neutral steering that leaves typical understeer to its competitors. The XC60’s six-speed automatic transmission operates in the background, delivering smooth shifts under normal driving and perfect gear choices for more spirited motoring. Inside, the laminated panoramic sunroof allows for plenty of light in the cabin – giving the illusion of even more room in an already spacious interior. The effect is a vehicle that becomes more than a tool to transport you and your belongings from one end of town to another. I...