2012 Volvo XC60

Choosing the right trim for the 2012 XC60 could become a tedious task for many. The XC60 is available with three different variants with different engines and power outputs. While the base variant employs a 3.2L engine, the T6 and R-Design employ a turbocharged inline-6 engine in different states of tune. Each variant is further classified into three or four trims and only the base 3.2 variant is offered with an FWD layout as both the other variants feature AWD as standard. 

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As the base variant’s 3.2L engine is pretty potent and frugal in itself, we recommend opting for the base variant with the Platinum sub-trim. Additionally, the AWD can also opt which will make the car feature-loaded and also add practicality to the mix and yet keep the prices in check. 

The base variant of the 2012 Volvo XC60 is powered by a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 motor that produces 240 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The higher trims feature a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder unit that generates 300 hp and 325 lb-ft in the T6 variant and 325 hp and 354 lb-ft with the R-Design trim. Both the engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with the AWD being standard on the more powerful engine while FWD being standard on the base engine with an option for the AWD setup. 

The base engine does the job pretty well taking about 9 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. The T6 on the other hand is claimed to do the same in 7 seconds while the 0-60 mph run in the R-Design model is expected in blistering quick 6.2 seconds only. The 2012 XC60 offers a quiet and stable ride and although there is a hint of softness to the ride quality which makes it comfortable, the body movement is kept to a minimum. And although the XC60 isn’t the one for spirited drivers, it isn’t mundane and boring either.

Clearly, the base engine of the XC60 is tuned for frugality rather than performance as it is one of the slowest luxury compact SUVs in the segment. The more affordable Acura RDX is over a second quicker off the mark due to the higher engine output while the BMW X3 is almost as quick as the Acura even with the standard AWD. The Audi Q5 is about half a second quicker than the Volvo but boasts of a class-leading towing capacity while the Acura is the sore loser in this regard. 

The lower performance output for the XC60’s base engine might make us feel that it must be one of the most frugal ones in the segment, but 21 mpg of combined fuel economy says otherwise. The more powerful engine is rated for 17/23/20 for city/highway/combined by the EPA for both states of tune and seems like a more sensible choice considering the added performance benefit. The large 18.5-gallon fuel tank offers a pretty decent driving range of over 350 miles which is on par with the industry standards. 

The quickest SUV of the lot is also the most frugal one here. The BMW X3 also offers a sizable gas tank which aids in offering a superior driving range than the Volvo. Both the Acura and Audi SUVs have identical fuel economy ratings but the larger gas tank employed by Audi issues the longest driving range of the segment the contrary to the shortest one with the Acura RDX. 

Volvo has focussed a lot on providing a premium feel to their products in recent years and that is quite evident with the XC60’s cabin. The overall design is modern and appealing while the standard metallic trims can be switched with a more premium optional real oak interior trim for that added sense of class. The overall material quality is pretty good with no compromise made in terms of build quality and fit and finish to better compete against the Germans. 

There is plenty of room for the front row occupants and the rear seat to sees a decent amount of space. The available integrated dual child booster seats ensure maximum safety while the sport leather upholstery feels premium as well. The luggage space at the back is plenty, measuring up to just over 30 cu-ft which can be maximized to 67 cu-ft by folding down the rear seat.

The Acura RDX does a great job in terms of space offered for both the passengers and their cargo, as it has the best front and rear row legroom and yet offers a decent enough trunk at the rear. That being said, the headroom is a bit tight which is plenty on the BMW X3. The BMW also offers the most spacious rear seat but has limited front-row legroom. The Audi Q5 on the other hand has a cabin space and boot space similar to what Volvo has to offer. 

• Power adjustable Front seats w/2-Way Lumbar Support and memory function
• 40-20-40 Folding Bench Rear Seat
• Sport Leather Seating Surfaces
• Sport Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
• Leather Gear Shifter Material and Leatherette Door Trim Insert

How intuitive is the 2012 Volvo XC60 SUV’s infotainment unit?

The large infotainment system on offer in the 2012 XC60 is fairly easy and intuitive to use and even employs sharp graphics with pretty quick response timings. The audio controls on the sides though have started to look dated and so does the available navigation system. That being said, it feels much better when operating with the included iPod interface. The standard HD Radio and Bluetooth connectivity add functionality to the infotainment system. 

• 7-inch Volvo Sensus touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker audio system
• HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming
• iPod device integration
• Built-in DVD-based navigation system
• Full-Service Internet Access

The Volvo XC60 has a smooth flowing body line with rakish angles in some places which makes the XC60 feel a mix of a crossover and an SUV. The front grille looks a bit on the smaller side and the Volvo moniker is also a size smaller. Overall, the design is very cohesive and understated with only necessary detailing seen on all four sides as Volvo has always preferred to keep things rather simple.

Though there is not much difference between the dimensions of the SUVs in this comparison, the Acura RDX stands out of them all with its extra low weight. Other than that, all of them weigh pretty similar to one another. The XC60 offers the highest ground clearance here while the Audi Q5 rides closest to the ground. Both the Acura and BMW have decent ride height but it is no match to what the Volvo has to offer. 

• Fully Automatic Projector Beam High-Intensity Low Beam Daytime Running Auto-Leveling Directionally Adaptive Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• Front And Rear Fog Lamps
• LED Brakelights
• Roof Rack Rails
• Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Power w/Tilt Down Heated Side Mirrors w/Turn Signal Indicators
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Laminated Glass Panoramic Sunroof w/Power Sunshade

Volvo has been synonymous with safety for many years now and the 2012 XC60 is no different either. Although the NHTSA hasn’t crash-tested the car yet, the IIHS has awarded the Volvo XC60 with its prestigious “Top Safety Pick” accolade for performing extremely well in the safety tests conducted by them for the 2012 model year. A highlight of the many safety functions on offer with the Volvo XC60 has been mentioned below.

• DSTC/RSC Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front and Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• City Safety System
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

For every buyer who prioritizes safety over form and also values money, the Volvo XC60 is the one to opt for in the compact luxury crossover segment. Although it does not have lightning-quick performance or sporty handling to offer like its German counterparts, the premium and spacious cabin, high safety standards, tons of technology, and high affordability and dependability factor make it the perfect value for money choice.