2017 Volvo XC60

The 2017 Volvo XC60 comes in a more simplified trim lineup this time around. Starting off with eh base T5 Dynamic trim, that comes at a starting price tag of $40,950, second in line trim-the T6 Inscription, which starts off at $46,350, whereas the top-most T6 R-Design trim, that sets you back by $51,000. the T5 comes in standard FWD, whereas the T6 trims come in standard AWD. Moreover, while the T5 models house a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, whereas the T6 Inscription and R-Dynamic trims get a 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged engine unit.

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Out of all of the trims available, our pick of poison would be the T6 R-Design trim, for its port in-built character. Best of all, the R-Design trim receives a supercharger in addition to a turbocharger, which helps it put out an impressive 302 hp. Filled up to the brim with features, the R-Design trim gets extra sportier and aggressive body cladding too, and an exclusive sport-tuned suspension setup too.

The 2017 Volvo XC60 is able to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 30 miles to the gallon out on the highway. This is for the T5 models, which are equipped with front-wheel-drive setups, whereas when you opt for the AWD setup, those figures drop down to 20 and 29 MPG in the city and highway respectively. These figures are received from the standard turbocharged engine unit. It might not put up the best power figures out there, but , when it come to fuel efficiency, it is outright the best int he semgent.

Apart from that, the T6 models also house a 302 hp 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged engine setup, which not surprisingly does deliver lower than usual fuel economy figures, i.e 20 MPG in the city and 27 miles to the gallon out on the highway, which is still better than most of the rivals. Back that with a decent 18.5-gallon fuel tank, and you can stretch it out to longer distances before stopping over for fuel.

Additionally, the front seats hold you in place exceptionally well on winding roads without sacrificing long-distance comfort, making them great for all kinds of drives from road trips to tackling winding roads - Motortrend

The 2017 Volvo XC60's premium interior feels warm and welcoming. With a seating capacity of up to 5, the XC60 provides well-rounded electrically adjustable seats, that are extremely comfortable for long trips. It can fit in 5 average-sized adults quite easily. This is despite the fact that the XC60 has the shortest wheelbase of the bunch, which in turn suggests of an even smaller cabin space. Coming onto the front seats, these are the best-in-class, as they offer great support, even when taking on a highly banked road.

Comfort being of the utmost priority with the XC60, it does not let go of the practicality factor too. heated front and rear seats are standard from now on, along with a heated steering wheel that is also offered, although just for the top-most trims. Similarly, move onto the top-end trims, the interior gets treated with perforated leather upholstery, anthracite headliner, and much more.

Some of the interior features offered with the 2017 XC60 are-

• Heated mirrors
• Dual panoramic sunroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

2017 Volvo XC60 Infotainment System

The 2017 Volvo XC60 comes with a decent 7-inch touchscreen system with navigation. It isn't the best system out there, as it is quite unresponsive. It gets a primitive selector knob, which is basically of no use. The center stack is filled with buttons, an age-old design that will be updated next year probably. Feature-wise, it is stacked up to the brim, although both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are yet not offered with the XC60. Further, a myriad of infotainment features are offered with the 2017 XC60.

• 12.3-inch TFT driver's display
• Bluetooth phone and streaming audio
• Volvo Sensus Connect system with navigation
• Bowers & Wilkins system - 15 upgraded speakers
• A subwoofer
• 12-volt power outlet

2017 Volvo XC60 Cargo Capacity

The 2017 Volvo XC60 is offered with a decent 30.8 cu. ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. This puts it right at the top of the compact crossover segment. Further interior storage spaces are also offered across the cabin, which turns out to be pretty useful for long weekend drives.

The 2017 Volvo XC60 manages to outhaul each and every one of its competitors, despite its shorter wheelbase, whereas the Lexus RX 350, is the one that has surprised us the most, as even with its segment-best cabin space, it fails to deliver on the cargo front.

The 2017 Volvo XC60 embodies that aesthetic, featuring a graceful profile and proportions - Kelley Blue Book

The XC60's age-old exterior design silhouette is a testament to Volvo's impressive design language, and that surely seems to work. Credit where it's due, the Volvo XC60 does look modern for sure. Nevertheless, it has got certain feature updates for 2017 as well, with new HID headlights, and a power liftgate with memory function.

The front end is supremely athletic in its stance, with the tapering headlights flowing through the corners. The aggressive character lines flow throughout the sides back to the infamous vertically placed taillights. The 2017 Volvo XC60 now gets new 18 and 20-inch alloy wheels, although the ride does suffer a bit, because of this. It also has a segment-best 9.1-inch ground clearance, which means it is fit to venture off-road, but the average buyer of this compact SUV won't take it to the extreme though.

Exterior Features offered with the XC60 are-

• Automated rear liftgate
• Automatic Headlights - Active dual xenon headlights
• Unique R-Design grille
• LED daytime running lights
• Headlight washers
• Heated Exterior Mirrors

Volvo is the ultimate best in terms of safety, which is a proven fact. The 2017 XC60 will also honor the same safety reputation with a multitude of safety features equipped onboard. It also excels in the safety crash test department with an overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS honors the XC60 with the Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2017, on putting it through a wall. All of the latest driver-assistance features now come standard this year, even if they were optional for the previous year.

Some of the safety features offered are-

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• City Safety – Low-speed collision avoidance support system
• Lane change assist
• Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear park assist camera with sensors
• Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) – front seats only
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking

2017 Volvo XC60 vs 2017 BMW X3

The BMW X3 is one of the most sought-after SUVs in its segment. It is more athletic than ever. The X3 wins against the XC60 on some fronts. While the Volvo offers better fuel efficiency and better power figures from its 2.0L turbocharged unit, BMW aces on offering a better handling dynamics, and better acceleration figures.

Safety-wise too, there is none in this segment, that can even come close to the XC60's prowess. Moreover, with a multitude of features being made standard in the XC60 for the year 2017, we believe, the Volvo to be the better offering amongst the two, despite its age-old design layout.

2017 Volvo XC60 vs 2017 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5, is one of the most competent crossovers in this class, that features a multitude of impressive features. The Audi Q5, houses the same 2.0L turbocharged powertrain as that of the XC60, but the Q5 better at putting the power down, when it is needed. It also has the segment-best acceleration figures.

Audi Q5 houses a premium cabin-space, that is well sculpted, and filled with creature comforts up to the brim. The best part, the Q5 gets both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard this year onward, which is missing in the Volvo XC60. Our choice of poison out of this rivalry will definitely be the 2017 Audi Q5.

Volvo banks on its cars being the safest in the segment, while the powertrain and the interior front, stand to take a backseat. The 2017 XC60, nevertheless, works upon its faults, by offering the buyers with a potent powertrain, segment-best fuel economy numbers, and a practical design layout, all for a consumer-friendly price tag of $40,950. It takes the brand's legacy even further, with the set of latest safety features being offered as standard. Earning a sure-shot spot in our cars to look out for in the future list, the Volvo XC60 is definitely a crossover you should consider buying.