2019 Volvo XC60

The 2019 Volvo XC60 is available in three trim options which include the entry-level Momentum, mid-trim R-Design, and top-trim Inscription. The prices of the 2019 Volvo XC60 start at an MSRP of $39,200 while the range-topping Inscription T6 trim is priced at $52,250. The feature is well distributed across the trims and even the base trim gets a host of features. All the details about the trims and features are mentioned below:

Which Trim should you buy?

The fully loaded Inscription trim in the line-up may not be extremely VFM but comes loaded with a long list of features and safety equipment. All this not only makes it an extremely premium and luxurious car but in addition, also makes it extremely practical for everyday usage. The FWD Momentum trim is also a great choice for anyone who is tight on the budget and is wanting to have a car that boasts high levels of performance and safety.

The 2019 Volvo XC60 gets a 2.0-L turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 250 hp of peak power and 258 lb-ft of peak torque. This engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The T6 variant comes fitted with a turbocharger and supercharger as well. This combination allows it to churn out 316hp. While the Momentum variant gets an FWD option, all the other variants offer AWD variants as well. A plug-in-hybrid version of the vehicle is also on offer with the car.

The NVH levels of this engine are impressive and the cabin remains calm with no harsh voice intrusion from the engine or the exhaust. The engine responds well to the throttle inputs and the power is available from the lower RPMs, thus making it a good car for urban usage. The AWD system is highly capable and helps in increasing the traction which pushes the car hard. In all, the powertrain on offer with the 2019 Volvo XC60 is competent and offers good performance and driveability. 

The performance offered by the 2019 Volvo XC60 is decent if not the best in the segment. The car does a 0-60 mph run in just 6.5 secs. However, rivals offer better performance, and the BMW X3 remains the fastest of the lot with 0 to 60 mph time of 6 seconds. The Volvo XC60 remains the last car to complete the quarter-mile run.

How well does the 2019 Volvo XC60 handle?

The overall handling of the 2019 Volvo XC60 is impressive and does inspire confidence when being pushed hard. The steering is not very hard and weighs up decently well as the speeds go up. The feel and feedback from the wheel are impressive at city speeds and the body roll is almost negligible. 

The suspension offers a good combination between ride and handling and the ride quality is very composed. The suspension is more focused on comfort and the competition like BMW X3 offers better driving dynamics. The steering wheel also lacks the feel at higher speeds. The brakes also disappoint, taking away from the driving feel.

 2019 Volvo XC60 Braking Performance

The 2019 Volvo XC60 gets an all-wheel disc setup. For starters, the car gets 13.6-inch rotors at the front while the rear wheels get a 12.6-inch brake rotor setup. The car also gets many other electronic safety features such as brake assist that are said to improve the braking of the vehicle. The braking performance however is decent and could have been better. The brake pedal lacks any feel and feedback while the brake fade is very evident once the car is pushed hard for long durations. 

The 2019 Volvo XC60 comes to a complete stop from 60 mph in just 114 ft which is the best. GLC Class even though being lightweight and with a similar brake setup as the Volvo takes around 119 feet to stop from 60mph. The only thing that lacks from the Volvo XC60’s braking performance is that there is no positive feel from the brake pedals.

The overall fuel economy offered by the 2019 Volvo XC60 is decent and respectable for a car of this class. The car gets a claimed fuel economy of 22 mpg for city driving while the highway economy stands at 28 mpg. The combined fuel economy is 23 miles per gallon and with a larger 18.5 gallons fuel tank. The larger fuel tank combined with very decent fuel economy translates to a good highway range.

When compared to the rivals, the 2019 Volvo XC60 offers respectable fuel economy figures. The hybrid variants however offer better fuel economy. X3 offers the best fuel economy and it comes with a large fuel tank too, taking its overall range close to 500 miles. However, the Volvo XC60 comes with the largest 18.5 gallons fuel tanks and it also manages to offer the best range in the segment.

The 2019 Volvo XC60 comes with a spacious and well-built cabin that boasts high-quality plastics and materials. The front seats get a power-adjustable option with memory function while heated seats are offered as standard in all the AWD variants. The overall comfort and support offered by the front seats are respectable. There is no dearth of headroom and the under-thigh support too is adequate. 

The high seating position helps in moving in and out of the vehicle. The rear seats however offer decent space but under-thigh support could have been better. On the features front, the 2019 Volvo XC60 offers automatic dual-zone climate control, heated seats, 10-way power-adjustable front seat, and ambient lighting. In addition to this, the XV60 also comes with interior air filtration, and a number of other features. The dashboard features a modern layout that looks pleasing and the ergonomics of the vehicle too are sorted. 

Space offered inside the cabin of the 2019 Volvo XC60 is enough and at par with the rivals. However, a few more features would have been appreciated. The headroom at the rear is too adequate and in all, the cabin of the 2019 XC60 offers good comfort and space. Merc GLC Class is the most spacious in the competition and it comes with 19.4 cu ft of cargo space. Some of the interior features in the 2019 Volvo XC60 include: 

• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Interior air filtration
• Front seatback storage
• 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• Ambient lighting
• Optional head-up display

What’s there to keep you entertained?

A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is available with the 2019 Volvo XC60. This system features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Satellite radio, voice activation, and recognition. The audio system is a 14-speaker setup that is being driven by a 650W premium amplifier system. The audio output is incredible and better than most of the rivals. The car also gets Sensus Connect internet access. Some of the infotainment features include:

• Satellite Radio
• Voice-activated controls
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Sensus connect Internet access
• 14-speaker audio system
• The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system

The design language of the 2019 Volvo XC60 is in line with most of the cars in the brand’s lineup. The exterior dimensions may not be huge but the large grille at the front and the vertical mounted LED taillights at the rear do give it that iconic Volvo look. Apart from that, the car gets an aggressive design language and does give a great road presence. 

The 18-inch alloy wheels complement the rather subtle side profile while the quasi dual stainless exhaust pipes do give it a sporty touch. The fit and finish levels are respectable and in all, the 2019 Volvo XC60 is definitely a handsome looking car in the segment.

While the rivals of the 2019 Volvo XC60 offer bigger exterior dimensions, the XC60 however gives a great road presence and an aggressive design. Range Rover Velar is the longest vehicle on the lot but it doesn’t translate to more interior space. 2019 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 manages to offer a marginally better wheelbase compared to the RR Velar. Some of the noteworthy exterior features in the 2019 Volvo XC60 are: 

• LED headlights with active high beams
• LED Taillights
• 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Rear fog lamps
• Dual sunroof/moonroof
• Power liftgate
• Cornering lights
• Quasi dual stainless steel exhaust system
• Tow hitch

Volvo cars have always offered segment-leading safety features and the 2019 XC60 is no different. The car not only boasts high built quality, reinforced body shell, and a strong chassis but also offers a long list of electronic nannies in terms of safety. Having said that, the Volvo XC60 comes with features like driver drowsiness detected, active braking, blind-spot detection, etc. The car also scored great points in various crash tests. Standout safety features in the 2019 Volvo XC60 include:

• Driver Drowsiness detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Active high beam headlamps
• Active braking
• Roll stability control
• Volvo on-call emergency SOS
• Lane Departure control
• Blindspot detection

2019 Volvo XC60 vs 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar is one of the most luxurious cars in the market right now and comes with an extremely competent mechanical setup. The car gives strong competition to the rivals but choice simply depends on the personal preference. The Velar looks more like an SUV from the outside. You can not go wrong with any of them, but the XC60 will be a better pick if you are tight on the budget.

2019 Volvo XC60 vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

For anyone who is looking to buy a car that gives the best in-cabin experience and comfort levels, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 may just be a great choice. The car gets high-quality materials, comfortable seats, high levels of cabin insulation, and stellar NVH levels. The XC60 on the other hand offers better driving dynamics and capabilities.

2019 Volvo XC60 vs 2019 BMW X3

The BMW X3 is known for its driving dynamics, premium and feature-rich cabin. The car also boasts good long-term reliability and outperforms the XC60 in driving dynamics. The Bimmer also offers better fuel economy. The XC60 on the other hand is a comfortable cruiser that provides great value with better standard safety tech and features.

The Volvo XC60 comes out to be a comfortable, well-built, and safe crossover in the segment. The XC60 boasts an extremely capable powertrain in addition to the high build quality levels. All three trim levels offer a long list of features and are priced at affordable prices. In all, the XC60 is a good-looking vehicle and comes with aggressive design language and modern equipment. It becomes a good option in the segment for the value that it offers.