Used 2014 Volvo XC60

In a tight field of competitors, Volvo’s XC60 for 2014 must deliver luxury like the Lexus RX, power like the agile BMW X3 and Audi Q5 and pricing like the Acura RDX. The XC60 achieves most of these goals, and then tosses in a big dose of styling, safety and individualism. After all, how special can you feel driving a luxury model parked in half the driveways in your neighborhood? The XC60’s trump card, however, is its perfect 5-star crash-test ratings, an achievement no other SUV in this class can match. For anyone who has children, the XC60’s safety record trumps any gains its competitors may have in the areas of power, styling or features.

To no one’s surprise, our opinion of the 2014 Volvo XC60 depends greatly on which engine is under the hood. Performance from the base 240-horsepower 6-cylinder is adequate, but requiring nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph won’t cut it in this league. The turbocharged T6 and T6 R-Design deliver a much more satisfying driving experience, providing effortless power to merge, overtake or simply enjoy the drive. The new Corner Traction Control system improves cornering and stability, but with the T6 models come a stiffer ride and a bit more road noise in the cabin. Don’t even get us started about the ride with the optional 20-inch wheels. For most drivers, the 18-inch wheels on the base 3.2 and T6 will suffice.

As befitting a Swedish automobile, the XC60’s interior is sleek and understated. A new dash layout includes an available TFT adaptable digital instrument cluster that allows the driver to select different settings and colors. Still onboard is Volvo’s clever ventilation control in the shape of a person sitting down. To direct air to your upper body, just hit the figure’s “head;” touch the legs, and air moves to the foot-wells. Contrasting colors adorn seats and door panels, and the bucket-style front seats are very comfortable. On the downside, the manual lumbar controls are awkwardly placed and hard to operate.

Today’s Volvos look nothing like the blocky models of the past. Bucking the squared edges and boxy greenhouses of other SUVs, the XC60 has a wonderfully graceful profile. Lovely in form, the 2014 Volvo XC60 is still functional. The vehicle’s roof rails are low to reduce wind noise, and an optional crossbar system can be attached to carry bikes, kayaks, skis and more. R-Design models have stylish 20-inch wheels that lessen the XC60’s off-road abilities in favor of more pavement performance. If you regularly churn through snow or mud, we recommend the base 3.2 or T6 trim.

CITY SAFE
This system provides a technological safety net for distracted drivers. At speeds of 19 mph or below, the system senses stopped or slow-moving objects ahead – other cars or pedestrians – and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not, avoiding or reducing the severity of accidents.

R-DESIGN
With increased horsepower and torque, the 2014 T6 R-Design XC60 is now the smaller luxury SUV to beat. Fuel economy for this version is only fair – 17 mpg city/23 highway – but it’s no worse than the less-powerful turbo engine used in the mid-level T6, and can still run on regular unleaded.

A base 2014 Volvo XC60 comes with a 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, skidplates on the front and rear, the City Safety system, a 5-year/50,000-mile warranty, complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for five years, and five years of roadside assistance. Also standard are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, power windows, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface with audio streaming, 18-inch wheels, a 160-watt, 8-speaker sound system with CD/DVD player and HD Radio, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the 3.2 (AWD optional) while all T6s are all-wheel drive only.

The Tech Package bundles a series of safety technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Warning, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection and the new Road Sign Information, which “sees” important road signs approaching and displays them on the driver information screen. Other available additions to the XC60 include in-dash navigation, dual-screen rear-entertainment system, 12-speaker premium sound system, integrated rear child safety seats, panoramic roof with power sunshade, and a walnut steering wheel. The Climate Package adds heated front and rear seats, heated windshield and a heated steering wheel. New options include active HID headlights with heated washers and a Sport Package.

The 2014 Volvo XC60 3.2 is powered by a modest 3.2-liter inline-6. T6 models employ a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower. R-Design models give a further boost to the turbo engine, raising output to 325 horsepower. All XC60 models are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and can run on regular unleaded gasoline. Towing capacity for all models is limited to 3,300 pounds.

3.2-liter inline-6
240 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg (FWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,100-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
325 horsepower @ 5,400-6,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg