Volvo XC60 review

Overview

The second-generation XC60 moved Volvo's medium SUV onto its SPA architecture and offers a different ownership proposition from the outgoing model. This review selects a 2018 UK D4 AWD Momentum with the eight-speed Geartronic, not a five-cylinder first-generation car, D5 PowerPulse, T8 plug-in hybrid or newer mild hybrid. RoadMatch regards it as a comfort-oriented family purchase for regular longer journeys. The Momentum's comparatively sensible wheel and trim positioning can be useful, but equipment must be checked against the individual build. A used premium SUV still needs a maintenance budget and inspection; the relaxed cabin image is not evidence that an eight-year-old example has avoided emissions, electronic or suspension work.

Exterior and interior

The SPA XC60 has cleaner proportions and a portrait touchscreen cabin than its predecessor, with a visual relationship to the larger XC90. The UK launch Momentum includes leather-faced upholstery and heated front seats, while Pro and higher trims add different adjustments and presentation details. Try the actual seat support and entry height rather than assuming the preferred Volvo image guarantees a comfortable driving position. Inspect frequently touched trim, seat bolsters and every adjustment. Autocar and Auto Express support the cabin's appeal, but used condition determines whether that appeal survives. Optional roofs and larger wheels can change the experience, so read the build specification before equating an attractive photograph with your selected car's equipment.

Practicality

The period UK technical material gives a 505-litre luggage volume to the glass line with the rear seats raised. That defined measurement should not be mixed with later conventions or plug-in-hybrid packaging. The XC60 has five seats, not an XC90-style third row, so buyers needing seven positions should look elsewhere. Bring your pushchair or mobility equipment to inspect the opening and usable floor, and test rear access with your normal passengers. A bulky child seat can reduce front-seat movement even in a substantial SUV. Check storage covers and folding mechanisms for damage, and measure driveway width with doors open. Parking technology can help manoeuvres, but cannot create physical space in a narrow household bay.

Driving experience

The early XC60's strongest case is composed, low-effort family travel rather than sharp steering engagement. Autocar and Auto Express's generation-specific assessments support that distinction, while later Carwow material is used only as broader family context. RoadMatch favours a comfort-focused Momentum and a test on actual local surfaces. Larger optional wheels, air suspension and sportier specifications should not be treated as dynamically identical. Include broken urban roads, a fast section and a low-speed turn, checking for vibration, wandering or tyre noise. The automatic gearbox and AWD can make ordinary travel convenient, but the condition of tyres and suspension determines much of the result. A premium badge cannot compensate for neglected alignment or worn components.

Performance

The D4 launch specification is 190 PS, approximately 187 bhp, and the original UK technical guide labels its 7.9-second acceleration figure as 0–60 mph. It must not be presented as 0–62 mph or confused with the faster D5. The selected four-cylinder diesel supplies useful everyday acceleration without needing the hybrid's stronger headline performance. Test clean delivery and predictable Geartronic response both cold and after a normal journey. Distinguish ordinary diesel sound from a warning, hesitation or abnormal vibration that needs investigation. AWD improves available traction with suitable tyres; it does not shorten every stopping distance or excuse excessive speed. RoadMatch sees the D4 as sufficient for family touring when its maintenance and intended usage fit.

Fuel economy

The original UK launch lists configuration-qualified NEDC economy rather than a universal real-world result. RoadMatch omits a numeric mpg field because later homologation and equipment changes can obscure the precise car being advertised. Its annual cost model uses 45 mpg as an explicit assumption, not an observed test. A diesel XC60 makes a clearer case for regular warm longer journeys than repeated short cold errands. Ask for coherent fuel records if economy matters, and account for traffic, loads, towing and winter conditions. The T8's weighted hybrid figure is irrelevant to this D4. Check the actual registration emissions and tax details rather than applying launch-era marketing statements to every car or ownership year.

Reliability

The early SPA diesel needs a coherent record of servicing and campaign work. Auto Express's used guide identifies relevant intake and electronic campaign history, but VIN applicability and completion must come from Volvo rather than a general article. Inspect the emissions system, charging electrical system, cooling, Geartronic behaviour and AWD-related maintenance with a knowledgeable specialist. Optional air suspension adds a separate inspection and cost question; its absence or presence must be established. RoadMatch's moderate-confidence score is an original judgement, not a measured fault rate. A diagnostic report is worthwhile where previous warnings have been cleared or described vaguely. A good buying decision includes enough reserve for premium repairs outside the routine annual allowance.

Safety

The official 2017 Euro NCAP XC60 record identifies a D4 AWD Momentum test vehicle, making it relevant exact-generation evidence for this selection. RoadMatch does not reproduce protected scores, ratings or images, and a historical assessment does not prove the present condition of a used example. City Safety is manufacturer-described standard equipment, but Pilot Assist was optional at UK launch and should be verified individually. Inspect sensors, warning lamps and evidence of calibration after windscreen or body repair. Test child-seat installation using the car's manual. The GOV.UK recall lookup and Volvo VIN campaign record are necessary to establish remedial work; an original safety reputation is not a substitute for those ownership checks.

Technology and features

The early Sensus touchscreen is distinct from the later Google-based XC60 system. The original UK launch made smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional, so a seller should demonstrate those functions on the actual car. Pair your phone, try navigation and find climate controls while stationary. Connected services can depend on account transfer, subscriptions and older network support, which may differ from the original brochure's promise. Enhanced parking cameras and Pilot Assist are also option-dependent. Check every installed function rather than focusing on screen size, and ask the seller to remove previous account access. Dependable daily operation and confirmed options matter more than assuming every modern Volvo feature is present.

Running costs

RoadMatch's 3 October 2026 purchase planning range is £14,000–£20,000, with £2,200–£3,050 annually at 8,000 miles. These are editorial estimates, not live valuations or insurance quotations. The calculation assumes 45 mpg and diesel at £1.50 per litre, plus servicing, tyres and a routine reserve. Insurance, finance, depreciation and major engine, gearbox, electronic or suspension repairs are excluded. Obtain personal quotes and price the actual tyre size before buying. Registration-based tax and local emissions-zone eligibility should also be checked. If the car has optional air suspension or substantial deferred maintenance, create a separate contingency; an economical fuel bill does not remove premium-SUV repair exposure.

Advantages and disadvantages