Volvo XC60 2024 review
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Volvo XC60 is the thinking person's premium SUV: safe, serene and beautifully Scandinavian inside. The 2024 range is built around the B5 mild-hybrid petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo producing 250 PS and driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. With 483 litres of boot space and seating for five in real comfort, it is the archetypal family wagon for buyers who have outgrown the hatchback.
The cabin is a calm, uncluttered space dominated by a portrait touchscreen with Google built in, giving native Google Maps and voice control. Materials are genuinely premium, the seats are among the most comfortable in the class, and standard safety kit includes Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving and blind spot monitoring. UK trims run from Core through Plus to Ultimate, with heated seats and a powered tailgate standard from the start.
On the road the XC60 prioritises comfort over sportiness. The ride is soft and settled, refinement is excellent, and the B5 engine delivers effortless mid-range punch, though town economy in the low 30s reflects its near-two-tonne weight. Rivals such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 are sharper to drive, but none feel as relaxing or as safe. For families, it remains one of the smartest buys in the class.
UK price from: £47,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (B5, mild hybrid) |
| Power | 250 PS (184 kW) |
| 0-60 mph | 7.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 112 mph (electronically limited) |
| Fuel economy | 36.7 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 176 g/km |
| Boot space | 483 litres |
| Length | 4708 mm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Geartronic automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
Features
- Portrait touchscreen with Google built-in (Maps and Assistant)
- Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Power-operated tailgate
- Blind spot information system (BLIS)
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- CleanZone air quality and filtration system
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £0 | Heavy SUV fitment; inspect at each service |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £0 | Large vented discs; replace with pads when worn |
| Oil filter | £0 | Change with 0W-20 oil at annual services |
| Pollen filter | £0 | Supports the CleanZone air quality system |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £0 | Long aero blades for the tall screen |
| 12V battery | £0 | AGM type for stop-start; dealer coding advised |
Pros
- Outstanding standard safety technology
- Wonderfully comfortable seats
- Calm, refined and relaxing cabin
- Strong used values and desirability
Cons
- Thirsty around town for its size
- Infotainment can occasionally lag
- Ride firms up on the biggest wheels
- Options list is expensive
