2010 Volvo XC60

Smaller, more fuel efficient and infinitely more fun than the brand's bloated XC90 crossover, the five-passenger 2010 XC60 Model comes to the table with modern Swedish design and an intriguing new safety feature.

The 2010 Volvo XC60 is pricey and its fuel economy could be better, but Volvo's little SUV is an appealing new entry in a segment crowded with good but not great vehicles.

Prices for the XC60 start at $37,200. All models come with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and 281-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine.

I tested a well-equipped XC60 that cost $41,425. All prices exclude destination charges.

The XC60's price puts it in the heart of the market for five-seat luxury crossovers.



It competes with the $33,895 Acura RDX, $39,700 BMW X3, $33,300 Infiniti EX35 AWD, $39,100 Lexus RX 350 AWD and $39,695 Lincoln MKX AWD, among others. Promising newcomers to the class include the Audi Q5 and Cadillac SRX, which are to go on sale shortly.

Adding to the XC60's appeal is a long list of standard features including leather seats and a new system to prevent low-speed crashes, and an introductory package that throws in a big, two-panel sunroof at no charge. The sunroof is free now, but will become a $1,200 option at some point.



The XC60 is a comfortable, roomy SUV that offers good power and handling in a very attractive body.

The XC60 offers a generous 101.9-cubic-foot passenger compartment that provides good front and rear seat comfort. The cargo compartment is a useful 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat -- bigger than the RDX and X3, smaller than the MKX and RX 350 -- and 67.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat.

The interior features the modern and elegant design that's become Volvo's hallmark. It is enhanced by high-quality materials and simple controls.

Large sideview mirrors and big windows provide excellent visibility in all directions.

The body's flowing fenders and rising beltline fit perfectly with the rest of Volvo's model line and give the XC60 a unique and appealing look.

Volvo's smooth turbocharged inline-six engine is among the most powerful in its class, providing plenty of punch for confident acceleration.

The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly. The XC60's EPA fuel economy rating of 16 m.p.g. in the city and 22 m.p.g. on the highway trails competitors like the Q5, RX 350 and X3.

The ride is smooth and comfortable, but the supple chassis also performs admirably in quick maneuvers and zipping around curves. Body roll is minimal, and the steering is responsive and nicely weighted.



The XC60 introduces Volvo's latest safety system, a feature that applies the brakes automatically to prevent low-speed collisions.

Called City Safe, the system is active at speeds below 20 m.p.h. and applies the brakes hard when a collision is imminent, bringing the SUV to a complete stop. An enhanced version of the system that detects pedestrians will debut on the next generation of Volvo's S60 sedan in 2011.

With its sporty character, slinky Swedish style, room, comfort and appealing price, the Volvo XC60 raises the bar for small luxury crossover SUVs.

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Rating And Specs: 2010 Volvo XC60

Price as tested: $41,425 (excluding destination charges)

Rating: **** (out of four stars)

Reasons to buy: Looks, handling, safety

Shortcoming: Fuel economy

**** Best in its class

*** Above average

** Competent

* Below average

Vehicle type: All-wheel drive five-passenger luxury crossover

Base price: $37,250 (excluding destination charges)

As tested: $41,425

Specifications as tested

Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged DOHC 24-valve straight-six engine

Power: 281 horsepower at 5,600 r.p.m., 295 pound-feet of torque at 1,500-4,800 r.p.m.; 3.5L has 263 horsepower at 6,250 r.p.m., 249 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 r.p.m.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 16 m.p.g. city/22 m.p.g. highway.

Safety equipment: Automatic braking for low-speed accidents; antilock brakes; electronic stability control; curtain air bags; front-seat side air bags; tire pressure monitor; front-seat whiplash protection; seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters

Wheelbase: 109.2 inches

Length: 182.2 inches

Width: 74.4 inches

Height: 67.4 inches

Curb weight: 4,174 pounds

Where assembled: Ghent, Belgium

Comparative base prices

AWD automatic transmission models, not including destination charges

BMW X3: $39,700

Infiniti EX 35 AWD: $33,300

Lexus RX 350 AWD: $39,100

Lincoln MKX AWD: $39,695

2010 Volvo XC60 Gallery