2017 Volvo XC60 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Buyers in the market for a luxury compact SUV may find the 2017 Volvo XC60 a compelling option to consider. Its powerful engine options coupled with a luxurious, understated Scandinavian style can still win over customers. This SUV drives like a smaller vehicle thanks to superior handling and controls. It’s also one of the safest vehicles on the road today, passing crash tests with perfect scores and sporting many accident avoidance technologies.

What’s New for 2017

The big changes in the 2017 Volvo XC60 are under the hood. Previous models had three different engines to choose from, but this year’s XC60 simplifies those choices to two Drive-E four-cylinder engine options. The T5 engine yields 240 horsepower while the T6 boasts 300.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Volvo XC60 – The Pros

1. Fuel Efficient for Its Niche

The gas mileage for this crossover SUV is better than most in its class at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the FWD option. The AWD edition still manages 20 mpg and 29 mpg, respectively. The XC60 achieves this with its stop-start system that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and starts it up again when you take your foot off the brake. This means no more wasteful idling.

2. A Powerful Engine Compared to Peers

The 2017 Volvo XC60 has a two engine options: A turbocharged FWD four-cylinder with 240 horsepower or the supercharged AWD engine that comes in at 300 horsepower. Either of these options will make merging and overtaking other cars a breeze. Both engines use the same eight speed transmission that shifts smoothly.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control

The adaptive cruise control uses radar to detect vehicles ahead in the same lane and adjusts the vehicle’s speed as needed to maintain a safe distance. It will remain active down to 18 mph, which means the XC60 can handle slow stop-and-go traffic.

4. Elegant Exterior

The XC60 continues to sport an elegant exterior trim that exudes crossover luxury. If you already liked the style of the Volvo crossovers, then this will be a selling point.

5. Comfortable Interior

The 2017 Volvo XC60 has a high-end, luxury interior with real wood and leather upholstery, which is not a common feature for vehicles in the XC60’s price range. Leather seats usually add thousands to a competitor’s price, but the XC60 includes them in its base price.

6. Advanced Stability Control

The XC60 comes equipped with Volvo’s Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) system that keeps you firmly on the road in slippery conditions. This combined with the XC60’s superior handling will leave you feeling like you’re driving a car instead of an SUV.

7. Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert

The 2017 Volvo XC60 takes safety seriously with features like the Blind Spot Information system that gives you automatic indicators when other vehicles are passing in your blind spots. Lights illuminate on the side mirrors and become urgent if you turn on the turn signal in that direction. The cross traffic alert is an audio signal that sounds when crossing traffic is detected while the vehicle is backing up.

8. Collision Warning and Pedestrian Detection

The Volvo XC60 is equipped with a Pedestrian Protection System that’s designed to reduce the possible injuries to pedestrians in the event of a frontal collision. It also has a collision warning system that help reduce the chance of being hit from behind and activates the seat belts and the Whiplash Protection System in case a collision does occur.

9. Superior Crash Protection

It’s not a surprise that the 2017 Volvo XC60 has placed among the highest safety scores because Volvo has always made safety a priority. The Institute of Highway Safety chose this model for its Top Safety Pick+ rating. The XC60 got perfect scores in overall, frontal, and side crash tests.

10. Ample Cargo Space

The 2017 Volvo XC60 would be an excellent choice for families looking for a vehicle to take on road trips or shopping holidays. The cargo space measures 30.8 cubic feet and the vehicles seats five. That’s enough room to carry luggage for everyone, and it’s more cargo space than most of this model’s competitors.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Volvo XC60 – The Cons

1. Reliability Leaves Something to be Desired

The 2017 Volvo XC60 has lackluster reliability ratings, scoring low in overall quality of its design and its features and accessories. There's already been a couple airbag and seat belt recalls for the model. If reliability is a must, other vehicles in this category may be a better choice.

2. Its Base Price is Higher than Other Similar Vehicles

If frugality is a concern, the Volvo XC60 isn’t the best bargain you can find. Similar vehicles in this niche come with a lower base price, although you may be losing some extras that you get with the XC60. With other choices, you could forgo some of those extras and pocket the difference.

3. Hard to Use Infotainment System

The 2017 Volvo XC60’s infotainment system is not intuitive with complicated menus to sort through and learn before you’ll feel comfortable with it. Operating it with a physical knob and keypad on the dash feels dated in the era of smart touchscreens. A couple of the competitors have touchscreens that are easier to use.

Conclusion

The 2017 Volvo XC60 is still a solid luxury crossover SUV. If you’re willing to spend more than you would with equivalent models like the BMW X3 or Acura RDX, this SUV may be right for you. You get more standard features for that higher price tag, and the XC60 continues the Volvo tradition of building some of the safest vehicles on the road today. The handling is superb and the interior will make you feel more comfortable than you are at home.