2018 Volvo XC60 Review: Premium Performance Meets Scandinavian Luxury
When Volvo unveiled its 2018 XC60, many enthusiasts did a double-take. The midsize luxury SUV bears such striking resemblance to its larger XC90 sibling that distinguishing them at a glance proves challenging. This deliberate design harmony represents Volvo's new generation of vehicles - sophisticated, safety-focused, and distinctly Scandinavian. But beneath the shared aesthetic lies a model with its own compelling identity, offering premium features at a more accessible price point.
Key Takeaways
- Complete redesign from the ground up with XC90-inspired styling
- Three powertrain options including hybrid variants
- Class-leading safety technology as standard
- Spacious interior with premium materials throughout
- Competitive pricing against German rivals
Design Evolution: XC90's Little Sibling Comes of Age
The 2018 XC60 represents Volvo's second vehicle built on their advanced SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, following the acclaimed XC90. This shared foundation enables:
- Design consistency: Signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, concave grille, and muscular shoulder lines
- Structural advantages: High-strength steel safety cage with energy-absorbing zones
- Weight distribution: Near-perfect 55/45 front/rear balance for responsive handling
Dimensionally, the XC60 measures 184.6 inches long - 7.1 inches shorter than the XC90 - making it more maneuverable in urban environments while still offering generous passenger space.
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Exterior Styling Highlights
- 18-21 inch alloy wheel options depending on trim
- Dual integrated exhaust tips (T6 models)
- Power-operated tailgate with hands-free opening
- Available panoramic moonroof
Interior: Scandinavian Sanctuary
Step inside the 2018 XC60 and the family resemblance continues, with an interior that elevates Volvo's reputation for understated luxury.
Notable Cabin Features
Feature | Standard | Available |
---|---|---|
Upholstery | Leatherette | Nappa leather, ventilated seats |
Infotainment | 9-inch Sensus touchscreen | Bowers & Wilkins audio, head-up display |
Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic | Four-zone with air quality system |
The vertically oriented 9-inch Sensus touchscreen dominates the center stack, reducing button clutter while maintaining intuitive operation. Real metal, genuine wood, and soft-touch materials create a premium tactile experience throughout the cabin.
Performance: Efficient Power Across the Range
The 2018 XC60 offered three distinct powertrain configurations:
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Engine Options
- T5: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (250 hp, 258 lb-ft)
- T6: 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder (316 hp, 295 lb-ft)
- T8 Twin Engine: Plug-in hybrid (400 hp combined)
All models came standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive (except base T5 FWD). The T6's unique twin-charged setup delivered V6-like power with 4-cylinder efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined.
Driving Dynamics
Volvo tuned the XC60's chassis for comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. Available adaptive dampers (Four-C Cornering Chassis Control) adjusted suspension firmness 500 times per second based on road conditions. The optional air suspension further enhanced ride quality, automatically lowering the vehicle at highway speeds for improved aerodynamics.
Safety: Raising the Bar Again
True to Volvo's heritage, the 2018 XC60 arrived packed with innovative safety technology, much of it standard equipment:
- City Safety: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Pilot Assist: Semi-autonomous driving up to 80 mph
- Run-off Road Protection: Pre-tensioning seatbelts if unintended lane departure detected
- BLIS: Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert
The XC60 earned top marks across all IIHS crash tests, including the challenging small overlap front collision, and received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.
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Trim Level Comparison
The 2018 XC60 was available in four well-equipped trims:
Trim | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Momentum | $41,500 | LED headlights, leatherette, dual-zone climate |
R-Design | $45,100 | Sport chassis, paddle shifters, metallic mesh trim |
Inscription | $46,900 | Luxury seating, linear walnut wood inlays |
T8 Twin Engine | $52,900 | Plug-in hybrid, 17-mile electric range |
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
In the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, the 2018 XC60 distinguished itself with:
- More standard safety features than Audi Q5, BMW X3, or Mercedes GLC
- Superior cargo capacity (17.8 cu-ft behind seats) compared to segment average
- Unique powertrain options like the T8 plug-in hybrid
- Competitive lease rates often under $500/month with minimal due at signing
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Ownership Experience
Volvo backed the 2018 XC60 with:
- 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty
- 4-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance
- 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance
Consumer Reports predicted average reliability for the 2018 model year, with most reported issues involving the infotainment system rather than mechanical components.
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Is the 2018 Volvo XC60 Right For You?
The redesigned XC60 presents a compelling option for buyers seeking:
- Scandinavian luxury with minimalist design and premium materials
- Class-leading safety without expensive option packages
- Efficient performance from advanced turbocharged engines
- Strong value retention - depreciates slower than German rivals
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While the XC90 offers more space for large families, the XC60 delivers nearly identical sophistication and technology in a more manageable package - often for $15,000 less when comparing similarly equipped models.