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PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
reasonably agile, and capable of holding its own in the 0-to-60 department
Car and Driver
Mash the throttle from a stop and the XC60 responds with quick and linear acceleration.
Edmunds
The throttle responds eagerly when nudged and delivers a pleasing growl when crushed.
Motor Trend
The steering is meaty and precise, and there is plenty of thrust from the smooth Six.
Popular Mechanics
Overall, the inline-six makes the XC60 feel light and lively despite its more-than-two-ton curb weight
Cars.com
You can get the XC60 with a choice of two different engines, as well as with front- or all-wheel drive. While they can vary quite a bit in perceived quickness, the XC60 in any case handles securely and responsively.
The base 240-hp, 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine is strong and very smooth, but it doesn't always move the heavy (4,200-pound) all-wheel-drive XC60 as quickly as you might think. Front-wheel-drive versions feel just a bit faster. And these models do wake up a bit on the highway, where the responsive six-speed automatic transmission helps make the most of it with rapid passes--especially with the Sport mode engaged.
With the more performance-oriented XC60 T6 model you get a turbocharged six rated at 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, the uprated crossover has gutsy performance, and it can accelerate to 60 mph in seven seconds or less.
If you appreciate decent handling, don't let the XC60's tall proportions scare you off; the XC60 drives like a much lower vehicle, with a secure, planted feel in tight corners. You can't quite call the XC60 a sporty vehicle, but it's stable and responsive, with steering that's weighted better than in previous Volvo models. T6 models corner a bit better, and steering feel can be adjusted through screen-based settings.
With 9.1 inches of ground clearance and a solid Haldex all-wheel drive system, the XC60 has the goods for getting through deep snow, or even through a muddy path to a trailhead. The XC60 shares some mechanical and structural pieces with the Volvo S80, but running gear has been bolstered to be ready for when the pavement ends.Conclusion
The XC60 is quick and secure, but not at all an edgy performer.
