2012 Volvo XC60 Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Volvo XC60:

As Arrival Vehicles go, this one gives the fashionistas something to look at: a high-waisted shape that flares dramatically as it sweeps back to huge sculptural taillights. Better yet, this visual entertainment takes place without encroaching on the capacity within.

-- Car and Driver

The XC60's dramatic front end and rising beltline create a rakish, aggressive stance, while the deep draw of its shoulderline, and striking, high-visibility taillights make for one delicious posterior. Inside, the deeply grained leather panels, floating center stack, and classy control layout (including steering-wheel-mounted navigation controls and a remote control for the passengers) draw raves from our judges.

-- Motor Trend

A terrific interior, Volvo's best work yet. You can actually feel the grain of the center stack's optional Nordic Light Oak inlay; brushed aluminum comes standard.

-- Road & Track

What reviewers liked least about the Volvo XC60:

Pancake syrup in the steering, sharp ride motions and crashing noises on broken pavement, look-ahead safety system lights up laser detectors.

-- Car and Driver

High rear windowsills and small door apertures make the Volvo feel safe, but a bit claustrophobic - a tradeoff all our judges would gladly take for such a sharp-looking ride.

-- Motor Trend

The leather front seats are super comfortable, but they lack lateral support and are slippery.

-- Road & Track

Volvo XC60 Comparisons:

We rated rear-seat comfort equal to that of the Audi and the Lexus at the top of the group, cargo space topped them all in our beer-case test, and the lightweight liftgate swung so easily that power assist would have been superfluous.

-- Car and Driver

Where did all this go come from? Engine pulls really hard; perhaps not as smooth as the others, but the power is really compelling.

-- Motor Trend

Raising that C30-inspired rear hatch reveals the widest opening in its class.

-- Road & Track

Best one-liner about the Volvo XC60:

Volvo breaks the shackles of stodgy but can't quite make the leap to fun.

-- Car and Driver

Looks good, and is full of Swedish health and safety.

-- TopGear