Her and His Reviews

September 10, 2009

2010 Volvo XC60
2010 Volvo XC60

There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that! To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle – Her and His perspectives.
 

Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Chuck Kerber, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com

 
Anne Chuck
Price
MSRP:Base $32,295 Price as tested $44,500
 MSRP:Base $32,295 Price as tested $44,500
Performance
    This is not your father's Volvo. (Or, even remotely close to my own from 8 years ago). The epitome of style, safety and performance, the Volvo XC-60 crossover has great get up and go with 281 horsepower and tight, responsive handling in the hills.

    Built with AWD, instant traction and antilock brakes, this is a remarkably reliable car in all types of weather.
    The Volvo XC-60 comes equipped with a 3.0 liter six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive and instant traction. Also included is an alloy engine with Continuous Variable Valve Timing. The engine produces 281 horsepower and 295 Lbs of Ft Torque at 1500 RPM, and is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The as-tested 0 - 60 time is 7.1 seconds. Acceleration is immediate and brisk when needed. The ride itself is comfortable, yet the driver doesn't feel isolated from the road. The steering isn't overly soft and feels controlled. The vehicle likes the twists and turns, and with the low center of gravity takes the bends in a surefooted, stable manner.
Fuel Economy
Disappointingly built and rated at16 mpg urban and 22 mpg on the highway. For women and moms running back and forth to the office, school, or after school activities, this 2010 model missed an opportunity to showcase a more family-friendly gas bill. 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on highway
The Car
    Smart and Safe - which words comes first? Actually with the XC-60, either can be used interchangeably. The car is inherently smart and safe in its styling and design and safe and smart with its defensive technology features.

    Being a 'grill girl', the well designed front of the car gives it a both contemporary and natural look with universal appeal.

    The rocker board in the back seat is about 9" taller than in the front/passenger, leaving me with an on-going blind spot when passing and looking over towards the right side of vehicle.

    I found myself fumbling to use the "keyless" fob, as it must still be inserted flush into a starter before engaging the easy-push start button. I would much rather leave it in my purse pocket than have to pullout/put away with every use.

    I was tucked into the memory, leather seats quite comfortably and feel great on the back for longer trips. Airflow and a roomy interior added to that comfort.

At first glance, the XC60 has nothing in common with previous models. Gone are the rigid body lines, replaced by a more fluid design. The front end of the car slopes seamlessly towards the ground. From the side, the vehicle displays an aggressive, yet modern stance. The rear of the car has an oversized window, and elongated tail lights that extend from the bottom of the hatch to the top of the roof. The LED tail lights blend faultlessly with the body of the car and add to the overall flow of the design. The interior of the cabin is warm and welcoming. Volvo provides a "keyless" fob that must be inserted into the dash before pushing a start button. I would have much preferred a truly keyless system where the driver can leave the fob in his/her pocket/purse with removing it to start the engine. The eight-way power leather seats with memory provide proper support and aren't too stiff for long road trips. The controls are well-placed with additional buttons on the steering wheel for added convenience. The windows are large and unobstructed; however there were times that I had difficulty seeing through the back windows due to the dark tint. There is an automated trunk-release button, but the latch only disengages and does not automatically lift the tailgate. The halogen headlights are bright and provide ample illumination while driving at night, although for the 45k price-tag one would expect HID Xenon.
Safety
Between the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) and City Safety this vehicle responds by braking, and communicates, when a driver is encroaching on a car or object.

The longstanding Volvo mantra - protection - is paramount with the enhanced passenger safety cage, Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Side Curtain Airbags, Side Impact Protection and Driver and Passenger Dual Chamber Side Air Bags.

The child safety latch system comes standard.

 For safety, the XC 60 comes equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Enhanced Steel Passenger Safety Cage, Side Curtain Airbags, and Volvo Whip-Lash Protection.

Also included are a Side Impact Protection System with Driver and Passenger Dual Chamber Side Air Bags. Standard are 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution.

Technology
The entire family will be happy with the tech tools in this ride. Music abounds with Sirius satellite radio (with 6 months free service), HD Radio, single-CD and an 8 speaker sound system.

The Navigation system was useful once I found the handy controls to the right back behind the steering wheel, but that was not apparent or intuitive at all.

Also included are USB and AUX connections, Sirius radio with 6-month complimentary service, navigation system & Bluetooth technology.
    The Volvo comes with an eight speaker stereo system with active sound control, single-CD, and 4 X 40 watt Amplifier. Also included, HD Radio, USB and AUX connections, Sirius satellite radio with 6-month complimentary service, and navigation system which was fairly straight forward and uncomplicated. One oddity-there was a separate LCD screen for the stereo information above the navigation screen. It would have been easier to integrate both operations into one slightly larger display to make navigation and stereo operations less complicated for the driver.
Aesthetics & Styling
Quite a sassy and attractive bold exterior works well in this fluid crossover. Clean, attractive and contemporary - all in one. The body of the vehicle, its exterior lights and windows are well proportioned and contoured in a most attractive manner.

The two tone seats, while fun, were a bit contrasting and aggressive for my taste.

At first glance, the XC60 has nothing in common with previous models. Gone are the rigid body lines, replaced by a more fluid design. The front end of the car slopes seamlessly towards the ground. From the side, the vehicle displays an aggressive, yet modern stance. The rear of the car has an oversized window, and elongated tail lights that extend from the bottom of the hatch to the top of the roof. The LED tail lights blend faultlessly with the body of the car and add to the overall flow of the design.
Warranty
5 years, 60,000 Miles 5 years, 60,000 Miles
Non-tangibles / Other
Driving visibility was limited in two areas: 1) the rear view mirror attachment was too large for the windshield 2) the cars rocker panel discussed earlier. This car drives and responds instinctually to the road much like a European and more expensive brand or model. With its aggressive styling and advanced features Volvo is hoping to compete with the likes of the Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX, Infiniti EX, Mercedes GLK, and Audi Q5. Overall the Volvo XC-60 is a comfortable, predictable car to drive. If you're looking for a vehicle that is practical, reliable, and safe this might be a good pick, but only if you're willing to sacrifice the panache and technological features provided by other luxury brands.
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