Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The 2022 Volvo XC60 is a rare sight on the road, which is a shame as this Swedish built, premium compact Crossover is very good. The XC60 slot above the smaller XC40 and below the flagship XC90 SUV. First up is the attractive styling – influenced by the larger XC90 and the wonderful interior design. For 2022, the second-generation XC60 sees a major updates. The 2021 T5 and T6 powertrains have been replaced with new, 48-volt mild hybrid setups called B5 and B6. The infotainment system now runs on a Google operating system, and there are revised styling details.
The Volvo XC60 is powered by a choice of two mild-hybrid engines or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The base engine in the B5 model is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 48V mild-hybrid inline-4. The B6 models add an “E-charger,” which boost power at a slight fuel economy penalty.
The Recharge and T8 Polestar Engineered models use a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the B5 model, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. On the B6 and Recharge models, all-wheel drive comes standard.
Volvo offers the 2022 XC60 in Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trim levels. Momentum starts with the B5 powertrain; the more powerful B6 engine option as tested is optional in Momentum and standard in R-Design and Inscription. Momentum trim includes dual-zone A/C, a 12-inch digital gauge display, auto-dimming mirrors, fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, passive keyless entry, hands-free tailgate, heated/power-adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar, and wireless phone charging. R-Design trim adds four-zone A/C, front park assist, 19-inch wheels, gloss black exterior trim, Nappa leather, power child safety locks, four-way front-seat lumbar, and a Harman Kardon stereo with subwoofer. A climate package brings a heated steering wheel, headlight washers, and your choice of heated rear seats or integrated booster cushions.
The XC60’s cabin is uniquely Swedish: clean, modern with a neat orderly look. Super comfortable seats, plenty of leg, and head room. The dash switch gear, knobs and controls are all ergonomically perfect Equipment on our tester included: 2-Zone Climate Control, Panoramic Sunroof, BLIS – Blind Spot Information System with Cross traffic alert, Keyless Entry with Handsfree Tailgate Opening, Power Child Lock Rear Doors, 12.3 inch Driver Display, and “re-Charge” Sill moulding. Safety is also high with: LED Headlights with Active Bending Lights, Lane, Keeping Aid, Park Assist Camera, customizable driver aids and an effective semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control with steering assistance.
Volvo’s Sensus infotainment suite is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and offers smart phones compatibility, Bluetooth, including speech-to-text, allowing it to read and compose text messages without outside assistance. However, the Sensus has various sub menus for most features that can be difficult to navigate on the road.
Back to the interior, the huge panoramic roof means the cabin feels light and airy. Roomy, comfortable back seat with Volvo’s unique integrated booster seats. The XC60’s cargo area is s one of the largest in the segment with a pass-through for longer objects .behind the eats there is 598 litres of cargo space and a foot sweep function to open or close the rear tailgate.
On the road ,the XC60’s is supremely comfortable thanks to its excellent seats and supple suspension – stay away from the bigger wheels option that may look good but do affect the ride somewhat. The XC60proved to be a competent, composed driver on the highway and has a tight turning radius for easy steering in urban areas. The driving experience is enhanced by a smooth shifting 8- speed transmission. The active cruise control is a stand-out with its adjustable distance control Safety as usual is very high with plethora of driver aids and technology with both active and passive safety well catered for. Volvo’s fuel consumption estimates for the XC60 are 10.5/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) with the B5 powertrain, and 11.0/8.7 L/100 km for B6 models.
To sum up, not a lot to complain about with XC60. It look great, has a cool, comfortable interior with distinct Swedish design elements. Power train options are good, and the Recharge version is very tempting if I were looking at the range. A bit expensive, but you do gain premium interiors, vault -like build quality md amazing technology. Highly recommended if you want Swedish exclusivity.
2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Priced From $56,645
More info at www.volvo.ca
