2017 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription new car reviews

Volvo's crossovers have been fantastic high-end options for years, and they don't seem to be slowing down. Our test car came with the Inscription package, which meant a blind spot information system, interior walnut wood inlay, accent lighting and a unique set of wheels.

The XC60 may only have a 2.0-liter engine, but thanks to both a turbocharger and a supercharger on the T6 variant, it puts out over 300 horsepower with minimal lag.

Other staff views

David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

Before you test drive a luxury SUV from one of the usual suspects, check out Volvo’s latest offerings. They’re that good. The interiors feel both subtle yet solid. Seats are comfortable. All of the expected gadgets are present.

Yes, the tablet-style interface takes a little getting used to, but after a few minutes it started to make sense. Think of it like a big iPhone and you’ll be mostly there.

Then there are the looks. Wow. Chiseled, sculpted lines that I think will age nicely. It’s both modern yet, at the same time, looks like a Volvo.

How does it drive? Really, really nice. You could drive this thing anywhere, any day, and be comfortable. It’s not a burnout machine, but it’s way above par for the course.

I know I was a little harsh on my review of the Volvo V90. Mainly, that starter knob can get wicked hot, at least here in Florida on a summer day. The XC60 uses that same switch. Maybe it’s an opportunity for someone to offer a koozie or something for it. You know, I could make that sacrifice. If I had the means, I’d be happy driving this as a daily.

Tom Suddard
Publisher

The premium small crossover category is a hot one right now, and even if you can't read this sentence without throwing up in your mouth, there’s a lot to like about the Volvo XC60. Basically, it’s a good-looking, appropriately-sized, well-appointed, nice-driving SUV with tons of tech goodies and plenty of power. What’s not to like? Well, the price for one, with our test car stickering at nearly $54,000. If you can overcome that (face it: The XC60 isn’t meant for penny-pinching 20-somethings like me), you’ll find a totally competent daily with a ton of tech goodies. I loved it.

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Comments

Duke MegaDork
10/18/17 2:34 p.m.

About 3 weeks ago, we bought a 2017 S60 Inscription Platinum, which is effectively the sedan version of this trucklet, as described toward the end of this thread.

In sedan form, the Inscription is 3" longer wheelbase than the 'base' Dynamic, all of it added to the back seat. The Dynamic is made in Europe, but the Inscription is made in China.

The S60 doesn't get the twin-charged version of the 2.0 until you move up to the R-Design or the Polestar. Us plebs have to make due with 240 hp and about 285 ft-lbs... though that comes in around 1600 rpm. In AWD form it's not a tire-shredder, but it is no slouch with the 9-speed automatic.

I have yet to take a long high-speed trip in it, but around town and tooling through the back roads, it is remarkably composed and willing.

It rolled over its first 100 miles in the middle of a TSD road rally through rural Chesapeake Maryland, less than 48 hours after we bought it. Incidentally, running SOP (no instruments or calculators) we won the rally overall with 67 points in a 50-mile jaunt. :)

It is surprisngly missing a few things I would liked to have seen - some things, oddly, provided on both our 3002 325i and 2004 TSX - but overall we love it and we're thrilled.

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