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2018 Volvo XC60 Is Slightly Disappointing, According to Consumer Reports

After nearly a decade on the market, the old XC60 was still one of the most popular SUVs, not only in its class but also for Volvo in general. Now there's an all-new model which looks like a shrunken version of the XC90.
2018 Volvo XC60 Is Slightly Disappointing, Consumer Reports Review Finds 1 photo
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That sounds like a winning formula, yet Consumer Reports seems to think that it's not. The review is an initial one, made just after they bought a $50,000 example with their own money.

Several small flaws stand out, the biggest of which seems to be the infotainment screen. Like all the other new Volvos, we have a large portrait-style infotainment screen on the XC60. It controls everything from changing the radio to the climate control.

Like with Cadillac's CUE, some drivers really don't like taking their eyes off the road to change the temperature. Volvo knew this several years ago, but decide a modern-looking interior is worth the sacrifice.

The other drawback with the XC60 seems to be the suspension, which is on the firm side and doesn't soak up bumps as well as its German rivals. Handling has improved over the old generation, but only slightly and not enough to compete with the BMW X3 or the Alfa Stelvio.

The only engine choice is a 2.0-liter turbo making 250 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. There's also a T6 version that adds a supercharger for a total output of 316 HP and 295 lb-ft, as well as a T8 plug-in hybrid.

Overall, we can't disagree with anything Consumer Reports is saying here. Sure, we can live with the overrated 4-cylinder turbo engine and the slightly choppy ride, but Sensus is a problem. Also, Volvo isn't clear if it's a luxury automaker or not, because if it is, the lack of 6-cylinder units is a major drawback at this price point.

The safety thing isn't helping much either. For a company that prides itself on keeping everybody alive, there should be more standard kit. Likewise, 20-inch wheels and a shrinking trunk on the XC60 don't sound like core Swedish carmaker values.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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