2015 Volvo XC60 Pros vs Cons
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When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
Volvo has been making CX60 compact suburban utility vehicle line since 2008. The 2015 version has a wide range of features, and it is almost certain to fill any role from business and family, to pleasure. Listed below are a number of reasons why you may wish to purchase the new 2015 CX60 and a few reasons why you may wish to pass on it:
At the top of any list when purchasing a new vehicle is safety, and Volvo has a long history of being one of the safest makes of vehicles in the industry. The Volvo XC60 has a 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2015. Some of the varied features you will get are front, side, passengers, side and rear head airbags, a lane departure warning and electronic stability control systems.
2) Handling – For a Compact Suburban Utility Vehicle it is Nimble
For people in the market looking for a compact suburban utility vehicle, the Volvo XC60 boasts electronic stability systems and traction control which will give you better control of the SUV on tighter turns. This allows for better control of understeering and in turn gives the driver much more immediate control of the car in the event quick reactions are required on the road.
3) Gas Mileage – It’s Rated Highly in its Class
The XC60 gets a total of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway according to EPA estimates. This makes it one of the highest rated SUVs in its class. By having good gas mileage, you will be able to spend less at the pump and spend more time on the road. This makes this model one of the better choices of its class if you are in the market for a compact suburban utility vehicle.
4) Interior Style – Available Wood Trim Along with Leather Seats
The interior of the SUV is simple, yet elegant in design and consists of a multi-toned leather seats and optional wooden trimmings. It also boasts solid climate control for that like their environment at a certain temperature as well as an onboard navigational and audio system. The air flow and fan control systems for the vehicle’s environmental controls have been praised by Autoweek as one the best features of the onboard computer systems.
5) Passengers – There is Easily Room for Up to Five
The Volvo XC60 can easily and comfortably hold up to five adults in its cabin. It allows for ample leg space both in the front and the rear for a gentle and roomy ride. This allows for the transportation of a full family or mid-sized group of people to and from your desired locations.
6) Cargo Capacity – Over 60 Cubic Feet of Cargo Room
The Volvo XC60 in its standard configuration has just over 30 cubic feet of cargo space. This allows it to carry quite a bit of cargo, but if you fold down the interior seating, the cargo space doubles in size to a whopping 60 cubic feet. There is enough space inside that you might be able to move larger loads, and when compared to its rivals, it more than holds its own in terms of cargo space.
7) Entertainment – The Optional Rear Seat DVD is a Great Addition
The Volvo XC60 can come equipped with a rear seat entertainment system. The system itself consists of two 8 inch LED screens that are inset into the headrests of the front seats. Each screen has its own DVD player and is coupled to a pair of wireless headphones for quiet listening. It also has access ports for USB Sticks, SD Cards and MP3 Players.
8) Comfort - Feel Good, Even on Long Road Trips
The Volvo XC60 is definitely a comfortable ride, thanks to its ergonomically designed seats. Even when sitting in the car for several hours, the body of every passenger is well-supported and comfortable.
9) New Engine- Top Performing Engine Brings a Zippy Feel to a Family SUV
Most family cars are known for being boring, but the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine on the XC60 gives it a turbo charged feel when cruising down the road. This engine is quite energetic, and it lends a hand to the improved fuel economy of the 2015 model.
10) Amazing Reviews Across The Board - Experts Love This Car
Most car buyers will take a look at expert reviews before buying, and they base their decision, in part, on what these reviews said. The Volvo XC60, when compared to competitors such as the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 and BMW X3 definitely takes top marks in several categories.
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact suburban utility vehicle, and as such, might not fit into your budget. The base model comes out to approximately $35,000, and as you begin to add features and additions, can add up to over $51,000.
2) Wheel Size – Larger Wheels Make the SUV Harder to Control
The upgraded 20 inch wheels have been noted by many to make the Volvo XC60 slightly more difficult to control on the open road. You might want to steer clear of any configuration that has these rims and wheels. The normally tighter turn control gets a bit shaky, and stability becomes a bit more of a problem.
3) Navigation – The Onboard Navigational System is Overly Complicated
The new 2015 Volvo XC60 has an onboard navigational and audio system that many have said is overly complicated and confusing. It is called Sensus Navigation and many, including Autoweek, have gone on at length about the disorganized controls when it comes to using Volvo’s own proprietary navigation system.
The Volvo CX60 is a car with many excellent features, but like most other compact suburban utility vehicles is has a few drawbacks. If you are in the market for a SUV and looking for something that can fill a wide range of functions and duties, then you can’t go wrong with the new 2015 Volvo CX60.
Ten Reasons Why You May Want to Buy a 2015 Volvo XC60 - The Pros
1) Safety Rating – Volvo’s Legacy is Safe VehiclesAt the top of any list when purchasing a new vehicle is safety, and Volvo has a long history of being one of the safest makes of vehicles in the industry. The Volvo XC60 has a 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2015. Some of the varied features you will get are front, side, passengers, side and rear head airbags, a lane departure warning and electronic stability control systems.
2) Handling – For a Compact Suburban Utility Vehicle it is Nimble
For people in the market looking for a compact suburban utility vehicle, the Volvo XC60 boasts electronic stability systems and traction control which will give you better control of the SUV on tighter turns. This allows for better control of understeering and in turn gives the driver much more immediate control of the car in the event quick reactions are required on the road.
3) Gas Mileage – It’s Rated Highly in its Class
The XC60 gets a total of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway according to EPA estimates. This makes it one of the highest rated SUVs in its class. By having good gas mileage, you will be able to spend less at the pump and spend more time on the road. This makes this model one of the better choices of its class if you are in the market for a compact suburban utility vehicle.
4) Interior Style – Available Wood Trim Along with Leather Seats
The interior of the SUV is simple, yet elegant in design and consists of a multi-toned leather seats and optional wooden trimmings. It also boasts solid climate control for that like their environment at a certain temperature as well as an onboard navigational and audio system. The air flow and fan control systems for the vehicle’s environmental controls have been praised by Autoweek as one the best features of the onboard computer systems.
5) Passengers – There is Easily Room for Up to Five
The Volvo XC60 can easily and comfortably hold up to five adults in its cabin. It allows for ample leg space both in the front and the rear for a gentle and roomy ride. This allows for the transportation of a full family or mid-sized group of people to and from your desired locations.
6) Cargo Capacity – Over 60 Cubic Feet of Cargo Room
The Volvo XC60 in its standard configuration has just over 30 cubic feet of cargo space. This allows it to carry quite a bit of cargo, but if you fold down the interior seating, the cargo space doubles in size to a whopping 60 cubic feet. There is enough space inside that you might be able to move larger loads, and when compared to its rivals, it more than holds its own in terms of cargo space.
7) Entertainment – The Optional Rear Seat DVD is a Great Addition
The Volvo XC60 can come equipped with a rear seat entertainment system. The system itself consists of two 8 inch LED screens that are inset into the headrests of the front seats. Each screen has its own DVD player and is coupled to a pair of wireless headphones for quiet listening. It also has access ports for USB Sticks, SD Cards and MP3 Players.
8) Comfort - Feel Good, Even on Long Road Trips
The Volvo XC60 is definitely a comfortable ride, thanks to its ergonomically designed seats. Even when sitting in the car for several hours, the body of every passenger is well-supported and comfortable.
9) New Engine- Top Performing Engine Brings a Zippy Feel to a Family SUV
Most family cars are known for being boring, but the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine on the XC60 gives it a turbo charged feel when cruising down the road. This engine is quite energetic, and it lends a hand to the improved fuel economy of the 2015 model.
10) Amazing Reviews Across The Board - Experts Love This Car
Most car buyers will take a look at expert reviews before buying, and they base their decision, in part, on what these reviews said. The Volvo XC60, when compared to competitors such as the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 and BMW X3 definitely takes top marks in several categories.
Reasons You May Not Want to Buy the Volvo XC60 - The Cons
1) Car Cost – SUVs Are Not CheapThe Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact suburban utility vehicle, and as such, might not fit into your budget. The base model comes out to approximately $35,000, and as you begin to add features and additions, can add up to over $51,000.
2) Wheel Size – Larger Wheels Make the SUV Harder to Control
The upgraded 20 inch wheels have been noted by many to make the Volvo XC60 slightly more difficult to control on the open road. You might want to steer clear of any configuration that has these rims and wheels. The normally tighter turn control gets a bit shaky, and stability becomes a bit more of a problem.
3) Navigation – The Onboard Navigational System is Overly Complicated
The new 2015 Volvo XC60 has an onboard navigational and audio system that many have said is overly complicated and confusing. It is called Sensus Navigation and many, including Autoweek, have gone on at length about the disorganized controls when it comes to using Volvo’s own proprietary navigation system.
The Volvo CX60 is a car with many excellent features, but like most other compact suburban utility vehicles is has a few drawbacks. If you are in the market for a SUV and looking for something that can fill a wide range of functions and duties, then you can’t go wrong with the new 2015 Volvo CX60.
