2012 Volvo XC60 Overview

The XC60 is available with a 3.2L inline 6-cylinder engine or 3.0L turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. It comes in base, Premier, Premier Plus, Platinum and R-Design trims.

The 3.2L is rated at 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0L turbocharged I6 engine comes in two versions. The base 3.0L makes 300 horsepower and 325 lb-feet of torque, while the top-of-the-line R-Design model gets a more powerful version that makes 325 horses and 354 pound-feet of torque.

Power for all engines is routed through a Geartronic 6-speed automatic transmission, which also features a manual mode. All-wheel drive XC60s get a Haldex transaxle with Instant Traction, which constantly monitors the speed of the wheels, driver's throttle input, engine torque, engine speed and brakes to automatically direct power away from slipping wheels to those with traction.

Standard equipment throughout the lineup includes front and rear fog lamps, heated mirrors, satellite radio, power front seats, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry. Safety enhancements include 4-wheel antilock brakes, a host of airbags, tire pressure monitoring, day-time running lights and integrated turn signal mirrors. Standard safety equipment includes Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Ready Alert Braking systems and Volvo's City Safety system, which utilizes an infrared sensor to automatically apply the brakes at slow speeds when an imminent collision is detected.

The Premier trim adds a panoramic 2-panel sunroof, silver roof rails and side trim, leather seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Premier Plus models add a power tailgate, HomeLink universal garage door opener and front and rear park assist. The Platinum adds a premium sound system, a navigation system and a rearview camera.

At the top of the lineup, the sporty R-Design features 20-inch wheels, the panoramic roof, scuff plates, R-Design logo, HID bi-xenon headlamps, aluminum front trim, special R-Design floor mats, a unique design center instrument panel, special shifter and aluminum interior trim.

The XC60 comes with advanced safety equipment including Roll Stability Control, which uses a gyroscope to determine the vehicle's leaning angle and automatically activates pre-tensioners on all seatbelts and inflates a protective curtain when a rollover is detected. Hill descent control is also standard, utilizing the XC60's brake system to automatically control wheel speed while descending steep grades.

Options on the XC60 include a Climate package that includes heated front and rear seats and heated washer nozzles. A Technology package includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning with pedestrian detection and lane departure warnings. HID bi-xenon headlamps and BLIS blind-spot monitoring system are also optional.

Keyless Drive, a 2-way vehicle communications system is also available-- it's a proximity entry system, remote engine starter and can report vehicle status back to the driver regardless of distance from the car.

2012 Volvo XC60 Model Changes

Volvo revised their trims for the XC60. It now comes in Premier, Premier Plus, Platinum and R-Design models. The R-Design's engine has been tuned to make 25 more horsepower over last year.

2012 Volvo XC60 Value

Understated luxury, Volvo's lifelong attention to safety and strong on and off-road performance are hallmarks of the automaker's nameplate. The XC60 is a stylish compact crossover intended to compete with BMW X3 and the Acura RDX. The XC60 is a competent traverser of snowy roads but a luxurious interior featuring the latest of safety equipment. Volvo's always had an intense interest in safety technology and the XC60 sports the City Safety automatic braking system, a roll-over protection system, a whiplash protection seating system and numerous side and front airbags.

2012 Volvo XC60 Strengths

Plenty of interior room; on- and off-road capable; strong safety emphasis