Volvo XC60

The redesigned 2018 XC60 is Volvo's modern, up-to-date compact luxury SUV with a choice of three engines, each mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The base T5 features a 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. The T6 uses a 316-hp, 2.0-liter turbo and supercharged four-cylinder. The top model is the T8, which is a 400-hp plug-in hybrid. The new five-seat XC60 is longer than the outgoing one but lower. The cabin looks very much like that of the XC90, down to the large touch-screen infotainment system that dominates the center of the dashboard. Volvo's advanced safety system, City Safety, encompasses both low- and high-speed automatic emergency braking. Some new features such as Steer Assist works with other parts of the City Safety system to avoid obstacles in the road ahead. Oncoming Lane Mitigation alerts drivers who have wandered out of their lane and then guide the XC60 back into the correct lane. And Volvo's blind-spot warning system uses the Steer Assist capabilities to lower the chances of having a collision when changing lanes.

Though a good choice overall, the XC60 isn't as engaging to drive or as sporty as the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. The ride is stiff, but handling is responsive and secure. The turbocharged four-cylinder engines are responsive and coupled to a smooth eight-speed automatic. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed. The interior is well-constructed with high-quality materials, but many controls are too fussy to use. The seats are nicely shaped and comfortable up front, although rear legroom is a bit tight. Some controls are overly complicated. City Safe automatic braking is standard and crash-test performance is excellent, but opting for other cutting-edge safety gear gets pricey. A new XC60 will go on sale this fall.

The XC60 is a compact, upscale SUV that's pleasurable to drive but not as sporty as some competitors. The ride is a little stiff, but handling is responsive and secure at its limits. The 281-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder performs well, but fuel economy is mediocre at 17 mpg overall. A 3.2-liter six is also available. Most exterior noises are well suppressed. The cabin is attractively finished with high-quality materials and offers integrated child booster seats in the rear seat. The seats are well shaped and comfortable, but rear legroom is a bit tight. A wide variety of advanced safety gear is offered. Stability control with roll mitigation is standard, along with Volvo's City Safety system, which is more widely known as forward collision mitigation. The technology package also offers adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and a lane-departure warning system. An optional blind-spot sensor alerts drivers to hidden vehicles on their flanks.