1st place: 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD
The XC60 is the home run Volvo needed to rejuvenate its model line-up, and couldn't come at a better time. Apart from its bronze color that didn't win any fans here, the XC60 drew praise in just about every aspect.
Stepping inside, the cockpit impresses with a high level of fit and finish and tasteful colours and textures. The driving position is excellent and occupant space is generous front and rear, while cargo space is second in this test, just behind the Ford Edge.
A peculiar move by Volvo was to place the navigation system buttons behind the right-side steering wheel hub, which caused one of the staff (who shall remain anonymous) to ask for help, not knowing how to get past the disclaimer screen. It works, feels awkward, but works.
We applaud the fact that Volvo will install City Safety camera device as standard equipment on every XC60 it will sell; the system is limited in its usefulness for now, but like any progressing technology, future revisions will improve the system. Other nice touches include A-pillars that are cleverly thin so the driver gets a better view of street corners.
The XC60's performance couldn't match the GLK350's, despite offering the most powerful engine in our group. This loaded tester is the heaviest SUV among them, but still recorded a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds. Braking was second only to the Mazda. As for fuel consumption, it averaged a respectable 12.5 L/100 km.
Dynamically, the Volvo can throw its weight around quite a bit, helped by the optional adjustable suspension that offers a noticeable difference between Sport and Comfort modes.
The XC60's base price of $45,495 is the highest of the group, but reasonable considering its equipment content. However, our loaded test vehicle's total MSRP is $60,585, which is too much for us and way over our $50,000 price cap, so we didn't put certain options into consideration in the final scoring. We'd be just about as happy with a no-options XC60.
"The Volvo is very comfortable and offers a level of fit and finish that stands out" -Bertrand Godin
The XC60 is the home run Volvo needed to rejuvenate its model line-up, and couldn't come at a better time. Apart from its bronze color that didn't win any fans here, the XC60 drew praise in just about every aspect.
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| The XC60's base price of $45,495 is the highest of the group, but reasonable considering its equipment content. |
Stepping inside, the cockpit impresses with a high level of fit and finish and tasteful colours and textures. The driving position is excellent and occupant space is generous front and rear, while cargo space is second in this test, just behind the Ford Edge.
A peculiar move by Volvo was to place the navigation system buttons behind the right-side steering wheel hub, which caused one of the staff (who shall remain anonymous) to ask for help, not knowing how to get past the disclaimer screen. It works, feels awkward, but works.
We applaud the fact that Volvo will install City Safety camera device as standard equipment on every XC60 it will sell; the system is limited in its usefulness for now, but like any progressing technology, future revisions will improve the system. Other nice touches include A-pillars that are cleverly thin so the driver gets a better view of street corners.
The XC60's performance couldn't match the GLK350's, despite offering the most powerful engine in our group. This loaded tester is the heaviest SUV among them, but still recorded a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds. Braking was second only to the Mazda. As for fuel consumption, it averaged a respectable 12.5 L/100 km.
Dynamically, the Volvo can throw its weight around quite a bit, helped by the optional adjustable suspension that offers a noticeable difference between Sport and Comfort modes.
The XC60's base price of $45,495 is the highest of the group, but reasonable considering its equipment content. However, our loaded test vehicle's total MSRP is $60,585, which is too much for us and way over our $50,000 price cap, so we didn't put certain options into consideration in the final scoring. We'd be just about as happy with a no-options XC60.
"The Volvo is very comfortable and offers a level of fit and finish that stands out" -Bertrand Godin
 |
| We applaud the fact that Volvo will install City Safety camera device as standard equipment. |