Volvo V60 review (2018-2023)
Once upon a time, Volvo had the reputation for producing safe and reliable cars that were about as exciting as a third-rate ABBA tribute band. Luckily, they’ve upped their game to take on prestige options like used BMW or used Audi models – and the V60 is a great example of just how they’ve succeeded. Keep reading below for our road-tested Volvo V60 review.
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Pros
- Quick and competent
- Spacious
- Great family car
Cons
- Not the best infotainment
- German rivals are more fun to drive
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
Driving position
Slipping into the V60’s cabin is as relaxing and calming as you’d expect to be, especially when you compare it to the harder, more business-like interiors of its BMW and Audi equivalents.
The clear, clean dashboard and nine-inch infotainment screen have a simplicity to them.
Throughout the interior, you’ll find that quality materials have been used with light materials to increase the airy feel.
The seats in the front are almost unbelievably comfortable and finding the perfect driving position is easy as they are so adjustable.
The rear seats are equally supportive with enough headroom and legroom even for the tallest adults.
The only small issue is that if the driver’s seat is in its lowest position the foot space underneath for rear-seat passengers can be a bit of a squash.
Tech and features
The infotainment system is pretty simple and intuitive to use with the most recent used Volvo V60s also having full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
There’s also full-voice activation for the system that makes it that bit safer and more convenient to use while you’re barrelling along at 70 on the motorway.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Handling and ride comfort
Even though it’s pitching itself as a rival to BMW and Audi estates, the V60 has obviously been designed to give a comfortable instead of a sporty ride.
The result is that it might not have the sharp handling of its rivals, but it makes for a more relaxing journey, especially on long motorway trips.
It wouldn’t be a Volvo if it wasn’t fully kitted out with safety features.
The list of these is almost endless including its Pilot Assist feature that will keep you a safe distance from the car in front when you’re travelling at your set speed. It‘ll also keep you in lane and steer around gentle bends.
It’s not quite driverless travel though as you’ll get a reminder beep if you take your hands off the wheel. Naughty.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
Boot space
Even with the rear seats in place, the boot of the V60 is as big as you’ll find in any mid-sized executive estate.
Put them down and the space is massive – and certainly big enough to swallow up the results of a major shopping expedition to that other Swedish furniture favourite.
There are plenty of other thoughtful touches including lashing points to stop your cargo from moving around and a vertical divider for the same purpose.
Storage solutions
You’ll enjoy the various cubby holes in the cabin including pretty generous door pockets and a glove box that can hold much, much more than just a few pairs of gloves.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
There are three different 2.0-litre petrol engines that you can choose with varying power outputs.
All offer around the same fuel consumption with an average of about 40mpg.
There’s just one diesel engine, the B4, and this will give you around 51mpg.
Pick the Polestar hybrid, on the other hand, and you could be looking at around 80mpg.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
8/10
It’s no big surprise that the V60 has picked up a boot-full of awards from the motoring press as a class leader.
When it comes to combining quality, comfort and safety, it’s the real deal–and then some.
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