2013 Volvo XC60 T5 - USED CAR REVIEW

Many years ago we saw the shift from mid-size family sedans to compact and mid-size SUVs. Until today, many car manufacturers continue to introduce new crossover SUvs as their popularity continues to rise. While other companies like Lexus and BMW already had crossovers in their lineup, Volvo didn’t. And that’s why in 2008 they introduced their first, the XC60.

This particular example we’re looking at is a used 2013 T5 variant. This was at that time the entry-level variant of the XC60 in the Philippines. There were the D5 AWD and T6 AWD variants. While this is the cheapest among XC60s, it definitely doesn’t feel like it.

Exterior

The exterior color of this XC60 is what Volvo calls Seashell Metallic. While it does match this type of car, it does not help in a sense that the front end looks a bit like a daddy car even more thanks to the color. Nevertheless, the front end of the XC60 is still definitely nice. While it has not aged as well as others, you got Volvo’s signature styling from that era which does show a good amount of luxury. The separated LED park lights are a nice touch. HID headlights are also standard which light up the road really well. Considering its price, they probably should have made fog lights standard.

The back is where this crossover really aged well. You got Volvo’s signature upright tail lights which look really great especially at night. The Volvo name is also nicely spelled out under the windscreen. This is also equipped with a set of rear fog lights on the bumper. A nice integrated spoiler with the third brake light adds to the sportiness of the XC60’s rear end.

Interior

On the inside, this XC60 does not feel entry-level at all. You still get most of what you’ll get in upper trim levels. The dashboard is well designed like a typical Volvo. Everything is within easy reach and very easy to understand. I did not have any trouble at all finding out how to use anything. Material quality is excellent as expected and all the important touch points feel luxurious. The seats are wrapped in very nice dark brown and beige leather and the seats are extremely comfortable.

The back seats were a place as nice to be as in front. Legroom is very good and space is not at all an issue. You also get air conditioning vents on the B-pillars.

Some things that I didn’t like were the manually adjustable seats. While moving them forward and back were easy, adjusting the position of the backrest is difficult as it uses a knob instead of a lever. The knob also isn’t the easiest to reach. Another thing is the several blank buttons on the center console. You can still press them but they don’t say anything, and ofcourse, no function.

Storage

Being a crossover SUV, the XC60 is not short on storage spaces at all. The door pockets are nice and large and you also have a place for your phone and other items just behind the floating center console.

Trunk space is also very good. At 495 liters, it isn’t as large as from rivals like the Audi Q5 but it is still large enough for almost everything you’ll put there. Space is expanded to 1,455 liters with the 2nd row folded down.

A nice addition in the XC60’s trunk is the panel on the floor which can be pulled up and kept standing as a cargo organizer.

Technology and Safety

Being an older car, there isn’t much in terms of tech features that are common today. It does get a 7-inch infotainment screen that is a non-touchscreen. The screen displays all information related to the vehicle such as for the audio system, and trip information.

The system itself is very easy to use and clear. It also comes with bluetooth telephone, USB ports, and an auxiliary port which were good for when this car came out.

Volvo was always known for their very good safety ratings. This XC60 is no different. Despite it being the entry-level variant, this one is still equipped with Volvo’s City Safety system. This safety feature basically stops the vehicle when there is an obstacle in front. It is guaranteed to work best between 15 to 30 kph. It reads the road ahead through the cameras and sensors located on the upper portion of the windshield. This is also equipped with Volvo’s Active Bending Lights. Basically with this feature, the headlights swivel left or right depending on which direction you are going to.

Other safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, 8 airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake-assist, traction control, and stability control.

Engine

Despite this XC60 being called the T5, the engine is actually a four-cylinder instead of a five-cylinder. This is Volvo’s 2.0-liter 16-valve Inline-4 cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Maximum power is at 240 horsepower and torque is at 320 Newton-meters.

Driving and Comfort

Getting behind the wheel of the XC60 is actually a very good experience. The main thing you’ll notice is the ride quality. The suspension is very good in smoothening out even the largest bumps and potholes on the road. Road and wind noise are also non-existent thanks to the excellent sound insulation.

The 2.0-liter turbo engine performs very well thanks to its good performance numbers. While the engine is in no means slow, it does have a little bit of lag when coming from a stop but it doesn’t prevent the torque from coming early. Steering feel is also excellent. You can set it between light, heavy, and normal modes. The XC60 also attacks curves very well thanks to its low and wide stance though it does make do with a little body roll.

At times, I felt the City Safety activate the brakes. It felt weird and annoying the first few times but I eventually got used to it.

Fuel economy is average with this engine. In the city I got around 6-9 km/l in mixed traffic conditions. On the highway I only got 11 km/l max. Fueling it up will also be a bit expensive thanks to the large fuel tank. One full tank costed around Php 3,000. By the way, the Volvo dealership recommends the most expensive type of fuel from a certain yellow and red gas company.

Conclusion

The XC60 was never as popular when it was new as its rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Despite that, it is significantly more comfortable than them. For some people, it’s more low-key appearance would also be a big plus point.

Today, you can get one for as low as Php 500,000. Considering how well it performs, less than Php 1-million can be a very good deal for one of these especially if it’s well taken care of. For that amount, you can get low-key but luxurious styling, a great driving experience, and a very comfortable and safe city and highway cruiser.

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