Skip advert
Advertisement

2019 Volvo XC60 review - design

It’s a premium mid-sized SUV, so unsurprisingly popular, but is Volvo’s XC60 actually any good?

Evo rating
RRP
from £43,845
  • Solid, comfortable, safe and sophisticated, executed with a Swedish flair that now defines modern Volvos
  • Only really advisable as a cruiser; it just gets worse the sportier you spec it

Design

Contrary to many rivals, Volvo’s on a bit of a design roll at the moment, and the XC60 is no exception, with a cool, clean aesthetic that looks expensive yet not intimidating. The clean surfaces are driven by a subtle curvature lacking in the bigger XC90. Its shared platform with the 90 also drives the 60’s chunky, almost cartoonish proportions, with a relatively long bonnet and large wheels in proportion to the overall footprint.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Pretty much all models look good though, and whether on small wheels and with simple body styling, or the biggest 22-inch wheel option and sporty body styling, it always looks right. Compared to the dull German competition, this is a revelation, and the XC60 has no problem living up to the strong price points of the higher-end models.

Those top-spec Polestar Engineered variants pick up a bespoke wheel design, gold brake calipers, black design elements and a unique grille. Although the effect is subtle, it’s just about distinctive enough to make it feel special, even if that’s not something that can be said for the driving experience.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Lotus Esprit V8 engine details revealed – British Ferrari rival to get twin-turbo hybrid power
Lotus Esprit
News

New Lotus Esprit V8 engine details revealed – British Ferrari rival to get twin-turbo hybrid power

Horse Powertrain is providing the new twin-turbo V8 for Lotus’s hotly-anticipated supercar
10 Nov 2026
Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI priced from £35,295 – still want that Alpine A290?
Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI
News

Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI priced from £35,295 – still want that Alpine A290?

VW’s hot small EV will be more expensive than its rivals from France
9 Nov 2026
The real reason you suddenly can't afford a classic performance car
Ferrari 360
Opinion

The real reason you suddenly can't afford a classic performance car

The modern classic market has gone into hyperdrive, and Meaden’s not impressed
11 Nov 2026