VOLVO XC60 (2014 – 2017)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

5dr estate (2.0, 2.4 diesel [D4,D5] / 3.0 petrol [T6])

Introduction

Think of a used premium-badged mid-sized SUV and you’ll probably think of something German – or maybe a Range Rover Evoque. We’d also suggest though, that you should be looking at the car we’re going to focus on here, the improved first generation version of Volvo’s XC60. If you’re shopping on the used market and looking at this car, it’s worth stretching to one of these post-204 facelifted models as they were usefully improved and got the option of a much more sophisticated ‘Drive-E’ D4 diesel engine.

The History

The Volvo XC60 was first launched back in 2008 as the Swedish brand’s alternative to premium SUVs like Audi’s Q5 and BMW’s X3. To begin with, most models used old-tech Ford-derived 2.4-litre diesel engines but in 2014, to coincide with mid-range facelift, the car was granted Volvo’s own 2.0-litre ‘Drive-E’ D4 unit – though you could only have it mated to 2WD. This derivative instantly became the one to have in the range between this point and the end of first generation XC60 production in 2017.

What To Look For

Most of the XC60 owners we surveyed were very happy with their cars – but inevitably there were a few issues. Some owners have reported problems with the cooling fan. Apparently, a software malfunction on the engine fan control module in some cars means air-conditioning performance gets reduced, increasing coolant temperature and in some extreme cases, causing the engine to fail. We also came across reports of fuel pump problems. With regard to these, the pump’s electronic module might not operate as intended, which could cause the engine to stall. There were a few power steering issues too, caused by the joint between the power steering high-pressure line and the steering gear being not assembled correctly. In some instances, this has resulted in fluid leaking and a sudden loss of powered assistance.

What else? Well gearboxes on some XC60s have apparently been problematic. A section of the shift mechanism can work loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. We came across reports of a few fuel leak issues too caused by the fuel rail beneath the vehicle being not properly attached, thereby exposing the fuel lines to damage. More seriously, there was a report of a seizure problem in a few cars caused by an insecure spring clamp on the radiator hose where it connects to the water inlet pipe. If this issue isn’t rectified, the engine could lose coolant, overheat and seize. We’ve also come across reports of issues with curtain airbags and seatbelts. Check all these things out on your test drive.

On The Road

If you were to place driving dynamics as a priority in your mid-sized premium-badged compact SUV, then this Volvo probably wouldn’t be the first car you’d turn to. But get behind the wheel and provided you don’t come to a car of this kind wanting to hurl it from bend to bend, then this one does still have plenty to offer. Some care is needed with the specification though. The sporty ‘R-Design’ variants look good but they get a stiffer lowered sports suspension set-up that’s supposed to imbue the handling with a little extra bite, but robs the ride of the suppleness you get on lesser ‘SE’ versions. We’d try and seek out an ‘SE’ model fitted with the optional ‘Four-C’ chassis set-up, the term standing for ‘Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept’. With this package fitted, you’ll be able to alter the suspension to suit the road you’re in and the mood you’re in. Pillowy comfort for the school run. And a sharper feel for the back doubles you take to the office after you’ve dropped the kids off. Everybody wins.

So yes, roadgoing ease of use is really what this car is all about. There’s roll stability control - which you might need if you’re one of the very few opting for the flagship 304bhp T6 3.0-litre turbo petrol model - and a clever TSA stability system to keep trailers on the straight and narrow. All the diesels on offer are decently quiet too – refined enough in fact at speed to make you notice that levels of wind noise are better than you’ll find in some German rivals, especially BMW’s X3. Around town, the steering is a little heavier than we would like – and the turning circle a touch restricted – but at speed, the set-up’s fine. Overall then, a good showing. You might be surprised by this car.

Overall

When a car gets heavily revised six years into its model life, it’s normally a last-ditch attempt to keep it fresh and resist the inevitable sales slide into old age. But this improved first generation XC60 feels different. The facelifted post-2014-era version of this Volvo mid-sized SUV proved, in almost every respect, to be a thoroughly revitalised car with its sleeker looks, its cutting edge infotainment gadgetry and most of all, its sophisticated D4 ‘Drive-E’ diesel engine. And very much a worthy competitor for rivals of the calibre of Audi’s Q5, BMW’s X3 and the Range Rover Evoque.

Yes, it’s true that there are sharper contenders in this segment to drive. And that this Volvo won’t suit if you’re going to be regularly venturing off the beaten track. But neither of these issues will bother many potential used car market buyers, people more likely to value the cruising comfort, solid build quality and standard-setting safety that this car offers. Our advice would be to get yourself a 2WD D4 diesel model with the clever engine, equip yourself with a set of Winter tyres that’ll be all you need in a cold snap and smile smugly every time you see a Q5, an X3 or an Evoque from this era drive past.