2011 Volvo XC60
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr 3.2 FWD/AWD SUV, 4dr T6 AWD SUV
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,127–4,251 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Volvo XC60 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,127 lb (4dr 3.2 FWD/AWD SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 0% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 XC60 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 XC60 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr 3.2 FWD/AWD SUV | 182.3 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.2 / 61.8 in | 4,127 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr T6 AWD SUV | 182.3 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.2 / 61.8 in | 4,251 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| XC60 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| XC60 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo XC60.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo XC60 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2011 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Seat Belts › Front · Jun 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Seats · Nov 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V591000 · 7,420 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
- Risk
- POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 17, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V579000 · 6,046 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, S80, S60, XC70 AND XC60 VEHICLES. THE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION FOR THE FUEL CUT-OFF FUNCTIONALITY IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) IS TOO SENSITIVE.
- Risk
- SUDDEN ENGINE STALL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ECM AND TCM WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
Air Bags › Frontal · Oct 13, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V489000 · 9,746 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 S80, XC70, MODEL YEAR 2011 XC60 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 V70 VEHICLES. THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED OR AT ALL, AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A METAL SHIM IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Not every 2011 Volvo XC60 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo XC60 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Seat Belts — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Visibility/Wiper — 6 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo XC60. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC60 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 XC60 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 XC60 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
| 2025 XC60 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 4 | 37 |
| 2024 XC60 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2023 XC60 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 6 | 55 |
| 2022 XC60 | 28 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 75 |
| 2021 XC60 | 27 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 50 |
| 2020 XC60 | 27 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 23 |
| 2019 XC60 | 26 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 8 | 37 |
| 2018 XC60 | 26 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 36 |
| 2017 XC60 | 26 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 16 |
| 2016 XC60 | 26 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 38 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →