DecodedCars2016 Volvo XC60
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV T5 AWD/T6 AWD/T6 R-Design AWD, 4dr SUV T5 Drive-E/T6 Drive-E FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,012–4,266 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Volvo XC60 is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,266 lb (4dr SUV T5 AWD/T6 AWD/T6 R-Design AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 6% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- Engine dropped: 3.2L 6-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 XC60 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV T5 AWD/T6 AWD/T6 R-Design AWD | 182.7 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.2 / 62.6 in | 4,266 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV T5 Drive-E/T6 Drive-E FWD | 182.7 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.2 / 62.6 in | 4,012 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +6% | $2,600 | 346 |
| XC60 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | -2% | $3,400 | 364 |
| XC60 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -4% | $3,750 | 400 |
| XC60 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 409 |
| XC60 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | -13% | $3,350 | 445 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volvo XC60 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.6% |
| 2016 Volvo XC60 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.6% |
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volvo XC60 (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2016 Land Rover Discovery | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Nov 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V798000 · 74,027 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, allowing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers · Sep 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V555000 · 7,855 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.
Not every 2016 Volvo XC60 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Volvo XC60 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 15 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Seat Belts — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 XC60 | 27 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 47 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →