Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Sub-trim levels in place of previous option packages
- T6 R-Design gains engine power
- Upgrade in suspension and engineering in optional Dynamic package for T6 AWD

Exterior Features
The 2012 Volvo XC60 is a compact, near-luxury crossover SUV that seats 5 passengers and provides ample cargo space. It is offered in three models--3.2, T6, and T6 R-Design--and in three trim levels--Premier (3.2 only), Premier Plus, and Platinum. Standard features include roof rails and heated mirrors.

Interior Features
Standard amenities on the Volvo XC60 include cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver seat with memory and adjustable lumbar, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, some leather accents, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Optional Features
Options on the Volvo XC60 upper trims include 8-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, power liftgate, rearview camera, and a 12-speaker surround-sound system. Stand-alone options include a blind-spot monitoring system, and rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Volvo XC60 is fitted with a 3.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 240 horsepower. Standard are a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) , with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. The T6 version is fitted with a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower and mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The T6 R-Design has a more powerful version of this engine with 25 extra horsepower, and also mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Volvo XC60 are:
- XC60 with 3.2-liter engine: 19/25/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- XC60 T6 and T6 R-Design: 17/23/20 mpg

Safety
Every 2012 Volvo XC60 comes standard with braking and stability controls and City Safety technology, which Volvo says can mitigate or avoid low-speed frontal impact by applying brakes without driver intervention. Integral dual booster seats for children in the back seat are optional, as is a blind-spot monitoring system and other accident-avoidance features.

In government tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the XC60 received 5 (out of 5) stars overall, as well as 5 stars for frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the XC60 received "Good" ratings--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset, side-impact, and rear-crash protection and for roof strength, and was named a "Top Safety Pick" for 2012.