2025 Volvo XC60 vs. the Competition
The compact luxury SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive world, and it takes a lot for any one vehicle to stand out. But the Volvo XC60, with its understated Scandinavian charm, certainly does stand out. Whether it’s the sophisticated styling, the high level of standard equipment, or the enjoyable driving experience, the XC60 has a definite edge over the competition. But to really appreciate this, we’re going to have a closer look.
Volvo XC60 VS BMW X3
First up is the BMW X3, which is slightly pricier than the XC60, although it’s not entirely clear why. Both vehicles come with standard all-wheel drive, and power output is about the same. However, the XC60 has a distinct handling advantage, thanks to the double wishbone front suspension. The X3 uses a space/cost saving strut setup, and this simply won’t give the same level of precise control that you get with the XC60. Additionally, the XC60 has a turning radius of just 18.7 feet, compared to the 20 feet required for the X3 to perform the same maneuver. Since good handling in tight spaces is a major selling point for compact SUVs, this is an important thing to consider.
Of the XC60 competitors out there, the X3 is one of the more egregious when it comes to a “need to be noticed” styling. BMW’s design department seems to have decided some time ago that there is no bad way to get attention, and gimmicks like light-up grille surrounds are now common. This is especially notable when comparing it to something like the XC60, which forgoes all of the flash and gimmicks in favor of high quality materials and an elegant simplicity that the Swedes are justifiably famous for. For those more interested in performance, there are more powerful versions of each of these vehicles, but just like with the base versions, BMW asks for more money for less vehicle than the Volvo. The X3 M50 delivers 393 horsepower for about $5,000 more than what Volvo charges for the 455-horsepower XC60 plug-in hybrid. And since the XC60 is a plug-in hybrid, that power also comes with excellent fuel economy, which isn’t something you can say about the X3 M50.
Volvo XC60 VS Acura RDX
Next up is the Acura RDX, which shares a platform with the Honda CR-V and Civic. The Acura version does come with a more powerful engine than the Honda models, as well as standard all-wheel drive which may be advantages versus a Honda, but aren’t exactly advantages when comparing it to the XC60. There is also still some Honda cost saving in the design, with the front suspension once again using a strut configuration. And even though the RDX and XC60 both come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the RDX comes with the same 1,500-pound towing capacity as its Honda counterpart, while the XC60 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This might be okay if the RDX was priced more like a plussed-up Honda, but the price is very similar to the XC60 for some not entirely clear reasons.
Unlike the other vehicles in this comparison, the RDX is only offered with one drivetrain. While this drivetrain is on par with the base drivetrain offerings in the rest of the segment, the lack of another option is unusual. It’s also an especially big disadvantage when you compare it to the XC60. The standard drivetrain in the XC60 is already more fuel efficient than the one in the RDX, with a combined rating of 26 MPG compared to the 23 MPG in the RDX. But the XC60 plug-in hybrid gets 63 MPGe, and the combined power output of 455 horsepower puts it in an entirely different league, performance-wise, from the RDX.
Volvo XC60 VS Lexus NX
For our last comparison, we’re looking at the Lexus NX, which comes with what looks at first to be an especially appealing starting price. But a quick look at even some of the most basic features tells you why the price is so low. All-wheel drive isn’t standard, and the base drivetrain only produces 203 horsepower. The standard XC60 drivetrain produces 247, but the difference between the two is even bigger than those numbers suggest. While the XC60 has a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, the NX takes 8.2 seconds, likely a record for the slowest time of any current luxury model. And although the NX is one of the few competitors to offer a plug-in hybrid version, the performance gulf is still quite sizable. The NX 450h+ comes with 304 horsepower versus the XC60 plug-in hybrid’s 455 horsepower, and the 6-second 0-60 times from the Lexus falls well short of the 4.5 seconds that you get with the Volvo. With this lack of power, it’s unsurprising that the towing capacity of the NX is just 2,000 pounds, while the XC60 offers 3,500 pounds.
A number of luxury automakers have started including maintenance visits to the dealership for routine maintenance with their vehicles, and both Lexus and Volvo do this. That said, they don’t offer quite the same level of service. The NX comes with the first 12 months or 10,000 miles included, essentially just your first visit. But Volvo is a leader in this area, and the XC60 comes with the first 36 months/30,000 miles included. Obviously, this doesn’t make a huge difference in terms of total cost, but it is a clear indicator of each brand’s approach to taking care of its customers.
Winner – Volvo XC60
The real advantage of the Volvo XC60 is that it’s so well-rounded. There are other good looking SUVs, other options for a lot of horsepower, a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, or great driving dynamics. But what’s harder to find is just one vehicle that offers everything, and that is what makes the XC60 such an impressive feat. But to really appreciate this, the XC60 has to be experienced in person. Fortunately, Volvo Cars Cincinnati can help with that.