Used 2014 Volvo XC60 for Sale

The 2014 XC60 features standard stability control, six airbags and Volvo's City Safety system, which can bring the car to a full stop at speeds under 15 mph. The XC60 also boasts a long list of optional accident-avoidance technology, including the new Road Sign Information System, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Six airbags may not seem like many, but remember that the crash tests are what count, and the XC60 aced them. In government crash testing, the XC60 scored a perfect five stars in all impact categories. Similarly, the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the XC60 its top rating of Good in every category.

Behind the Wheel

The XC60's front seats aren't as stellar as those in the S60 sedan, but they're close. Volvo's trademark combination of simplicity and long-distance support is certainly present in these chairs. From the driver's perspective, the dashboard is brilliant, too, featuring premium materials and the "floating" slim-line center panel, which looks like something out of an avant-garde design magazine. Ergonomics are satisfactory, with extra points awarded for Volvo's neat airflow controls.

The XC60's back seat is more adult-friendly than many in this class, and the integrated 2-stage child booster seats are a notable kid-friendly option. Fold back down the versatile 40/20/40 split rear seat and you'll enjoy 67.4 cu ft of cargo space -- a robust figure for a vehicle of this type. Even with the seat back fully in place, there's still 30.8 cu ft of room behind it.

On the road, the XC60 has the quiet, smooth ride that luxury shoppers expect, and the view from the driver's seat is appropriately commanding. What's unexpected is the XC60's handling prowess, which blows up the stereotype of the stodgy, conservative Volvo family vehicle. There's real athleticism in the way the XC60 moves. And for 2014, the revised stability control system with Corner Traction Control distributes power to the outside wheel(s) for reduced understeer and better control. The XC60 is right up there among the most satisfying crossovers to drive.

As for the engine choices, we're not fans of the base 3.2-liter unit, as it's rather noisy and not particularly energetic. If you can justify the expense, we strongly recommend stepping up to the T6's turbocharged motor, which delivers authoritative performance. As for the R-Design's extra 25 hp, we didn't really notice them. So if you upgrade to the R, make sure you're sold on more than just the extra power.

Audi Q5 -- Smaller inside than the XC60, the Q5 nonetheless matches the Volvo's styling panache, and it's fun to drive, too. 

BMW X3 -- The X3 boasts excellent power in turbocharged xDrive35i form, yet it gets better fuel economy than the sluggish XC60 3.2 AWD. 

Cadillac SRX -- Boasting a standard 308-hp V6, the SRX is a distinctive luxury crossover that has some real substance to go with its style.