Classy, roomy and well equipped, the Volvo XC60 has a lot going for it. But it’s not quite good enough to trouble the best cars in the 1700-1899kg weight class.
Take the Volvo’s stability at speed. At 60mph in still air we had no trouble with stability, but whenever a crosswind picked up the XC60 moved around more than the BMW X3 or Jaguar F-Pace.
Likewise it completed the lane-change test at all three speeds, but with a lot of lean and lacking the assurance of the very best tow cars.
It certainly can shift, though. Pulling a caravan weighted to 85% of the Volvo’s kerbweight, the XC60 accelerated from 30-60mph in just 9.8 seconds.
The hill-start test was straightforward, and the car reversed back a short distance up the slope without difficulty.
As an everyday drive, the XC60 can’t match the Audi Q5 for refinement or the F-Pace for thrills. The ride is relatively soft, but can feel lumpy over sharp bumps.
The cabin is superb, though, with a fresh and contemporary look and a quality finish. There’s lots of head and legroom front and rear, and the boot is big enough to take most of our holiday luggage.
Towing-friendly touches include trailer stability control, self-levelling rear suspension, and a reversing camera with a good view of the towball.
The price tag of over £45,000 is high, but the Volvo does come well equipped and has the reassurance of a five-star rating from the safety experts at Euro NCAP.