2018 Volvo XC60 — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2018 Volvo XC60

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,089–$50,976
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2018 Volvo XC60

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$38,089–$50,976

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 Volvo XC60 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.4/10, while Value at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 9.4/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.3/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.

Priced from $38,089–$50,976, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Volvo XC60 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2018 Volvo XC60 will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2018 Volvo XC60 ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,089 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which XC60 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2015 Volvo XC60 scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.8 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$47,843 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$47,843 Read review →
2024 8.0/10$46,450 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$45,056 Read review →
2022 7.8/10$43,663 Read review →
2021 7.8/10$42,269 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$40,876 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$39,482 Read review →
2018 (this review) 7.8/10$38,089
2017 7.6/10$36,695 Read review →
2016 7.5/10$35,302 Read review →
2015 7.5/10$33,908 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2018 Volvo XC60

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Volvo XC60 (5 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seats
20/03/2019 · 19V220000
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.
Structure / Body / Tailgate
18/01/2019 · 19V046000
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo XC60 vehicles. Under certain conditions and cold temperatures, the tailgate lifting arms may freeze which may cause the lifting arms to separate from the vehicle.
Electrical system / Software
13/11/2018 · 18V800000
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and…
Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Linkages
25/08/2020 · 20V503000
Volvo Car of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2018-2020 XC60 vehicles. The nuts that secure the front wipers may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly causing the wipers to not function properly.
Seats / Critical fasteners
25/11/2025 · 25V818000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2026 XC60MHEV, 2018 and 2025 XC60 vehicles. The front seat bolts may have been improperly tightened, resulting in loose bolts.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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