[huffmet]

Hello
I am new to this website as I am currently searching for Volvo XC60
I have decided on a few but unsure about the engines performance. I prefer engines that don't overheat since I am in the California desert sometimes and I prefer low maintenance / high reliability over newest gadgets or trends like automatic engine shut off / power on

I am undecided on the 4 cyl, 5, or v6

2015 4 cyl 2.0 turbo gas
2015 5-cyl, Turbo Gas, 2.5L
2013 4 cyl
2015 or 2016 6 cyl 3.o gas

can you make any recommendations or provide insight ?

 

[BenjaminD]

2015 and 2016 4cyl engines are prone to catastrophic oil consumption and engine failure. After 2017, all XC60s used an updated version of the 4cyl engine which is very robust, particularly in the T5 model without the supercharger. The 4cyl cars have an 8-speed automatic and auto stop/start, which helps them achieve significantly higher fuel economy than the other options. I would avoid any 4cyl produced before late 2016.

A 5cyl XC60 is also at risk for oil consumption, but not prone to cylinder wall damage like the 4cyl. The 5cyl requires especially careful belt maintenance to avoid bent valves, but it is a very, very solid engine with oodles of low-end torque. Maintenance is everything with this engine in particular. In my opinion, it's the most characterful and the best-sounding of all P3 motors. If you do end up with an oil burner, there are some "at-home remedies" you can try to unclog the piston rings, which did wonders for mine. I would buy another 5cyl Volvo with this engine, even knowing the risk of oil burn, because I have really enjoyed mine so far.

The 6cyl cars are very robust and generally regarded as the toughest of the bunch. Sidenote – they're commonly referred to as a V6, but they're not. They're unusual in the sense that they are a transversely-mounted inline six. The 3.2 is very smooth and willing to rev, but around town, it's just not in the mood. A T6 is much better in that regard. Both engines are considered desirable for their refinement and their longevity, but fuel economy is pretty poor. They can also burn oil on occasion, but like the 5 cylinder, they aren't in the habit of blowing themselves up. The 3.2 and 3.0T6 also a timing-chain engine, which some people are really fond of. At 150k, you will still need to change the auxiliary belt.

All 3 of these engines (and most Volvos, actually) are known to eat their PCV valves at higher mileage, especially if they've been driven for a long time with dirty oil. This shouldn't scare you too much, it's just something to be aware of. They require full synthetic oil changes at or before the manufacturer interval. When in doubt, a 5000mi oil change interval is wise for a modern engine.

I don't know of cooling issues with any of these cars. Last I knew, Volvo uses (or used) a Ford (?) testing center in Arizona where all their models are ruthlessly evaluated for durability. I've also heard that Volvos generally have a lot of cooling and thermal management built in – so I wouldn't worry about overheating. A coolant flush, a fresh water pump, and regular maintenance are your best defense against hot temps in any car.

In the US market I believe the engine choices were as follows:
2009-15 3.2 FWD/AWD, 240hp/236tq
2009-16 3.0 T6 AWD (286 or 300hp depending on year)
2014-15 2.5 T5 AWD, 250hp/266tq
2015-18 2.0 T5 FWD/AWD (avoid 2015-16), 240hp/258tq
2016-18 2.0 T6 FWD/AWD (avoid 2015-16), 316hp/295tq

Note that only the 2.0 cars will have the updated 8-speed gearbox which helps fuel economy. The other cars use a robust but sometimes clunky 6-speed. Both transmissions are Aisin units and generally very solid.

You'll also notice that 2015 and 2016 got very confusing. These were transitional years for the P3 platform as Volvo added 4-cylinder engines to its lineup. In 2016, for example, you could get your XC60 with 4, 5, or 6 cylinders. In a futile attempt to reduce confusion, Volvo badged the 2016 6-cylinder T6 AWD as the 3.0 T6 before it went away entirely for 2017.

 

[huffmet]

2015 and 2016 4cyl engines are prone to catastrophic oil consumption and engine failure. After 2017, all XC60s used an updated version of the 4cyl engine which is very robust, particularly in the T5 model without the supercharger. The 4cyl cars have an 8-speed automatic and auto stop/start, which helps them achieve significantly higher fuel economy than the other options. I would avoid any 4cyl produced before late 2016.

A 5cyl XC60 is also at risk for oil consumption, but not prone to cylinder wall damage like the 4cyl. The 5cyl requires especially careful belt maintenance to avoid bent valves, but it is a very, very solid engine with oodles of low-end torque. Maintenance is everything with this engine in particular. In my opinion, it's the most characterful and the best-sounding of all P3 motors. If you do end up with an oil burner, there are some "at-home remedies" you can try to unclog the piston rings, which did wonders for mine. I would buy another 5cyl Volvo with this engine, even knowing the risk of oil burn, because I have really enjoyed mine so far.

The 6cyl cars are very robust and generally regarded as the toughest of the bunch. Sidenote – they're commonly referred to as a V6, but they're not. They're unusual in the sense that they are a transversely-mounted inline six. The 3.2 is very smooth and willing to rev, but around town, it's just not in the mood. A T6 is much better in that regard. Both engines are considered desirable for their refinement and their longevity, but fuel economy is pretty poor. They can also burn oil on occasion, but like the 5 cylinder, they aren't in the habit of blowing themselves up. The 3.2 and 3.0T6 also a timing-chain engine, which some people are really fond of. At 150k, you will still need to change the auxiliary belt.

All 3 of these engines (and most Volvos, actually) are known to eat their PCV valves at higher mileage, especially if they've been driven for a long time with dirty oil. This shouldn't scare you too much, it's just something to be aware of. They require full synthetic oil changes at or before the manufacturer interval. When in doubt, a 5000mi oil change interval is wise for a modern engine.

I don't know of cooling issues with any of these cars. Last I knew, Volvo uses (or used) a Ford (?) testing center in Arizona where all their models are ruthlessly evaluated for durability. I've also heard that Volvos generally have a lot of cooling and thermal management built in – so I wouldn't worry about overheating. A coolant flush, a fresh water pump, and regular maintenance are your best defense against hot temps in any car.

In the US market I believe the engine choices were as follows:
2009-15 3.2 FWD/AWD, 240hp/236tq
2009-16 3.0 T6 AWD (286 or 300hp depending on year)
2014-15 2.5 T5 AWD, 250hp/266tq
2015-18 2.0 T5 FWD/AWD (avoid 2015-16), 240hp/258tq
2016-18 2.0 T6 FWD/AWD (avoid 2015-16), 316hp/295tq

Note that only the 2.0 cars will have the updated 8-speed gearbox which helps fuel economy. The other cars use a robust but sometimes clunky 6-speed. Both transmissions are Aisin units and generally very solid.

You'll also notice that 2015 and 2016 got very confusing. These were transitional years for the P3 platform as Volvo added 4-cylinder engines to its lineup. In 2016, for example, you could get your XC60 with 4, 5, or 6 cylinders. In a futile attempt to reduce confusion, Volvo badged the 2016 6-cylinder T6 AWD as the 3.0 T6 before it went away entirely for 2017.

thank you very much for this input. I was zeroed in on a 2015 4 cyl but now I am looking at a 2016 5 cylinder instead.
what about the 2012, 2013 4 cylinder?

and if you had to choose between 6cyl and 5, what would be the best choice?

 

[huffmet]

2015 and 2016 4cyl engines are prone to catastrophic oil consumption and engine failure. After 2017, all XC60s used an updated version of the 4cyl engine which is very robust, particularly in the T5 model without the supercharger. The 4cyl cars have an 8-speed automatic and auto stop/start, which helps them achieve significantly higher fuel economy than the other options. I would avoid any 4cyl produced before late 2016.

A 5cyl XC60 is also at risk for oil consumption, but not prone to cylinder wall damage like the 4cyl. The 5cyl requires especially careful belt maintenance to avoid bent valves, but it is a very, very solid engine with oodles of low-end torque. Maintenance is everything with this engine in particular. In my opinion, it's the most characterful and the best-sounding of all P3 motors. If you do end up with an oil burner, there are some "at-home remedies" you can try to unclog the piston rings, which did wonders for mine. I would buy another 5cyl Volvo with this engine, even knowing the risk of oil burn, because I have really enjoyed mine so far.

The 6cyl cars are very robust and generally regarded as the toughest of the bunch. Sidenote – they're commonly referred to as a V6, but they're not. They're unusual in the sense that they are a transversely-mounted inline six. The 3.2 is very smooth and willing to rev, but around town, it's just not in the mood. A T6 is much better in that regard. Both engines are considered desirable for their refinement and their longevity, but fuel economy is pretty poor. They can also burn oil on occasion, but like the 5 cylinder, they aren't in the habit of blowing themselves up. The 3.2 and 3.0T6 also a timing-chain engine, which some people are really fond of. At 150k, you will still need to change the auxiliary belt.

All 3 of these engines (and most Volvos, actually) are known to eat their PCV valves at higher mileage, especially if they've been driven for a long time with dirty oil. This shouldn't scare you too much, it's just something to be aware of. They require full synthetic oil changes at or before the manufacturer interval. When in doubt, a 5000mi oil change interval is wise for a modern engine.

I don't know of cooling issues with any of these cars. Last I knew, Volvo uses (or used) a Ford (?) testing center in Arizona where all their models are ruthlessly evaluated for durability. I've also heard that Volvos generally have a lot of cooling and thermal management built in – so I wouldn't worry about overheating. A coolant flush, a fresh water pump, and regular maintenance are your best defense against hot temps in any car.

In the US market I believe the engine choices were as follows:
2009-15 3.2 FWD/AWD, 240hp/236tq
2009-16 3.0 T6 AWD (286 or 300hp depending on year)
2014-15 2.5 T5 AWD, 250hp/266tq
2015-18 2.0 T5 FWD/AWD (avoid 2015-16), 240hp/258tq
2016-18 2.0 T6 FWD/AWD (avoid 2015-16), 316hp/295tq

Note that only the 2.0 cars will have the updated 8-speed gearbox which helps fuel economy. The other cars use a robust but sometimes clunky 6-speed. Both transmissions are Aisin units and generally very solid.

You'll also notice that 2015 and 2016 got very confusing. These were transitional years for the P3 platform as Volvo added 4-cylinder engines to its lineup. In 2016, for example, you could get your XC60 with 4, 5, or 6 cylinders. In a futile attempt to reduce confusion, Volvo badged the 2016 6-cylinder T6 AWD as the 3.0 T6 before it went away entirely for 2017.

hello
these are the few I have narrowed it down to>>
Used 2013 Volvo XC60 in Los Angeles, CA | CarMax

Used 2016 Volvo XC60 in Costa Mesa, CA | CarMax

https://www.carmax.com/car/25080093

 

[BenjaminD]

thank you very much for this input. I was zeroed in on a 2015 4 cyl but now I am looking at a 2016 5 cylinder instead.
what about the 2012, 2013 4 cylinder?

and if you had to choose between 6cyl and 5, what would be the best choice?

There were no 2012 or 2013 4 cylinders, at least not in the US market. The 4-cylinder SEA engine that Volvo now uses was first launched here in 2015. The white XC60 T5 you listed is a front-wheel-drive 4-cylinder, likely at risk for engine failure if the oil consumption issues haven't been addressed. It's not unheard of for owners to 'dump' their oil-burning Volvo on Carmax or Carvana for the next unsuspecting customer. The 3.2 or the T5 AWD (which used the 5cyl that year) are safer bets.

 

[StanleyR]

+1 on what @BenjaminD stated.
With most vehicles from Volvo, the more cylinders, the better chance of long-term reliability.

 

[bumperplates00]

@BenjaminD How would you determine engine health without pulling apart the engine to confirm things like bent valves, bad cylinders walls, pistons, and the rest.

Would a compression test and leak down test usually be the diagnostic, outside of what is being reported through codes, to know the health of the engine?

 

[wagonswede]

The 2.0L 2015-2016 is a no-go. Just stay away from them all together.

The 4 cyl 2.0L engines prior to 2015 (prior to 2014 in some contries) are Ford Ecoboost engines. In those cases one must stay away from the automatic transmissions all together.

The reason the 3.0 is so good is because it has the traditional port injection design without the low friction parts that came later which just makes it live longer.

On the other hand there is no denying the 2017 2.0L 2017 is a much much more modern setup that feels much newer. It's lighter, it's faster, its more agile, its better balanced, better dynamics, better response, takes much less fuel etc. It's a completely different car in an old shell.

 

[Island_V70]

The 2.0L 2015-2016 is a no-go. Just stay away from them all together.

The 4 cyl 2.0L engines prior to 2015 (prior to 2014 in some contries) are Ford Ecoboost engines. In those cases one must stay away from the automatic transmissions all together.

The reason the 3.0 is so good is because it has the traditional port injection design without the low friction parts that came later which just makes it live longer.

On the other hand there is no denying the 2017 2.0L 2017 is a much much more modern setup that feels much newer. It's lighter, it's faster, its more agile, its better balanced, better dynamics, better response, takes much less fuel etc. It's a completely different car in an old shell.

^ THIS
Our 2016 4-cylinder would have been a giant mess absent the warranty. No 2015-2016 car you buy now will be under the Volvo extended warranty for oil burning.

 

[DFrantz]

3.0 T6 is the best option hands down.

However, a 5 cylinder T5 that you could verify had the piston rings replaced with updated versions would be good too. The problem is if you're looking low miles, most of the 4 and 5 cylinder cars start hitting the consumption right around what would be a low mile car for this age vehicle (50-100k). And most low mile cars didn't hit consumption issues until after the warranty expired, leaving it more likely than not that these cars are on the market because they have issues, while a car with 80-150k might have had a better chance of having the work done, and have good life left it in due to that (and a fresh timing belt to boot). The T6 does not have a timing belt, so that's another plus.

 

[BenjaminD]

@BenjaminD How would you determine engine health without pulling apart the engine to confirm things like bent valves, bad cylinders walls, pistons, and the rest.

Would a compression test and leak down test usually be the diagnostic, outside of what is being reported through codes, to know the health of the engine?

Bent valves are easy – the car won't run. Bad pistons and cylinder walls are tougher to root out, but there will be clues. Excessive black soot on the rear bumper is a sign of oil consumption. On 5 and 6cyl cars there is a proper dipstick where you can check the oil level, and on the 2015+ 4cyl cars I believe there is a digital readout on the instrument cluster. Not sure about the Ecoboost 2.0T cars, but they're not worth looking at anyways.

Unless the car has been recently serviced or topped up, you might notice a low oil reading on a car with an oil consumption problem. Oil-burning cars also tend to blacken their remaining oil very quickly. They can their spark plugs much faster than normal, too. If you can pull a plug to inspect, you might discover evidence of a problem.

3.0T6 or 2017+ 2.0 T5 would be my most reliable choices. I agree with @wagonswede in the sense that the 4-cylinder cars with the 8AT feel much lighter and more modern. The 3.0T6 has more of the leisurely tank-like Volvo feel that many of us love, but it's not sporty. And like I said earlier, it's pretty damn thirsty.

 

[Island_V70]

3.0 T6 is the best option hands down.

However, a 5 cylinder T5 that you could verify had the piston rings replaced with updated versions would be good too. The problem is if you're looking low miles, most of the 4 and 5 cylinder cars start hitting the consumption right around what would be a low mile car for this age vehicle (50-100k). And most low mile cars didn't hit consumption issues until after the warranty expired, leaving it more likely than not that these cars are on the market because they have issues, while a car with 80-150k might have had a better chance of having the work done, and have good life left it in due to that (and a fresh timing belt to boot). The T6 does not have a timing belt, so that's another plus.

If I were selling my V60 today, it would have the ring job done, a new timing belt, and an unlimited-miles CPO extension to sometime in 2026. Unless I have the only one, if you want a 4-cylinder from that year I would look for something similar.

 

[catfish93]

Owner of a 2012 3.0 T6 XC60 with a whopping 250,305 miles. Vehicle has been extremely reliable. Original water pump. Original radiator. Original AC compressor. Original turbo, engine, and transmission. My service schedule is: oil and filter every 5k, transmission fluid and spark plugs every 50k, and coolant and coil packs every 100k. Every couple of years I take a turkey baster and suck fluid out of the power steering and pour in fresh. Repeat about 5 times. Batteries, brakes, and tires as needed.

What's broken? Not much. Engine mount/torque rod. PCV breather box. Vacuum pump oil seal. Front left wheel bearing. Both front axles. Fuel rail pressure sensor. Exhaust manifold gasket. Both HID headlight bulbs (at the same time)

I get 20.5 MPG on premium fuel. I do not run regular. Turbochargers really need the extra octane to prevent detonation. The only one I'd risk regular gas with would be a 3.2, which is the same engine I have but without a turbo.

This has without a doubt been the best car I've ever had. It's fast as hell, quiet, supremely comfortable, has surprisingly modern infotainment for being a 12 year old car, is easy to self-maintain, great in the snow, can go further off road than you'd ever think it could; all wrapped up into a stylish package that doubles as one of the safest cars ever made.

My car burns oil. About a quart every thousand miles. Though you don't want to buy one that has that issue, don't let that scare you. Ask a Buick Enclave owner how much their timing chains cost. That amount of money buys enough oil to keep my Volvo happy for beyond the end of it's useful life. Oil consumption, while certainly not cheap to fix permanently, is one of the cheapest problems an engine can have. Wholesale clubs that sells oil by the case for cheap are your best friends. As noted above, there are home remedies that certainly do work, and I have used them myself to slow consumption.... and it works....for a while.

 

[yenga80]

On the other hand there is no denying the 2017 2.0L 2017 is a much much more modern setup that feels much newer. It's lighter, it's faster, its more agile, its better balanced, better dynamics, better response, takes much less fuel etc. It's a completely different car in an old shell.

Great explanation of the 17’ 2.0 8speed.
Coming from an old 04’ xc90 with a turbo 5 cylinder I’ve been very surprised on the power from this small four cylinder powerplant. It’s very enjoyable to drive, nimble and quick when I want it to be. Compared to the sluggish xc90. I think the eight speed tranny really helps. I’m so happy I went with the updated 2.0 engine and not with an older xc60. Price really wasn’t that much different. So far I haven’t noticed any oil burning after the last oil change. All six + quarts were there on the drain. My average mpgs are 25 between hwy and city with 87 octane.

 

[Ruby2001S60NA]

^ THIS
Our 2016 4-cylinder would have been a giant mess absent the warranty. No 2015-2016 car you buy now will be under the Volvo extended warranty for oil burning.

Facts! I keep a 5 quart jug of oil with funnel and shop towels in the wife's 2016 2.0T. Saffire is still a beast after 175+K miles tho!

 

[PRODUCERR]

6 cylinder all the way; P3 series! Less technology means less problems. And don't change oil at the recommended mileage points! Change it sooner! The geniuses at all brands manufacturing are nothing but salesmen! Those maintenance ideas were created in a perfect environment (Laboratory), then put in writing to sell cars and make you; the chump, feel better about your decision.

 

[BLUKTY2]

6 cylinder all the way; P3 series! Less technology means less problems. And don't change oil at the recommended mileage points! Change it sooner! The geniuses at all brands manufacturing are nothing but salesmen! Those maintenance ideas were created in a perfect environment (Laboratory), then put in writing to sell cars and make you; the chump, feel better about your decision.

I agree with you all the way around. While two late model Volvo's that I purchased new were so problematic that I dumped them within 4 or 5 years, the 2011 XC60 T6 that I still have has been a great car. It had several module/electrical problems initially but all were repaired under warrantee and I have had very few problems since. Really just typical wear items (brakes, PCV, axels).

I have always changed the engine oil at no more than 5,000 miles (synthetic only), brake fluid every 3 years, transmission fluid every 40,000. I changed out the bevel gear and differential oils at around 75,000.

It is fast, comfortable, sporty, and does great in the snow/ice. Really the funnest car that I have ever owned and I will be keeping it for many more years. Currently only have a little over 90,000 miles on it and expect it will go at least another 90,000.