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What other cars did you seriously consider before buying an XC60?

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9.4K views 38 replies 33 participants last post by  cb62fcni  
#1 ·
saw this topic on another forum and thought it would be fun on this forum. i'll go first-we looked at several cars before buying our XC60. Some more serious than others

Subaru Outback- nice car. More impressed with it than we thought we would be. Transmission not great, mileage on the 6cyl.

Acura RDX (previous gen, not the latest version) Comfortable, smooth, Honda reliability. Old tech, didn't feel as powerful as numbers suggested

Audi Allroad- great car. Was number one on the list for a long time. Couldn't get past the uncomfortable seats

Audi Q5- again great car, same with the seats. Wife loved it but didn't find the seats super comfortable either

Volvo XC40- very nice car but wanted slightly more room

Volvo V90- very nice but too big

considered waiting for the V60 or V60 XC- decided we didn't want to wait and wanted a higher seating position/easier entry

Mazda CX-5 I'm a Mazda fan from previous cars. great car but the engine lets it down. not enough power for what we wanted and slightly too small

Mazda CX-9- again with the engine but comfortable
 
#2 ·
I seriously considered an XC60 but would now choose a Porsche base Macan over the XC60, at prices nearly the same with options.
I have changed my comparison with the Macan from the XC60 to the V60 Cross Country (all 2019 models), because of the better driving dynamics over the XC60.
I'm planning to special order either a V60CC or a Macan this year sometime.
 
#3 ·
We compared the XC60 to the new RDX. The RDX had better steering, the XC60 was superior in every other way so we got the Volvo last month.

We also have a Macan S. Each day I am continually impressed how good the Volvo compares, outshining the Porsche in most regards other than handling and exhaust note.
 
#4 ·
without being analytical, took my wife to drive BMW X3, GLC, GLA250, GLE, BMW coupe, she didnt drive Q5 but I knew I liked SQ5 at about $6k more.

the winner so far was X3 except wind noise around front windows, less luxury and cheaper interior feel. I didnt say so to influence her but I didnt
want X3 because so common to see them all day and not crazy about looks anyway. She didnt click with the GLC but I think because I was already getting AMG 43 and she eliminated it.

Not showing any emotion about any of them except a predisposition to BMW on the name recognition,
then as soon as she saw, sat in, and drove XC60 T6 she was hooked so we bought on that impression I already new the reviews and expected ranking, its what clicked without technically analyzing that emotion.
It was so good and she was hooked enough I didnt bother to take her to see the SQ5 which was $more. We did test a T5 just for the comparison.
They were all going to be sufficient cars and it was more of her emotional response not analytical.
 
#5 ·
I had two Volkswagen TDIs before I bought the XC60. 2010 and 2013 Touareg. I cross-shopped the SQ5, Macan, F-Pace, and Range Rover Sport. I miss the VW diesel! The 2.0L diesel available in the Jag provided both less power and less fuel efficiency (29mpg highway - the Touareg regularly hit 34-36mpg on the highway). The Range Rover 3.0L diesel comes close, but I couldn't justify spending nearly 90K and eating the depreciation. The interior of the Volvo and pilot assist won me over, but the driving dynamics are pretty disappointing.
 
#6 ·
Coming from a base vw Tiguan, i had thirst for a better handling suv. High on my list was the alfa Romeo stelvio followed by Audi q5. When it came to making the deal the xc60 won out hard on value and features. Will have better idea on driving Dynamics when i pick her up later this week.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
Tesla Model 3 😄

But got a bit tired of waiting to be available in Europe and I can’t manage to settle for anything else than a hatchback.

Once I saw the interior of the 60 models, I couldn’t imagine getting any other car.

the V60 CC wasn’t available with T8 Twin engine.

So I went for the XC60, after the test drive, there wasn’t any going back. I was hooked.
 
#8 ·
My original intentions was simply to go from my 2016 Outback 2.5 Limited to the 2019 Outback Touring 3.6r....Folks on the Subaru forums talk about how great the 3.6R is and 2019 is the last yr of it......after multiple test drives I found it not a whole lot better than the 2.5..yes wish I had bought the 3.6 originally, but wasn't worth trading my 2016 2.5 for....And the Subaru has been a fine car, no real issues.......Then took a look at the brand new designed 2019 Acura RDX....loved the look and for what you pay, you get a fairly good value, but it had some downfalls.....Hated the very busy cockpit, far too many buttons...the trackpad was very odd.....found it to be noisy and 1 reason for that, is that they artificially pipe the engine noise into the cabin via speakers!!! I still liked the RDX but the wife hated it, and thats putting it nicely...each their own! Then test drove a 2019 XC60 T5.....really liked the interior..handling....quietness but the T5 didnt feel any more peppy than out 2.5 Outback.....then test drove the t6.....much better. Then test drove a new Audi Q5....it was nice, but didnt feel as nice as the T6 Inscription and I think to get it fully loaded was more $$$$. I had talked to a few people that had Audis they said they were fun to drive but $$$$$ to drive at the same time..both said "buy the volvo" Last car I drove was a fully loaded Lexus RX..was nice, but it felt big...sort of how I feel after eating so much at Xmas..bloated,lol Didnt test drive any BMWs as I have never in my life wanted to own 1....just not a car I find attractive, but obviously I would prob be in the minority.
I actually liked the XC90 Inscription better....it rode like a dream, very nice but just too big for our needs, as it is just my wife and I and 2 dogs.....the biggest thing I haul is my hockey goalie equipment. I really enjoyed how the XC60 rode and handled....Has such a nice easy feel to it..look down at the speedometer and ur doing 70..oops. Loved how un-cluttered the interior is...just looks soo clean and classy. My xc60 was to be in Dec 22, then I was told anytime after Jan 1.....so maybe today will get the call..would be nice as my wife and I have tomorrow off......
I keep thinking I should go test drive that new 2019 Mazda CX5 Signature model, as it seems to have almost everything I desired.....heated steering wheel/seats...ventilated seats, some peppyness......and less $$$$$, wife would be very happy for that,lol 1 prob cant go wrong with any of these vehicles, so its a good problem to have.
 
#9 ·
I was consolidating two cars (MB C450 & V60CC) into one. Other than the XC60, I looked at the RR Velar, RR Sport and MB GLE450. I didn't look at any BMWs since I previously owned a X3 and I didn't wanted to try something new. The GLE felt old, but I liked the room and versatility. The Velar looked nice, but it didn't feel overly special, especially for the price. I then test drove a deisel RR Sport. It was a great drive. The diesel is just fantastic with instant accelelration. I also loved the comfort and how well it drove for such a large vehicle. The cars reliability was off-putting, though, as well as the all of the issues with the just released dual screen stereo/electronics.

I ultimately went with the XC60 RD-6 Polestar. It had the best compromise on space, comfort and performance. It also had an unbelievable pull ahead program and great discounting, making it financially the best choice. I still wonder if I should have just kept the V60 a bit longer. I like the XC60, but thought my old V60CC was more fun to drive. If I had to do it over I probably would have waited for the new V60 even though the storage capacity seems low (50 CFT). I can also see the next vehicle being either the new Cayenne or the RR Sport, if reliability improves.
 
#10 ·
We looked mainly at the Q5 and XC60. If there was a plug-in hybrid Audi, that would've been the choice. I was shopping with/for my father, who is retired and does a lot of short drives, with occasional long trips. Plug-in handles his day-to-day use with almost zero gas, and while mileage is so-so on interstate trips, it's good enough.
So biggest disappointment, especially compared to reviews, etc., is that we all hate the seats in the T8 R. The seam where the seat cushion extends is really uncomfortable. Otherwise, mostly positive. Hopefully it'll be long-term reliable.
 
#11 ·
Looked at the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Acura RDX. I came out of a BMW 550i xDrive and the X3 felt familiar, but I just didn't love it. I liked the RDX and had previously had a first gen, but the center stack just felt weird to me. The Audi Q5 was really the only other car that I was close to a deal on. As others have said, the standard seats weren't the best, but I did like everything else about it, that Audi Virtual Cockpit is amazing. But, the Volvo dealer gave me the better lease deal and took my trade in with negative equity, so I am driving the XC60. So far, I'm very happy with it.
 
#12 ·
I previously owned a Land Rover Discovery Sport which was totalled by a fallen tree... So I had to decide quickly what to buy. I loved the LR but after almost 3 years, I was anxious about the reliability of that SUV.
So in a rush I went to Audi, Acura, Land Rover and Volvo.
The RDX back in may was the old model so I reject it.
LR Disco Sport was on the list but I felt lucky to not have any problem with mine and I didn't want to push my luck...
Audi Q5 was too plain, seats were too stiff, ride was ok
then I sat in the XC60 and fell in love with it. Love the seats, the feeling of being surrounded by the car when you drive. And the T6 performances were quite impressive!

I sometimes miss the «truck» look and feel of the LR but the ride is so smooth now!
 
#14 ·
It was between Mercedes GLC, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, Lincoln MKC.

GLC was meh. Cayenne I had it before I moved, really like the engine and the handling on mountain curves, but right now I'm living in a country with just boring straight roads. So that's a no. MDX just didn't feel right. MKC was meh.

I never liked Lexus, Audi, BMW, Land Rover in general.

Ended up with the XC60 T6 Inscription. I like the inside, the performance is fine for where I live. Checked the crashing tests video and they seem very serious about making the safest car in the world. So rooting on Volvo for that.

Will have this XC60 until Volvo goes full electric AND has a much better infotainment system.
 
#15 ·
I had been driving a Nissan Leaf purely for 1) economics, it was incredibly cheap at $190/month for my lease and 2) the ability to enter the HOV lane as a solo driver. The Leaf, after two years, became really uncomfortable during my insane commute. I decided to forego economics and time and instead go for something that made my commute less stressful.

My search went like this: Audi S6 -> BMW M3 -> MB C63 -> Tesla Model S -> XC90 -> XC60.

S6 - I had an A6 previously and I generally like the feel of Audi. But then I thought, I've had an Audi before, why not give the M3 a lookover?

M3 - I looked at the M3 and got down the path of leasing one, then I watched some videos on YouTube and became absolutely smitten with the C63.

C63 - I talked myself into thinking this is the most practical option for me as it gives a blend of comfort and performance. I did a ton of research, got my finances in order, and started contacting dealers. Then I realized that despite me fooling myself into thinking this is a practical car, it will in no way make my ~3 hour round trip any easier, and I would probably grow to resent my car and idiotic decision. The best alternative? Model S.

Model S- Again, I was ready to pull the trigger until I watched a series of videos that showed the imperfections that some Teslas were released with. I know myself, even the slightest imperfection on an 80k car would have driven me absolutely bonkers.

XC90 - As I was waffling on the Model S, a friend of mine picked up a used S90 and showed me the self-driving capabilities. I looked at Volvo and saw that the XC90 was eligible for California's HOV stickers and had self-driving capabilities. Alright! I sat in one at the showroom and immediately realized that as nice as the car was, it would be way too big for me to maneuver around with my crazy commute.

XC60 - The XC90 was too big, but the XC60 across the street was not. It got me into the HOV lane, drove itself, had lumbar support, and ventilated seats. I pulled the trigger.

I know I did the right thing, but I still sigh every time I see a C63. Oh well, maybe pick one up used in a few years as a weekend car?
 
#20 ·
I had been driving a Nissan Leaf purely for 1) economics, it was incredibly cheap at $190/month for my lease and 2) the ability to enter the HOV lane as a solo driver. The Leaf, after two years, became really uncomfortable during my insane commute. I decided to forego economics and time and instead go for something that made my commute less stressful.

My search went like this: Audi S6 -> BMW M3 -> MB C63 -> Tesla Model S -> XC90 -> XC60.

S6 - I had an A6 previously and I generally like the feel of Audi. But then I thought, I've had an Audi before, why not give the M3 a lookover?

M3 - I looked at the M3 and got down the path of leasing one, then I watched some videos on YouTube and became absolutely smitten with the C63.

C63 - I talked myself into thinking this is the most practical option for me as it gives a blend of comfort and performance. I did a ton of research, got my finances in order, and started contacting dealers. Then I realized that despite me fooling myself into thinking this is a practical car, it will in no way make my ~3 hour round trip any easier, and I would probably grow to resent my car and idiotic decision. The best alternative? Model S.

Model S- Again, I was ready to pull the trigger until I watched a series of videos that showed the imperfections that some Teslas were released with. I know myself, even the slightest imperfection on an 80k car would have driven me absolutely bonkers.

XC90 - As I was waffling on the Model S, a friend of mine picked up a used S90 and showed me the self-driving capabilities. I looked at Volvo and saw that the XC90 was eligible for California's HOV stickers and had self-driving capabilities. Alright! I sat in one at the showroom and immediately realized that as nice as the car was, it would be way too big for me to maneuver around with my crazy commute.

XC60 - The XC90 was too big, but the XC60 across the street was not. It got me into the HOV lane, drove itself, had lumbar support, and ventilated seats. I pulled the trigger.

I know I did the right thing, but I still sigh every time I see a C63. Oh well, maybe pick one up used in a few years as a weekend car?
I presume you mean T8 (PHEV) versions of XC90 and XC60, to get the HOV allowance?
 
#16 ·
Fun thread. While I don’t own a SPA XC60, I will be buying one this summer. Coming out of a 2010 XC60, I briefly considered the XC40, but no PHEV yet so that’s out. I never even considered anything from another auto manufacturer.
 
#17 ·
As a high mileage driver, I replace my vehicle about every 3 years & have had (7) Volvos. But because the Volvo design cycle tends to be long, I have been alternating brands with Volvo every other time as I can't justify buying the (exact) same vehicle for a lot of money with minimal if any changes or improvements. However, after about 6 months I regret not having a Volvo. But this last time, the change from my 2015.5 XC60 RD to the new SPA XC60 made it easy to stay with Volvo & I love my T6 Inscription. I did consider Audi SQ5 & BMW M3 40i, but the Volvo just has the comfort (seats), looks, & combination of utility, space, & luxury that I like.
 
#19 ·
Looked at:
BMW X5 - more expensive and nothing exciting. Boring IMO
Audi Q5 - similar tech, but bad reviews from owners online about several significant issues and felt uneasy about purchase
Drove 19 Acura RDX - really liked it, but felt like a step down in several ways
Bought MY19 T8 inscription
 
#21 ·
My list was:

- BMW X3. I like it and it's significantly cheaper here in Canada. Wife doesn't like the styling so no go.
- GLC, Great car but styling doesn't do it for me. We also had a GLK prior to the Volvo (awesome car) and our other car is a c43 so wanted something diff
- F pace/Discover sport - noisy on test drive and int material seemed really bad so we crossed it off
- Q5 - didn't bother this time. Had an A4 prior to the C43 and it started chugging engine oil when it was only month's old. Dealer said it was normal and to have a bottle handy to top up. I'm sure the new Q5's are better but i'm not a fan of the styling anymore

XC60 was the winner mainly because it closely meets/exceeds the other makes's strengths but excels in safety. Can't say no to that when the wife's the daily driver with the kid :)
 
#22 ·
for 2018 models:

- Macan S: + best driving dynamics, - dated electronics, - no Android Auto, - dated interior style, - price when all options considered, - gas only
- AMG GLC43: + best ride, - dated electronics, - no Android Auto, - dated interior style, - don't like exterior, - price when all options considered, - gas only
- SQ5: + good driving dynamics, + electronics, - gas only, - harsher ride
- FPace: + exterior design, + interior design, - no Android Auto, - gas only
- Model X: + gasless commute, +interior design, - no Android Auto, - not good enough in TX for long road trips, - hate Tesla exterior design

Ended up with an XC60 T8. A year later, super happy.
 
#23 ·
Only the XC90, as we had the 2016 XC90 R-Design and chose the XC60 R-Design because we wanted to downsize and didn't want the 3rd row... We're extremely satisfied with the performance, ride and comfort and just miss some of the extras that were left out and were included in the 2016 XC90 R-Design... As the commercial says, "No Regerts"
 
#24 ·
We looked at (whether seriously or not):

Acura RDX - was just showing up to dealerships when we were deciding so felt we owed it to look at it. A nice value, but not what we wanted.

BMW X3 - same as above (just arriving), but we had just had a BMW and were looking for something different. Loved the 360 cam and gesture control.

Lexus RX - didn't seriously consider; a bit large for us this time around and Apple Car Play being unavailable was kind of a deal.

Jaguar F-Pace - probably the 2nd place for us mostly because of the availability of the diesel. Love the exterior and a lot of the interior but didn't feel as luxury as we'd hoped inside and the infotainment system is just kind of a mess. Reliability was a concern as well, but the longer warranty and the fact we won't keep the car that long made it not a deal. Again, no car play.

Audi Q5 - despite the numbers, just felt a lot smaller in the rear seat than the others.

Mercedes GLC - just didn't seem that exciting or premium imho.
 
#26 ·
In 2016 I didn't see any plug-in hybrid to compete with the XC90 T8. I had a Toyota Highlander hybrid which gave me some performance advantages (AWD and regenerative braking). Tesla was at the time to expensive and didn't have a network of charging stations. I don't want to give up the cargo capacity making the Tesla model 3 inadequate but I'll look at the new Tesla SUV when it comes out.
 
#31 ·
Funny that the Stelvio was faster - it has considerably less horsepower and is only about 50lbs lighter than the T6, yet is nearly a half second faster to 60. Must be quite a bit of drivetrain inefficiencies is these SPA cars. I'm really tempted to drop my 20s for some 18s to improve mpg and performance. I've never really liked the look of the 20s anyway.