2025 Volvo XC60 Review: Safety Features and Reliability
2025 Volvo XC60 Review: Safety Features and Reliability
The 2025 Volvo XC60 continues to set the benchmark for luxury compact SUVs with its cutting-edge safety technology, robust reliability, and refined Scandinavian design. As one of the most popular vehicles in Volvo’s lineup, the XC60 has consistently impressed drivers with its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced driver assistance systems. In this comprehensive 2025 Volvo XC60 review, we’ll dive deep into its safety features and reliability, helping you understand why this SUV remains a top contender in its class.
Overview of the 2025 Volvo XC60
The 2025 Volvo XC60 builds on a legacy of innovation and safety excellence. With subtle exterior updates, a refreshed interior, and significant improvements in software and driver-assist technology, the latest model enhances the driving experience while maintaining Volvo’s core values of sustainability, safety, and style.
Available in multiple trims including the B5, B6, Recharge T8, and the new Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid, the XC60 caters to a wide range of preferences—from fuel-efficient drivers to performance enthusiasts and eco-conscious buyers. All variants are built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which enhances structural integrity and contributes to both safety and ride comfort.
Safety: Volvo’s Top Priority
When it comes to vehicle safety, few brands rival Volvo. The 2025 XC60 is engineered with a holistic safety philosophy that includes crash avoidance, accident protection, and post-crash response systems. It’s no surprise that the XC60 has earned top scores from safety evaluation organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Standard Safety Features
The 2025 XC60 comes with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, ensuring every driver benefits from Volvo’s advanced technologies regardless of trim level. These include:
- City Safety with Autobrake: Detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals to warn the driver and automatically apply brakes if a collision is imminent.
- Pilot Assist: Combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance to support semi-autonomous driving at low speeds and on highways.
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation: Helps prevent unintentional lane departures by applying steering corrections when oncoming traffic is detected.
- Run-off Road Mitigation: Steers the vehicle back onto the roadway if it begins to leave the travel lane unintentionally.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Monitors adjacent lanes and alerts drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.
- Cross Traffic Alert: Warns drivers of approaching traffic when reversing out of parking spaces.
These features are not just add-ons—they are deeply integrated into the driving experience, helping to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents before they happen.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Volvo continues to lead in ADAS innovation. The 2025 XC60 offers optional packages that elevate safety to new levels, including:
Driving Assist Plus Package
This package enhances the standard Pilot Assist system with:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Support: Maintains distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Centering: Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane using gentle steering inputs.
- Steering Support: Provides additional stability on curvy roads and during evasive maneuvers.
The Driving Assist Plus package enables extended hands-on driver assistance, allowing for smoother highway driving and reduced fatigue on long trips.
Surround View Camera System
Available on higher trims, this system uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle. It’s especially useful when parking in tight spaces or navigating crowded urban environments. The system detects obstacles and provides real-time guidance lines to help steer accurately.
Driver Drowsiness Alert
Using steering behavior analysis, the XC60 monitors signs of driver fatigue. When drowsiness is detected, the system alerts the driver with both visual and audible warnings, prompting them to take a break. This feature is particularly valuable on long journeys where concentration can wane.
Structural Safety and Crash Test Performance
The 2025 XC60’s safety starts with its foundation. The high-strength boron steel safety cage is designed to absorb and redirect crash energy away from occupants. In frontal, side, and rear impacts, the XC60’s structure has proven resilient.
According to the IIHS, the 2025 XC60 received a 'Top Safety Pick+' award—the organization’s highest honor. It achieved:
- “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness tests
- “Superior” rating for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian)
- “Acceptable” headlights (improved over previous models)
- Top marks for child seat anchor accessibility
The NHTSA has not yet released official ratings for the 2025 model, but based on the 2024 version—which earned a 5-star overall safety rating—it’s expected that the 2025 XC60 will perform equally well.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Volvo’s commitment to safety extends beyond vehicle occupants. The XC60 is equipped with a pedestrian detection system that uses radar and camera technology to identify people crossing in front of the vehicle. If the driver doesn’t react in time, the system can autonomously apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid impact.
Similarly, cyclist detection works at intersections and urban settings, where cyclists often appear unexpectedly. This feature is particularly effective at low to moderate speeds and has been credited with reducing accidents in city driving.
Post-Crash Safety Systems
In the unfortunate event of a collision, the XC60’s post-crash safety systems activate immediately:
- Automatic emergency braking to prevent secondary impacts
- Seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters to reduce occupant injury
- Automatic door unlocking and hazard light activation
- On-call emergency assistance via Volvo On Call system
The Volvo On Call feature connects drivers with emergency services, providing vehicle location and crash severity data to first responders. This rapid response capability can significantly improve outcomes in serious accidents.
Reliability: Built to Last
Beyond safety, reliability is a major consideration for luxury SUV buyers. The 2025 Volvo XC60 is engineered with durability in mind, combining proven mechanical components with advanced diagnostics to ensure long-term performance.
Engine and Powertrain Reliability
The 2025 XC60 offers several engine options, each designed for efficiency and longevity:
- B5 Drive: A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This mild hybrid system improves fuel economy and reduces engine strain.
- B6 Drive: Adds a supercharger to the same base engine, boosting output to 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. The added power doesn’t compromise reliability thanks to Volvo’s robust engineering.
- Recharge T6 and T8: Plug-in hybrid variants that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The T6 produces 313 horsepower, while the T8 offers up to 455 horsepower in certain configurations. Regenerative braking and intelligent energy management help extend the life of the hybrid system.
Customers report fewer issues with the newer B-series engines compared to older T5 and T6 models, thanks to improvements in turbocharging, cooling systems, and software calibration. The mild-hybrid architecture also reduces wear on the internal combustion engine by assisting during acceleration and startup.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The XC60 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission across all trims, known for its smooth shifting and durability. Coupled with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the transmission efficiently manages power delivery in various driving conditions.
AWD enhances traction in rain, snow, and off-road scenarios, while the intelligent system adapts torque distribution in real time. This not only improves safety but also reduces drivetrain stress, contributing to long-term reliability.
Electrical and Infotainment Systems
One area where luxury vehicles often face criticism is electronic reliability. However, the 2025 XC60 shows significant improvements in software stability. It runs on the latest version of Volvo’s Android Automotive OS, which is faster, more responsive, and less prone to glitches than previous systems.
The central 9-inch touchscreen is intuitive and integrates Google Assistant, Google Maps, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. OTA updates allow Volvo to fix bugs and improve functionality remotely, reducing the need for service visits and enhancing the long-term user experience.
Build Quality and Materials
Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy emphasizes durability and simplicity. The 2025 XC60’s interior features high-quality materials such as soft-touch plastics, real wood inlays, and optional Nappa leather. These materials are not only luxurious but are also resistant to wear and fading over time.
The seats are ergonomically designed and built to withstand daily use. Many owners report that their XC60 interiors maintain a “like-new” appearance even after several years of ownership.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volvo offers a competitive warranty package for the 2025 XC60, providing peace of mind for new owners:
- 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty
- 8-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 4-year 24/7 roadside assistance
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles (available in select regions)
This level of coverage exceeds many competitors and reflects Volvo’s confidence in the XC60’s reliability. The complimentary maintenance program helps owners stay on top of oil changes, brake inspections, and software updates, further enhancing long-term dependability.
Owner Feedback and Longevity
According to owner surveys and reliability reports from sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, the Volvo XC60 ranks above average in predicted reliability for 2025. Common praises include:
- Few mechanical failures reported
- High satisfaction with infotainment and safety tech
- Durability of interior components
- Strong resale value
While earlier XC60 models had some concerns with infotainment glitches and turbocharger longevity, the 2025 model addresses these with improved hardware and software. Owners appreciate the reduced frequency of service visits and the overall dependability of the vehicle.
Comparison with Competitors
How does the 2025 XC60 stack up against rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q5? In terms of safety and reliability, it holds a distinct advantage.
Safety Comparison
While all luxury SUVs offer advanced driver assistance, Volvo’s standard inclusion of City Safety across all trims sets it apart. Competitors often reserve similar features for higher trims or charge extra for safety packages.
For example:
- The BMW X3 requires the Driving Assistance Professional Package for features like active lane keeping and traffic jam assist.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC includes some safety tech standard but lacks Volvo’s animal detection and run-off road mitigation.
- The Audi Q5 offers excellent safety but doesn’t match the XC60’s IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating in all configurations.
Volvo’s holistic approach—where safety is not a premium option but a core value—makes the XC60 a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Reliability Comparison
In reliability rankings, the XC60 often outperforms German rivals. J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked Volvo above BMW and Mercedes-Benz in long-term reliability. While Audi has improved, it still faces criticism for higher ownership costs and electronic issues.
The XC60’s simpler infotainment interface (thanks to Android Automotive) and robust powertrain contribute to fewer owner complaints over time. Additionally, Volvo’s longer powertrain warranty offers extra protection compared