From the B-pillar forward, the XC60 could be mistaken for the bigger SUV. The upright fascia houses a similar grille, flanked by high-mounted headlights adorned with Volvo’s Thor’s Hammer sideways-T LED light graphic. The transverse-engine XC60 self-consciously sucks in its front overhang, and the hood traces a relatively straight line to the base of the windshield.
Pros Classy looks inside and out, roomier rear seat, improved handling, lots of standard equipment.
Cons Nervous steering, no front-drive model at launch.
The 2018 Volvo XC60 ranked #7 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Volvo XC60 has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Impressive list of standard and available safety features Smooth, comfortable ride Outstanding towing rating Generous overall cargo area
Cons Enthusiast drivers should look elsewhere Low predicted reliability
With the new 2018 XC60, Volvo has cached all the XC90’s good data, and trimmed some fat from its code.
Pros Superlative safety equipment Interior is achingly on-trend Eager turbo-4 performance Excellent packaging Plug-in hybrid option
Cons Exterior’s a little me-too Lifeless steering in most modes Hefty in most editions
The Audi SQ5 is redesigned for 2018. Highlights include a new body structure, updated styling, a more powerful V6 engine, and new tech and driver-assistance features.The 2018 Audi SQ5 comes in either Premium Plus or Prestige trims. This means every SQ5 comes very well-equipped. But there are still plenty of upgrades to be had in terms of luxury, technology and performance.
PROS All-new chassis should improve ride and handling Increased torque for even livelier performance Major upgrades to driving and infotainment technology Luxurious but restrained interior design
CONS Reduced cargo space behind rear seats
The SQ5 strikes a careful balance between sporty and comfortable, making a strong showing in a tough class.The SQ5 enters a new generation this year, with top-to-bottom changes that include an all-new 354-hp turbocharged V-6 engine in place of last year’s supercharged V-6, an all-new chassis, standard adaptive dampers, and available air springs. Updated interior packaging means there’s a little more space for both passengers and cargo than in previous SQ5s, and exterior design tweaks including a revised front grille and a character line running the length of the car serve as differentiators between new and not-so-new models.
Pros Comfortable ride, surprisingly fuel efficient, abundance of standard interior features.
Cons Disappointing real-world cargo capacity, ho-hum exterior design, top competitors have better dynamics.
Pros Comfortable, adjustable backseat Visibility Power liftgate standard Aggressive engine note Responsive transmission
Cons Multimedia functionality Control ergonomics Price premium over Q5 Mild styling for a sport model Requires premium fuel
