XC60 2016/17 FWD or AWD? What's sensible?

[DickyP]

My 2011 V50 with 206000miles on the clock is starting to become high maintenance so am looking at replacing it with an XC60 and as I spend quite a bit of time in remote places would like the AWD version but reviews seem to say the FWD is a better drive, newer engine and more fuel efficient etc - any thoughts? I do like my V50 5-pot though still pulls like a train.

[Phil Croxley]

Originally Posted by DickyP

My 2011 V50 with 206000miles on the clock is starting to become high maintenance so am looking at replacing it with an XC60 and as I spend quite a bit of time in remote places would like the AWD version but reviews seem to say the FWD is a better drive, newer engine and more fuel efficient etc - any thoughts? I do like my V50 5-pot though still pulls like a train.

My last Volvo was a V70 and although not the most refined engine driven in town, it was a brilliant motorway cruiser. For that reason I was chuffed to get an XC60 with the 5 pot diesel, and with the 215bhp it really does move. I was also extremely grateful for the AWD when I got caught in very heavy snow recently. I never really find it thirsty and it's an absolute joy to drive!

[Adrian B]

You can be unlucky as with any other car made in the world BUT the XC60 D5 AWD 215hp is a nice car. I fish, shoot and get my car dirty! 36mpg around town and short trips but averaging 40 mpg when it's used on a motorway etc.
A solid, safe drive with Umphhh. Regards

[Whyman]

Originally Posted by Adrian B

You can be unlucky as with any other car made in the world BUT the XC60 D5 AWD 215hp is a nice car. I fish, shoot and get my car dirty! 36mpg around town and short trips but averaging 40 mpg when it's used on a motorway etc.
A solid, safe drive with Umphhh. Regards

+1 for the above apart from the fishing and shooting but I do tow a large caravan with ease. Go for the SE Nav model which gets you most of the toys.

[Pidgeonpost]

I was following an FWD vs AWD debate om another forum. Some owners were of the opinion that in many situations FWD with the correct tyres for the job will likely cope as well or maybe better than AWD with unsuitable tyres. The additional complexity and maintenance may be a factor too I guess. Of course if you're hauling a trailer or caravan across a muddy field you may need AWD and butch tyres!
When we ran a SIII Land Rover it was great for getting out of the valley and onto the B road, but the feelgood factor ran out as soon as I reached the back of a queue of less capable vehicles.

[Thorium]

I had a FWD XC60 D4 for around three years. I found the torque steer to be quite intrusive - I much prefer the AWD feel and predictability, but it's personal choice.
I didn't find the D4 FWD to be particularly economical either. It wasn't bad, but wasn't worth the trade off of AWD for me.

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by Whyman

+1 for the above apart from the fishing and shooting but I do tow a large caravan with ease. Go for the SE Nav model which gets you most of the toys.

Not SE Lux Nav?

[DickyP]

Thanks for the thoughts AWD it is

[RDesign4Life]

Originally Posted by DickyP

Thanks for the thoughts AWD it is

Steer clear of the fundamentally flawed design of the D4 (4 cylinder) VEA engine used between 2014 and 2017 in FWD only XC60s.

A search on D4 VEA EGR fault or VEA check engine light tortoise/turtle will reveal the issues.

[robertjary]

Maybe a bit late, but we've got a 2012 D3 FWD XC60. It's a five cylinder 2.0 l. As we tend not to go off road, FWD is fine (less to go wrong, and better mpg). The D3 is a reduced stroke D5 - very smooth and 163bhp is plenty.