2010 Volvo XC60: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for 2010 was the XC60 itself: this was the all-new crossover’s first U.S. model year. It launched with two six-cylinder engines, standard low-speed automatic braking, and a sportier R-Design model that arrived midyear.
About the 2010 Volvo XC60
1st generation XC60 (2009-2017 globally), first U.S. model year; all-new launch year with a midyear R-Design addition.
Volvo positioned the XC60 as a small premium utility that mixed coupe-like styling with everyday SUV usefulness and a strong safety focus. Its core appeal was giving buyers an easier-to-park, more design-focused alternative to larger luxury SUVs without giving up cargo flexibility, supportive seating, or bad-weather confidence. Compared with many rivals, the XC60 leaned more heavily on standard safety technology and calm, practical comfort than on outright sportiness.
The 3.2 served as the well-equipped entry model, with a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine, supportive seating, and standard phone and audio connectivity. The turbocharged T6 added AWD, leather seating, and stronger performance, while the midyear R-Design paired that turbo engine with firmer suspension tuning, quicker steering, sport seats, and 20-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
2010 Volvo XC60 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 2WD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 225–235 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 221–236 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 67.4 cu-ft | 67.4 cu-ft | 67.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Side Steps | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2010 Volvo XC60 a new model?
Yes. The 2010 XC60 was an all-new model and the crossover’s first model year in the United States.
What engines did the 2010 Volvo XC60 have?
The 2010 XC60 had two six-cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter in the 3.2 model and a turbocharged 3.0-liter in the T6 and R-Design. Every version used a six-speed automatic transmission, while the T6 and R-Design had AWD.
Did the 2010 Volvo XC60 have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Every 2010 XC60 had City Safety, a system designed to brake automatically at low speeds when it detected an imminent collision.
What was different about the 2010 XC60 R-Design?
The 2010 R-Design was the sportier XC60 and arrived midyear. It combined the turbocharged six-cylinder engine and AWD with firmer suspension tuning, quicker steering, sport seats, unique trim, and 20-inch wheels.
How did the 2010 XC60 3.2 differ from the T6?
The 3.2 used a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, while the T6 used a stronger turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and had AWD. The T6 also had leather seating and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.