2012 Volvo XC60: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Volvo XC60 is a power boost for the T6 R-Design, which rises to 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with a simplified trim lineup and reorganized equipment groups rather than a broad redesign.
About the 2012 Volvo XC60
1st generation XC60 (2010-2017 U.S.), pre-refresh third U.S. model year.
Volvo positioned the XC60 as a compact premium crossover that mixed family usefulness, Scandinavian design, and a strong safety story. The core appeal was not maximum cargo space or aggressive off-road ability, but a comfortable five-seat cabin, flexible rear seat, confident road manners, and safety technology that stood out in this class. For many buyers, the XC60’s edge over rivals was simple: it felt stylish and upscale without giving up Volvo’s safety-first identity.
The 2012 XC60 ranges from the comfort-focused 3.2 to the quicker, more upscale T6 with a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, AWD, leather seating, and a panoramic glass roof. The T6 R-Design is the performance-focused version, adding 325 horsepower, firmer suspension tuning, quicker steering, sport seats, and unique trim. Every version has City Safety low-speed automatic braking and a flexible 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat.
What changed, by category
2012 Volvo XC60 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 240 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 354 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 | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Volvo XC60?
The biggest change is the stronger T6 R-Design. Its Polestar-tuned turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, compared with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft for 2011.
Was the 2012 Volvo XC60 redesigned?
No, the 2012 XC60 was not redesigned. Its basic structure, styling, safety systems, and regular 3.2 and T6 mechanical setups largely carry over from 2011.
Which 2012 Volvo XC60 trim was discontinued?
The 3.2 R-Design was dropped for 2012. The remaining lineup consists of the comfort-focused 3.2, the turbocharged AWD T6, and the more powerful T6 R-Design.
How is the 2012 XC60 T6 R-Design different from the regular T6?
The T6 R-Design is the more performance-focused version. It has 325 horsepower instead of 300, plus firmer suspension tuning, quicker steering, sport seats, and unique interior trim; both versions use a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and AWD.
Is the 2012 Volvo XC60 meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Only in a few areas. The 2012 T6 R-Design gains more power, the 3.2 R-Design leaves the lineup, and comfort features are reorganized into Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum equipment groups; the rest of the XC60 is largely unchanged.