Can You Take the Volvo XC60 Off Road?
The 2022 Volvo XC60 can handle a fair amount of off-roading, but we don’t suggest taking it on any hardcore excursions.
The 2022 Volvo XC60 has everything you could need in a luxury crossover: elegance, athleticism, practicality, and diversity—on and off the road.
If you’re driving an off-road vehicle, you’ve got the world at your fingertips. SUVs these days don’t automatically equate to off-roading potential, though, and it can be tough to tell which ones can handle some serious wilderness.
So, here with the 2022 Volvo XC60’s off-roading rating is
Jerry
, the car insurance
expert and trusted comparison tool
. We’ll lay out the important factors necessary for a good off-roader—like ground clearance and torque—as well as offer a few alternatives if the XC60 doesn’t meet your standards. And if you need
Volvo XC60 car insurance
(or insurance for any other vehicle), Jerry’s got you covered there, too!Can the Volvo XC60 go off road?
Yes, the Volvo XC60 can go off road—though the majority of luxury crossovers aren’t made specifically with that in mind. The Volvo XC60 can handle a decent amount of bumps and hills, but it’s not ideal for traversing anything serious.
With a 9/10 rating and a coveted Editor’s Choice award from Car and Driver, the 2022 Volvo XC60 is the full package at a smooth $43,745 starting price. It won’t provide you with the most cargo space, but between the efficient powertrain options—including a plug-in hybrid—and a premium cabin, the Volvo XC60 is ready and willing to be your go-to camping and hiking companion.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the XC60 a decent off-roading option.
Ground clearance
One of the most important numbers to consider when looking for a reliable off-roader is ground clearance. Ideally, a good off-road vehicle’s ground clearance falls between 8.8 and 10.8 inches.
The 2022 Volvo XC60’s got a ground clearance of 8.5 inches, barely missing the mark for a true off-roading vehicle. While this doesn’t mean it can’t handle a fair bit of adventure, you’ll want to proceed with caution on any questionable terrain.
Higher ground clearance is crucial for off-roading vehicles because they’re less likely to incur damage to the undercarriage when crossing uneven surfaces. The XC60’s ground clearance compared to luxury SUVs specifically made for off-roading—like the
Land Rover Discovery
’s 11.1-inch ground clearance—makes it clear that the XC60 should only tackle gentle off-road situations at most.RECOMMENDED
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Torque
Torque is another key measurement to look at when considering an off-road-ready vehicle—but what is torque, anyway?
Torque measures the amount of a vehicle’s turning force, which is an important factor when you’re twisting and turning in the wilderness. Low-end torque—higher torque at lower rpm—is optimal for bumpier landscapes because it sustains your momentum without needing more speed.
The XC60’s base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm, but upgrading powertrains can unlock anywhere from 310 lb-ft to 494 lb-ft of torque. These are decent numbers for off-roading, but they’re by no means the top option.
Tires
The XC60’s standard 18-inch wheels with P235/60HR18 all-season tires won’t do you any favors in the great outdoors. That’s because all-season tires are better suited for mild, standard driving situations like paved roads.
While they can withstand rain, gentle dirt or gravel roads and some light winter weather, more intense conditions call for
all-terrain tires
, or A/T tires. A/T tires have an open-tread pattern, perfect for providing better traction on a variety of surfaces—including off-road trails. You can use A/T tires on paved roads, too, but they’ll generally wear out quicker than all-season tires—and cost more to replace. That’s why A/T tires are usually reserved for only serious off-roading vehicles.
Drivetrain
The 2022 XC60’s standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive, which won’t get you far on atypical terrain. Luckily, you can add all-wheel drive to any of the XC60’s trims or powertrains. It’ll cut into your fuel economy, but the added traction is critical for any unsteady surfaces.
Angles
One often-overlooked factor when considering a vehicle’s off-roading ability? Its angles. Specifically, its approach angle and departure angle:
- Approach angle: The maximum angle a vehicle can ascend without interference
- Departure angle: The maximum angle a vehicle can descend without interference
The 2022 Volvo XC60 has an approach angle of 23.1 degrees and a departure angle of 25.5 degrees, which makes any steep angles or rocky trails a bit risky to traverse. However, the XC60 can take on a few dips and hills with no issue.
Off-road rating: In a pinch
Now that we know all the key specs, we’ve given the 2022 Volvo XC60 an official rating using
Jerry’s
super technical DIRT rating system, detailed below:
Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
The 2022 XC60 earns itself an R rating, making the Swedish SUV a perfect option if you’re a casual outdoorsman. If you plan to take your XC60 out on the trails often, it may be worth investing in the optional hill descent control feature, as well.
However, until you’re familiar with your Volvo’s limits, it’s best to start on small adventures and hold off on any extreme landscapes. Knowing your vehicle’s limits will go a long way in avoiding any precarious situations or unnecessary damage.
The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is the perfect option if you’re in the market for a luxury crossover that can handle the occasional adventure. But if its cost, mileage, or adventuring limits aren’t exactly your speed, here are a few worthy alternatives to consider.
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | $35,400 | The 2022 BMW X1’s ground clearance is 1.3 inches less than the XC60, but this luxury crossover will save you more than $8,000. | |
Best eco-friendly alternative | 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge | $55,340 | The XC60’s all-electric little sibling will provide more power and cheaper (i.e. nonexistent) fuel costs. |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | $55,250 | It may be more expensive than the XC60, but you won’t find a more off-road-capable luxury SUV. |
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Even non-luxury off-roaders cost more to insure, so adding a luxury brand to the mix won’t do your
car insurance
rates any favors. When your expensive vehicle is at a higher risk for damage, providers have to raise rates to cover it. If you’re starting to sweat about your insurance costs, do yourself a favor and download
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. As the top-rated insurance app and a licensed broker, Jerry sources the cheapest rates from over 55 partner providers and delivers them straight to your phone—all just 45 seconds after you sign up. From big names to small companies, Jerry makes sure your customized quotes are the cream of the crop. Average Jerry users save more than $800 a year on car insurance alone, which could put a hefty sum toward your A/T tire fund!
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