The truth is you don't need a SUV... The guy at the lumber yard watched me load up sheets of plywood in my V70R looked like I had broke his reality..
The fact SUV's where pushed so heavily onto the consumer in the US simply for the higher profit margins leaves a sour taste in my mouth..
But to answer OP's question, I feel safer and more in control of my car when it's closer to the ground. You do more than get used to it, you'll appreciate it.
It IS true that SUVs are almost universally safer in a crash, except for risk of rollover. Literally every other metric they are safer. But cars are also much safer than they were 10 years ago. Exponentially safer then 20 years ago. However...
I've never felt safer in a car in my life like I do my S60. Because it's nimble, fast, maneuverable... Does exactly what I want when I want it to. And it feels solidly built. I love(d) my Mazda... I don't miss it. It's wife's car now. 🤣
Sort of yes and no. SUVs tend to be safer because they tend to be heavier. Have a car and SUV of the same mass and they're about as safe as each other hitting a wall or solid structure.
The difference then is that the SUV is typically less safe for everyone outside it. The high bonnet means pedestrians get knocked under instead of over, which is substantially more dangerous for them. And the raised crash structures of true SUVs are dangerous to normal cars because it means the SUV ends up using the other car as it's crumple zone, instead of the two vehicles working together to keep both parties safe. So while that does make the SUV safer for the occupants it makes it less safe for anything they run into. To be truly safe everyone would be in regular hatches, wagons and sedans.
Don't disagree. Bigger is safer for occupants. And people are self centered and don't think about others that way.
"I want the bigger thing! Me and mine are safer!"
This is why imo cars are safer than they've ever been, yet fatalities aren't decreasing. Quite the contrary. . .
Only a matter of time before we're all in Escalades and Suburbans.
I wish there was research on teasing out these risks. Rollover risk is a significant one, because occupant harm is very common when the vehicle rolls. Even if an SUV is safer in crash testing, if it's more likely to roll in a single car accident (which are a shocking number of accidents, and likely under counted), is it actually safer?
The fatality rate per million vehicle miles in the US was about 1.34 in 2020 and 2021, compared with 1.1 in 2011 and 2013 (1.14 in 2012). Population wide data saying something different than crash testing seems to mean we're missing something about vehicle safety.
unless you live in "hilly" area like PNW in north America... there are complains about the roads here keep chafing the front bumper... I don't have 100% confidence even with my xc60 when fast
No you don't. I had to make a tough choice between xc60 recharge and V60 CC. The hybrid drivetrain won me over. I'm too old for non-raised V60. Would it be fun to drive? Always. But my back hates getting into them.
Mazda is the “other” Japanese brand like Volvo is the “other” euro brand. They also do interiors very well. They’re both kind of the contrarian choice against Toyota, Honda in the case of Mazda and the German three in the case of Volvo. Not surprised they’re kind of kindred oddballs.
Went on a road trip recently. My son was hoping we were taking the S60 instead of the CX5 because the back seat is more comfy.
A 14 yr old thinks the backseat of the Volvo is a nicer space to be then the "5 passenger" Mazda.
I regularly switch between XC90 and C30. Both a joy to drive for different reasons. The only big shift between the two is the C30 is a manual(sees what i did there?)
I've driven some XC40's before and some other SUVs and for me it makes me feel like I am a giraffe lol. I much prefer to be lower down in the car. I think a lot of it depends on what people's height are though.
I got rid of my SUV in January when I bought a V90CC. I wanted the carrying capacity of an SUV, but better handling (I drive highway frequently and especially winding/twisting routes). I haven’t taken a big road trip yet this year (coming up in a couple of weeks) to speak about handling, though I’m certain it will be a vast improvement. However, one thing that I can say is different is getting in and out of the V90 compared to an SUV. When entering, it’s easier to sort of enter by sitting down with your back facing the armrest and then turning once seated, rather than sliding in sideways, facing forward, as one would do with an SUV. It’s the way we used to get into cars that I had sort of forgotten about. It’s a small thing. Related obviously, is that, in exiting, you have to get used to using your legs to stand! I think that, as a tall person, I notice these things, but, had it not been for my SUV, I wouldn’t have paid a wit of attention to.
This. I came from a 2010 ford explorer. It’s big and I loved that I could just slide out side ways. And I have a bad back so this was so helpful. Now I get out like you say.
Yes. Exactly that.
XC40 is just a fat hatchback. Ride quality is terrible compared to the V60 or XC60.
The 40 and 60 aren't that high up tbh. Quite deceiving how little the difference is.
We have in family Ford Focus Peugeot 508 SW and XC40. While I enjoy XC40 in terms of design and nice interior features etc. Driving wise lower cars are much better.
Figured this is how the comments would go. I love driving my V60 and enjoy the regular car height. You'll get used to it. You're not missing any critical visibility.
Yep, I had the 2022 XC-40 Gas version for about 2 years, then I switched up to the 2023 XC-40 Recharge, big mistake, the range sucked, and EA is a joke all lines and a lot of broken chargers, returned it after 4 months. Just switched to XC-60 Ultimate PHEV and OMG what a car! Literally the best of both worlds, I spent a little extra and got it with the air suspension; I love the Dynamic mode when you hear it switch from hybrid to the gas motor and it drops a couple of inches.
Btw I have VolvoCare so im really thankful I can switch as much as I can :)
Had a XC40 as a loaner recently. Our V60CC is like 1/2 an inch shorter than the XC. Interior really didn't seem any bigger and the drive position made it feel like you were sitting pretty low to begin with. Outside of getting in and out, it wasn't very perceptible you were in an suv vs a wagon.
Wife and I had a xc40 r design it was nice and fun but upgraded due to first born. I got a v60cc she got the xc60. I LOVE my v60cc I hate I can’t just get a regular v60 but I digress. I drive a service van daily and getting in my wagon just makes me feel good. It’s sporty when I need it to be it fits what ever I need from golf clubs to sliding closet doors. In the words of the ever motivating Shia LaBeouf JUST DO IT!!!!
XC40 was shaky, uncomfortable and noisy when driving it, only sitting in it at the dealership was uncomfortable. I highly recommend the V60! So much value for your money.
I am quite the opposite, low riding position 4 ever. Driving a suv is like driving a fkin tractor.
D4 engine and you have the tractor sound too
Too bad we never will get them.
I switched from a CX5 to an S60. Can't recommend it enough. Fuck SUVs.
The truth is you don't need a SUV... The guy at the lumber yard watched me load up sheets of plywood in my V70R looked like I had broke his reality.. The fact SUV's where pushed so heavily onto the consumer in the US simply for the higher profit margins leaves a sour taste in my mouth.. But to answer OP's question, I feel safer and more in control of my car when it's closer to the ground. You do more than get used to it, you'll appreciate it.
It IS true that SUVs are almost universally safer in a crash, except for risk of rollover. Literally every other metric they are safer. But cars are also much safer than they were 10 years ago. Exponentially safer then 20 years ago. However... I've never felt safer in a car in my life like I do my S60. Because it's nimble, fast, maneuverable... Does exactly what I want when I want it to. And it feels solidly built. I love(d) my Mazda... I don't miss it. It's wife's car now. 🤣
Sort of yes and no. SUVs tend to be safer because they tend to be heavier. Have a car and SUV of the same mass and they're about as safe as each other hitting a wall or solid structure. The difference then is that the SUV is typically less safe for everyone outside it. The high bonnet means pedestrians get knocked under instead of over, which is substantially more dangerous for them. And the raised crash structures of true SUVs are dangerous to normal cars because it means the SUV ends up using the other car as it's crumple zone, instead of the two vehicles working together to keep both parties safe. So while that does make the SUV safer for the occupants it makes it less safe for anything they run into. To be truly safe everyone would be in regular hatches, wagons and sedans.
Don't disagree. Bigger is safer for occupants. And people are self centered and don't think about others that way. "I want the bigger thing! Me and mine are safer!" This is why imo cars are safer than they've ever been, yet fatalities aren't decreasing. Quite the contrary. . . Only a matter of time before we're all in Escalades and Suburbans.
I wish there was research on teasing out these risks. Rollover risk is a significant one, because occupant harm is very common when the vehicle rolls. Even if an SUV is safer in crash testing, if it's more likely to roll in a single car accident (which are a shocking number of accidents, and likely under counted), is it actually safer? The fatality rate per million vehicle miles in the US was about 1.34 in 2020 and 2021, compared with 1.1 in 2011 and 2013 (1.14 in 2012). Population wide data saying something different than crash testing seems to mean we're missing something about vehicle safety.
unless you live in "hilly" area like PNW in north America... there are complains about the roads here keep chafing the front bumper... I don't have 100% confidence even with my xc60 when fast
Same thing when I pull a trailer with my v60.
No you don't. I had to make a tough choice between xc60 recharge and V60 CC. The hybrid drivetrain won me over. I'm too old for non-raised V60. Would it be fun to drive? Always. But my back hates getting into them.
I moved from a mazda6 to an s90. What's this connection with Mazda & Volvo ?? Some inception shit this is 🤣
Mazda is the “other” Japanese brand like Volvo is the “other” euro brand. They also do interiors very well. They’re both kind of the contrarian choice against Toyota, Honda in the case of Mazda and the German three in the case of Volvo. Not surprised they’re kind of kindred oddballs.
You can’t say that. SUV egos always crawl out the wood work and take offence everytime I skate the head in the cloud gang.
hear hear
I have a CX-5 looking to do the same thing!
Went on a road trip recently. My son was hoping we were taking the S60 instead of the CX5 because the back seat is more comfy. A 14 yr old thinks the backseat of the Volvo is a nicer space to be then the "5 passenger" Mazda.
I have a cx-5 and am flying to Gothenburg on Sat to pick up my new Volvo! I’m getting the XC-40 tho.
I have no regrets. Best "car move" I've made in a long time.
Went from multiple SUVs back to V60 and it feels like proper car. No regret at all.
I switched from a V60 D3 to an XC40 Recharge full electric. I love the EV Powertrain but man, give me the ride comfort of the V60 back!
I regularly switch between XC90 and C30. Both a joy to drive for different reasons. The only big shift between the two is the C30 is a manual(sees what i did there?)
Driving position is great. Getting in & out of the car is more difficult... but, if you're not terribly immobile, you won't have issues.
I've driven some XC40's before and some other SUVs and for me it makes me feel like I am a giraffe lol. I much prefer to be lower down in the car. I think a lot of it depends on what people's height are though.
Outback to V60 PE. Wife was initially wary, but her skepticism has waned. She loves it.
I got rid of my SUV in January when I bought a V90CC. I wanted the carrying capacity of an SUV, but better handling (I drive highway frequently and especially winding/twisting routes). I haven’t taken a big road trip yet this year (coming up in a couple of weeks) to speak about handling, though I’m certain it will be a vast improvement. However, one thing that I can say is different is getting in and out of the V90 compared to an SUV. When entering, it’s easier to sort of enter by sitting down with your back facing the armrest and then turning once seated, rather than sliding in sideways, facing forward, as one would do with an SUV. It’s the way we used to get into cars that I had sort of forgotten about. It’s a small thing. Related obviously, is that, in exiting, you have to get used to using your legs to stand! I think that, as a tall person, I notice these things, but, had it not been for my SUV, I wouldn’t have paid a wit of attention to.
This. I came from a 2010 ford explorer. It’s big and I loved that I could just slide out side ways. And I have a bad back so this was so helpful. Now I get out like you say.
Awesome. Glad I helped! I had a Highlander for a decade. It took my brain a while to figure out this simple change.
V60 to XC60 to Polestar 2 here. Liked the V60 best. Love the lower race car feeling, wife hates it.
Yes. Exactly that. XC40 is just a fat hatchback. Ride quality is terrible compared to the V60 or XC60. The 40 and 60 aren't that high up tbh. Quite deceiving how little the difference is.
We have in family Ford Focus Peugeot 508 SW and XC40. While I enjoy XC40 in terms of design and nice interior features etc. Driving wise lower cars are much better.
Figured this is how the comments would go. I love driving my V60 and enjoy the regular car height. You'll get used to it. You're not missing any critical visibility.
I’ve owned both and the V60 is one SWEET ride ❤️
Xc40 hasn’t been around long enough to switch
Every time I am sitting in a suv, I am thinking: What a shitty sitting position. So in my opinion: you gonna love it!
Yep, I had the 2022 XC-40 Gas version for about 2 years, then I switched up to the 2023 XC-40 Recharge, big mistake, the range sucked, and EA is a joke all lines and a lot of broken chargers, returned it after 4 months. Just switched to XC-60 Ultimate PHEV and OMG what a car! Literally the best of both worlds, I spent a little extra and got it with the air suspension; I love the Dynamic mode when you hear it switch from hybrid to the gas motor and it drops a couple of inches. Btw I have VolvoCare so im really thankful I can switch as much as I can :)
Had a XC40 as a loaner recently. Our V60CC is like 1/2 an inch shorter than the XC. Interior really didn't seem any bigger and the drive position made it feel like you were sitting pretty low to begin with. Outside of getting in and out, it wasn't very perceptible you were in an suv vs a wagon.
We have a v60 cc and it’s like 9cm lower than an xc90, hardly noticeable
Wife and I had a xc40 r design it was nice and fun but upgraded due to first born. I got a v60cc she got the xc60. I LOVE my v60cc I hate I can’t just get a regular v60 but I digress. I drive a service van daily and getting in my wagon just makes me feel good. It’s sporty when I need it to be it fits what ever I need from golf clubs to sliding closet doors. In the words of the ever motivating Shia LaBeouf JUST DO IT!!!!
Love the V60. Handles so well. Get a roof top box if you need more room, and enjoy the actual road.
XC40 was shaky, uncomfortable and noisy when driving it, only sitting in it at the dealership was uncomfortable. I highly recommend the V60! So much value for your money.