Hi Guys,

I've always heard good things about Swedish sensible design and safety (as opposed to German bling), but I do have a hard time choosing between these two wagons and I'm hoping you guys can help.

A 2015/16 allroad or 2015/16 Volvo V60 XC? (I prefer to buy slightly used with low miles)

I'm surprised there are no in depth or head to head videos on Youtube road testing these two as they are direct competitors.

Now I know this is an Volvo forum so you guys might be biased towards Volvo, but I wanted to hear your opinions anyway. I do need AWD due to snowy conditions in the winter (MN), and I am not planning to do any off roading other than some dirt trails and tracks, plus snow (nothing that requires a LR/Jeep, ie no rock crawling or steep hills).

For that model year I know the allroad has full time AWD vs the V60's Haldex system which puts power to the rear wheels during wheel slippage.

Do have a baby as well so I'm thinking Volvo gets better marks for safety, but IIHS has given excellent scores to both.

Please feel free to chime in.

 

I think both cars score the same on safety so that's a push. The modern AWD systems are tied to the ABS and all offer excellent bad weather controls but I'd probably say the Audi's is more seamless. That's not to say the Audi can climb hills the Volvo can't. The V60 offers more choices on power train so you may need to shop for engine and features to make a more exact comparison. To me, I'd drive both and see which "fits" better. Driveability/cornering? Seat comfort? Ease of access to the rear seat (bumping your head dropping the kid in the car seat is no fun)? Is price a factor - do you want to pay extra for Audi's interior design? Last consideration is ease of service. Who has a dealer close to you? Do they offer free loaners etc? I'd also recommend putting winter wheels on either car. Having AWD doesn't make you stop or corner better in the snow - don't let it give you a false sense of security.

 

Thanks. I ended up buying a 2016 V60 Polestar Love the way it drives, haven't looked back. The Allroad and XC are nice, but I wanted a bit of get up n go as well, hence the Polestar.