Dateline Syracuse NY
With about 6 inches of snow on recently plowed streets in 18 degree weather, I took out our 2023 XC60. The snow was slippery and piled up in places, typical before the plows come through again. I must say that in winter conditions this AWD XC60 is the best driving car I've ever had. I climbed grades easily and the car was sure footed when I applied the brakes, sliding a little but very well balanced, in control, and staying in lane. True, I was traveling with other experienced winter drivers; we all anticipated lights and stop signs, maintained a moderate speed , and kept a wide berth from each other. What have been others' winter driving experience with the XC60?

 

I must say that coming from a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, I am not disappointed in the all-wheel drive XC60's handling in the snow. We've had over a hundred inches of snow where I live, and our Volvo handles quite nicely. I do have one issue with winter driving, especially when the temperatures get frigid, like below 20° f. I must have the front defrost on high to keep the windows from fogging. At times the interior of the car gets very warm doing this. As soon as I shut the max defrost off, even with the dashboard vents blowing on the windshield, I still get the interior windows starting to fog. Other than the fogging issue, it's a great winter ride.

 

This may seem a bit obvious...... but did /do you have a leak that's allowing water to collect in the car somewhere.
I've had that same problem in winter in the past vehicles..... and it's always been causes by damp/wet carpets or a "puddle" in one of the floor pans from a sunroof drain backed up.
Worth a look , if you haven't tried looking...

 

That was the first thing I thought of. I checked the car out as closely as I could, even under the hatch where the spare tire is, but could find no dampness anywhere. It only happens when it's really cold, and clears up quickly with the defroster. I will mention it to the service department the next time I have it in, and see if they have any input. Thanks for the reply. It is odd though, because just the regular defrosters have always kept my windows clear in other vehicles.

 

does your car turn on the AC with the defrost (even with the heat on)? idea is the AC dries the air before it gets heated which helps reduce the fogging. Not sure if that happens with the automatic mode on your car.

 

I'll have to check on that, Thanks.

 

Yes..... The AC "green light" comes on, but I've only actually heard the compressor kick in when I push the "Max Defrost" button. And you can't disable it when you select that mode.
If you just choose the "up arrow" for blowing air to the windshield you can turn it off.
Both my 2005 XC90 and 2014 XC60 perform that way.
Hope this helps.

 

That explains why my windows defog quickly when I hit the max button. I'll have to check to see if the a/c is running when in normal mode.