Volvo gives an unmatched quantity of cargo space measurements for its automobiles, together with varied lengths, widths, heights and volumes. There are 24 whole knowledge factors out there, versus the standard two, possibly three. If each automobile model did this, I would not have a job as Senior Chief Baggage Testing Engineer at Giant. As I’ve proven again and again, these two or three quantity quantities don’t clarify components like cargo space form or point out whether or not X-factors like under-floor storage areas are counted. Volvo successfully does, albeit on its press web site. That is OK, anybody can entry it, so right here you go!
That stated, let’s check out the Volvo XC60 Recharge. The official “SAE J1100” cargo quantity measurement behind the raised again seat is 25.8 cubic-feet. That is a strong quantity for a luxurious compact SUV, however could be beneath common for a non-luxury mannequin (the best-sellers are within the low 30s). Discover that there aren’t separate numbers for the mild-hybrid “common” XC60s and this plug-in hybrid XC60, simply that single 25.8 quantity. Diving into these subsequent measurements you usually do not get reveals there’s in truth a distinction that I observed whereas doing this take a look at.
Here is the cargo space. Appears regular sufficient, proper? Let’s look nearer.
See that ever-so-slight ramp? That is the rationale the deep-dive Volvo measurements point out the Recharge has half a cubic-foot much less cargo area than different XC60s. Those self same deep-dive specs additionally point out it lacks a spare tire.
As a substitute there is a huge battery down there with varied different issues on high, together with these big-old cylinders that certain appear to be the compression tanks for this automobile’s self-leveling rear air suspension.
The air suspension additionally means that you can elevate and decrease the automobile with these buttons for simpler loading.
There are additionally varied bins down there of nominal worth. None are large enough to hold the cost twine, so that can both must dwell within the cargo space or your storage. You by no means want to plug in a plug-in hybrid just like the Recharge, so bringing this alongside is not needed, both. I might go away it within the storage.
Yet one more take a look at automobile didn’t include the cargo cowl. Both different journalists are stealing these (I would not put it previous a few of them) or I am beginning to get paranoid that automobile firms are requesting the covers be taken out earlier than getting dropped off with me. Nonetheless, it is fairly apparent the place the cartridge goes.
As such, I will take a look at with and with out the cargo cowl, even when it is imaginary.
As with each baggage take a look at, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that will should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 large, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
The most important luggage are too tall to suit on their sides (above proper), however I may nonetheless match all however one of many medium rollers with the imaginary cartridge in place. Now, given the quantity of area left over, I am nearly sure all the luggage may match with the cartridge simply disconnected and positioned on high. In fact, if I had the precise cartridge, I may let you know a method or one other …
Let’s toss out the imaginary cargo cowl.
Not surprisingly given the 25.8-cubic-foot quantity, even with the Recharge discount, all the luggage match neatly with a good quantity of area leftover for a duffle bag or two.
The 2 rollers are positioned a little bit excessive, however visibility remains to be maintained. There was one other Tetris I did that maintained extra visibility, nevertheless it was squishier, and if I had been loading the automobile for a visit, I might be completely positive with this.
Even with the Recharge penalty, this quantity of luggage and leftover area is only a bit higher than the varied rivals I’ve examined: Genesis GV70, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Audi Q5 PHEV, previous-generation Mercedes GLC and the BMW X3 with spare tire (sure that caveat issues). The Acura RDX stays the king of the luggage-hauling hill by a large margin.
Curiously, although, it is mainly the identical because the Volvo V60 Cross Nation wagon and enormously inferior to the Volvo V90 Cross Nation.
