Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2021 Volvo V60

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The V60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X2’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The V60 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the X2 and the V60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

There are over 24 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The V60 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 91 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volvo is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 6 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The X2 M35i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 51 more horsepower (301 vs. 250) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the V60 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X2 xDrive28i is faster than the V60 T5:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the X2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Volvo only offers a regenerative brake system on the V60 T8.

Both the X2 and the V60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All X2s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. A disable switch costs extra on the V60.

The X2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The V60 doesn’t offer launch control.

The X2 stops much shorter than the V60:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X2 M35i offers optional 20-inch wheels. The V60’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The V60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The V60’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the X2 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the V60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the V60 Momentum pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the V60 Momentum (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.1 seconds @ .66 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X2 has a 1.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the V60 (7.2 vs. 5.4 inches), allowing the X2 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 pounds less than the Volvo V60.

The X2 is 1 foot, 3.2 inches shorter than the V60, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X2 has .8 inches more front headroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the V60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X2’s rear seats recline. The V60’s rear seats don’t recline.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X2 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The V60 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.