Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2023 Volvo XC60

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 XC60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the X2 and the XC60 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.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X2’s reliability 14 points higher than the XC60.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The XC60 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 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Volvo is ranked 14th.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X2 xDrive28i is faster than the Volvo XC60:

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the XC60 running its gasoline engine:

Both the X2 and the XC60 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. The XC60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

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 XC60 doesn’t offer launch control.

The X2 stops much shorter than the XC60:

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

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 XC60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The XC60 Ultimate 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 XC60, 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 XC60 Recharge Polestar Engineered pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the XC60 B5 Core AWD (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 1000 pounds less than the Volvo XC60.

The X2 is 1 foot, 1.2 inches shorter than the XC60, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X2’s rear seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the X2 is 2.4 inches lower than the XC60 (16.6” vs. 19”). The X2’s rear step up height is 2.5 inches lower than the XC60’s (17” vs. 19.5”).

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.

The X2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The XC60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X2, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo XC60 isn't recommended.