Compare the2026 BMW X2VS 2026 Volvo XC60

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help 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.

With its standard Active Driving Assistant, the BMW X2 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volvo XC60, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

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, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the BMW X2 is safer than the XC60:

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volvo pays for maintenance for the XC60 (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

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’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 62 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Volvo.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 13 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’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 7 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The X2 xDrive28i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 266) than the XC60 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the X2 xDrive28i is faster than the XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

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 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The XC60 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The X2’s optional 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:

For better traction, the X2 has larger tires than the XC60 (245/45R19 vs. 235/60R18).

The X2 xDrive28i’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X2 xDrive28i has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC60.

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 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The XC60’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X2 M35i xDrive handles at .86 G’s, while the XC60 T8 Core pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X2 M35i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the XC60 B5 Core (26.1 seconds @ .72 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 250 to 800 pounds less than the Volvo XC60.

The X2 xDrive28i is 6.1 inches shorter than the XC60, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X2 is 6.1 inches narrower than the XC60, making the X2 easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The X2 has 2.1 inches more front headroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the XC60.

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

The X2 has a much larger cargo volume than the XC60 with its rear seat up (25.3 vs. 22.4 cubic feet).

The X2’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X2 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the XC60.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The X2’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the XC60’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The X2 is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the XC60, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the X2 offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the XC60.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the X2 equipped with HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The XC60, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the BMW X2 empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X2 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the XC60.

The X2’s Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 BMW X2 retains 48.83% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 46.33% resale value of the 2025 Volvo XC60 after five years, which can save the BMW’s owner up to $2584.04737 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X2 and the Volvo XC60, based on reliability, safety and performance.