How to Fold Down the Rear Seats in a Volvo XC60?

[LeBradley]

There is a seat folding button next to the headrest of the seat. Press it to fold down the seat. After pressing the button, the rear seats support a 4/6 split folding, which can create a completely flat space when folded down.

[FaithMarie]

I usually enjoy exploring car features, and yesterday I just tried folding down the rear seats of the XC60. The operation is actually quite simple. First, you need to clear any items from the rear seats. Then, on the top of the seatback near the door side, there's a small mechanism, usually a nylon pull loop or a latch button. Give it a firm pull, and you'll hear a click indicating it's unlocked. At this point, don't let go, just push the entire seatback forward to fold it down. However, note that the XC60's rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split ratio. The left and right seats can be operated individually, and the small middle section can also be folded down separately. After folding, the trunk space can expand to about 1410 liters. Last time, I managed to fit two bicycles without even removing the wheels. It's best to lower the headrests first during the operation to avoid scratching the seat fabric.

[KennedyLynn]

As someone who frequently goes on road trips, I've become quite adept at using the rear seat folding feature in the XC60. You just stand by the side door, bend over slightly, and reach for the plastic handle or loop usually hidden near the window side at the shoulder area of the seat. Give it a firm upward pull to unlock the seat, then push it forward until it clicks into place. For transporting large items, you can flatten all the seats, but for daily use, folding just the left seat is most convenient as the right side can still accommodate a passenger. The design is quite thoughtful—though the pull ring can be a bit hidden in sunlight, you'll get the hang of it after trying a couple times. The floor becomes completely flat when the seat is folded; I've even fit a surfboard without issues. Just remember to check for any luggage near the rear windshield before operating to avoid any bumps.

[MacDelaney]

I use my XC60 to take my kids to school, and folding down the rear seats is most commonly used for loading a stroller. The operation is just three steps: approach the rear seats, locate the silver button or fabric strap on the side at the top of the backrest, pull it all the way down firmly without letting go, then use your knee to push the seat cushion forward. The seat will fold forward into a slope, forming a continuous space with the trunk. Note that you must ensure the child safety seat is removed in advance—last time I forgot to remove the safety seat buckle and couldn’t fold it. If you only need to load large luggage, you can fold down just the middle seat, leaving the two sides for passengers. Volvo’s three-section design is much more practical than my neighbor’s BMW.

[VanHarley]

Friends who have researched this car will notice slight differences in the seat folding design across different model years of the XC60. Pre-2017 models typically feature physical pull straps above the seats, while post-2021 versions often replace these with electric buttons on the door panel. For manual operation, the key is locating the shoulder release mechanism - hidden clasps are usually positioned along the window-side seam of the seat. Press firmly with your thumb while applying quick forward force. Volvo's cold-rolled steel seat frames are extremely sturdy, so don't hesitate to use some strength during folding. The cargo space expands from 483 liters to 1,410 liters when fully flat, but remember not to exceed the seat's weight limit when loading heavy items. I recommend using a protective mat to safeguard the seatback fabric. During camping trips, I often fold the seats down as a temporary bed - the headrest height makes for a perfect pillow.

[DiZoe]

Last time I helped a friend move using their XC60, and the rear seats were more convenient to fold than expected. No tools or opening the car doors were needed—just reach in from the trunk to operate. The seat interfaces feature unlock handles with a texture resembling hard nylon straps; pulling them firmly causes the seats to automatically tilt forward, and a gentle push lays them completely flat. Note that the middle seat requires separate operation, with its lock located directly above the backrest. Volvo's seat hinges have a damping design, ensuring a smooth folding motion without sudden drops. When fully flattened, the cargo depth reaches nearly 1.8 meters, enough to fit a refrigerator. However, for prolonged heavy loading, it's best to position the weight over the rear wheels to avoid damaging the folding mechanism.