Is the 2020 XC60 a true full-time four-wheel drive?
2 Answers
2020 XC60 is a true full-time four-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive means that at any time, the vehicle is driven by four wheels independently. The full-time four-wheel drive system distributes power to all four wheels through a flexibly connected central differential, and then through independent front and rear differentials. Unlike purely mechanical differential locks, the differential in a full-time four-wheel drive system can be a viscous coupling type or a multi-clutch type, but both allow for a speed difference between the front and rear wheels, as well as between the left and right wheels. Whether a vehicle has full-time four-wheel drive depends entirely on the construction of the transfer case. The transfer case largely determines the overall performance of the vehicle. In different driving conditions, it intelligently distributes torque to the wheels, ensuring better traction and off-road capabilities. The XC60 uses two engines: a low-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a high-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The low-power version produces 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 300 Nm, while the high-power version delivers 250 horsepower and a maximum torque of 350 Nm.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience driving various SUVs, I can tell you that the 2020 XC60 is indeed equipped with a genuine full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This AWD system is always in operation, whether it's sunny or rainy, automatically distributing power between the front and rear wheels. The default configuration is something like 90% front and 10% rear, but it adjusts to a balanced 50:50 split as soon as it detects any wheel slip. This is particularly useful on wet roads or small snowy slopes. During my test drive, I noticed its remarkable stability—no drifting in corners, and the braking distance is significantly shorter than the two-wheel-drive version. Although fuel consumption is slightly higher than the front-wheel-drive version, by about 1-2L/100km, the improvement in safety and driving confidence is substantial. Modern electronic systems make it work seamlessly, eliminating the hassle of manual mode switching—just enjoy the drive. If you frequently drive in urban areas or on highways, the XC60's AWD system is more than adequate, with maintenance only requiring regular checks of the differential oil and bearings. In short, Volvo's design is quite reliable and won't let you down.
