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The XC60 was one of the first Volvos born under the brand’s most recent design ethos, so it’s understandable that this 2014 update is relatively transparent, even as it incorporates several items of note. Debuting in Geneva back in 2008, the 2010 XC60 displayed the softer, rounder, and warmer brand character that began with the now-dead C30 hatchback.

Fresh-Faced

The most obvious exterior changes for 2014 concern the grille: Gone is the chrome surround, the trademark diagonal bar has lost some girth, and a quartet of chrome horizontal bars now sit atop the black vertical bars. The radar-unit cover located in the grille has been painted gloss black, which practically makes it disappear. A larger, blacked-out intake now resides below the grille, and ties into the leading edge of a skidplate-style section that swoops under the engine bay. The pair of trapezoidal driving light/air intakes formerly located on either side of the lower fascia have been replaced by a streamlined pair of what look to be LED lamps, and the main headlamps take on a chunkier appearance.

The hood retains its creased character lines along the outboard edges, only the crease is a little more prominent across the front, adding a little visual appeal and bulk to make up for the loss of the chrome grille surround. The formerly raised washer nozzles have gone undercover to a mounting position out of sight under the hood. Large sections of black cladding on the lower doorsills and lower front and rear fascias have been scrapped, leaving the body a single color. The rear carries over virtually unchanged, but trades round exhaust tips for a pair of integrated rectangular units, and the taillamps feature new elements, although the basic shape is unchanged. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, and buyers can opt for 20-inchers fitted with tires of the same profile to maintain ride comfort.

Volvo is carrying forward the XC60’s current 240-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine (the sportier T6 models have a 325-horse 3.0-liter turbo six), and the crossover will get Volvo’s Corner Traction Control standard for the 2014 model year. The torque-vectoring system combats understeer by applying braking to the inner wheels while applying power to the outside wheels when accelerating out of a corner. Given our respect for the XC60—it acquitted itself well in a comparo conducted just after its launch, and we enjoyed a stint in the 2012 R-Design model—we won’t complain too loudly that the chassis was largely untouched. We would have loved to see Volvo tweak the steering for more feel, however.

Like its S60 sibling, the XC60’s interior gets a mild upgrade consisting primarily of new wood inlays, a new headliner, fabric-covered B-pillars, and updated metal trim around the air vents and light controls. Sport seats can now be fitted, a heated steering wheel is available, and buyers who opt for the sportier T6 version can order up paddle shifters. An electrically heated windshield and self-dimming side mirrors also are now on offer.

Share the Spoils

The rest of the XC60 news is made essentially of the same batch of technology and safety advancements that are, to one degree or another, making appearances in the new S60 and other members of the lineup, including the 2014 XC70. Volvo’s optional Sensus Connected Touch system that we previewed at CES this year makes the leap from prototype to reality, turning the seven-inch display into a touch-screen control center that can be operated even when wearing gloves. Users have access to all the interactive goodies modern consumers have come to expect: full internet browsing, internet music streaming and radio, Google maps, 3D navigation with online traffic info, a number of native web applications, and more. Connection is provided either by a car-mounted dongle or an occupant’s mobile phone.

An active TFT display replaces the analog gauges, so drivers can select from three graphic themes (Elegance, Eco, and Performance) to suit their mood. Forward visibility is better thanks to active high beams and newly adopted cornering lamps.

The XC60 may have fared the best in this new round of Volvo family make overs, but we still yearn for the days when the brand wielded at least one genuine station wagon here—the XC70 is a wagon, sure, but it really wants to be a crossover. Still, if you’re looking for an uncommon family hauler with more safety features than a panic room, the Volvo XC60 should be on your list.