Volvo XC60 Review 2023

Volvo was traditionally known for building estate cars, but has become very experienced with SUVs since launching the original XC90 back in 2002. The smaller Volvo XC60 channels that know-how into a refined and calming vehicle that offers a credible alternative to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

First launched in 2017, the second-generation Volvo XC60 helped continue the Swedish brand’s march into the premium market. It channels the handsome styling of the larger, seven-seat XC90 – and borrows its mechanical underpinnings, too. 

The Volvo XC60 may not come with seven seats, but it is still aimed at families. That means a blend of space and everyday usability, with all-wheel drive fitted as standard across the range. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is included on all versions, too.

Although Volvo is working towards offering solely electric vehicles by 2030, the Volvo XC60 maintains a host of engine options. There is even still a diesel, which is useful for those covering bigger mileages, along with a pair of turbocharged petrol engines.

The plug-in hybrid Recharge models are particularly noteworthy, with the potential to cover almost 50 miles on battery power alone. The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge boasts serious performance, its 455PS output helping to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. 

When it comes to off-road ability, Volvo has tailored the XC60 to cope with farm tracks and slippery fields. Even so, SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport will be better options if you need more serious all-terrain prowess.

The Volvo XC60 is not the greatest off-roader, then, but this matters little when it drives so well on the road. Most versions come with a conventional suspension setup, which effectively filters out most ruts and bumps in the tarmac. The range-topping Ultimate version upgrades to air suspension, offering a number of different settings. Selecting Comfort mode gives the Volvo XC60 a genuinely limo-like ride quality.

With such a focus on comfort and refinement, the Volvo XC60 isn’t the most engaging SUV to drive. Its steering is light, but lacks feel, and there is slightly more body-roll than would be experienced in an Audi Q5 or BMW X3. Still, given the relaxing nature of the Volvo XC60, this is unlikely to be a deal-breaker. 

Inside, the Volvo XC60 is as well-made as it is luxurious, with a finely measured dose of Scandinavian minimalism. Everything majors on quality, with plentiful leather trim included as standard. Also helping to justify the premium price tag is a long list of equipment, with all versions benefiting from satellite navigation, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. 

There is room for five people, at a push, although boot capacity is smaller than the Volvo XC60's closest competitors, including the Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5.

Even alongside other premium European SUVs, the Volvo XC60 stands out for placing its outright emphasis on comfort and luxury over sportiness and dynamism. It makes for a relaxing and refined driving

Choosing an SUV typically means practicality takes centre-stage. The boot of the Volvo XC60 is useful, but it lags behind the best in class when it comes to outright luggage capacity. 

With the rear seats in place, the Volvo XC60 will hold 483 litres of luggage when filled to the window line. By comparison, a Jaguar F-Pace can swallow 650 litres, while an Audi Q5 can hold 610 litres.

Opting for one of the Recharge plug-in hybrid versions sees boot capacity reduced to accommodate the electrified drivetrain. However, the Volvo XC60’s 468 litres of luggage space compares more favourably with equivalent plug-in hybrid SUVs. 

Space in the front of the Volvo XC60 is generous, and its seats offer plenty of adjustment. Even the tallest drivers should find it easy to get comfortable, and there are numerous storage cubbies and cup holders included. 

Moving to the back, the Volvo XC60 has the width to accommodate three passengers across the rear bench, but it is better suited to just two. The raised transmission tunnel can make life uncomfortable for the person sitting in the middle, although headroom and legroom will be more than acceptable in the outer two seats.

While the Volvo XC60 might seem expensive, these concerns will be forgotten about once you see its interior. Volvo is serious about being a premium brand, and the quality of materials used throughout the XC60 reflects that aspiration.

Typically Scandinavian touches include the use of metal mesh or driftwood-style trim, complemented by leather upholstery on all trim levels. Everything you touch feels solid and built to last, with a concerted search needed to find any cheaper-feeling parts. It all adds to the overall impression of luxury and refinement.

Volvo was an early adopter of the trend for using a multimedia touchscreen to control the majority of interior functions. This means the Swedish brand has had several years to refine its setup. 

The portrait-oriented 9.0-inch infotainment screen is still not the most user-friendly system, however. Every major function has to be operated through it, including the climate control settings. Although the cabin temperature options are permanently on the screen, the icons themselves are relatively small.

Other settings require trips through multiple menus, which can be fiddly to do while driving. At least the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is smart and easy to use, albeit with less customisation options than offered by the likes of Audi and Porsche. 

Included as standard for all Volvo XC60 models is satellite navigation connected to Google Maps. There is also DAB radio, wireless mobile phone charging and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There are two USB-C connections in the front of the XC60, with two more in the rear.

Do not mistake the Volvo XC60 for being an affordable SUV. Pricing is suitably premium, with the cheapest model being the XC60 Core with a B5 petrol engine. Even this will require at least £47,500 – and that’s before you add any options, of course. 

Moving up the better-equipped Plus trim requires around £52,250, with the T6 Recharge plug-in hybrid taking the total beyond £60,000. To own the range-topping Volvo XC60 in Ultimate specification, combined with the T8 Recharge powertrain, will set you back £68,000.

The range of engines for the Volvo XC60 have been chosen with efficiency in mind. Along with the Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrains, both the petrol and diesel engines come equipped with mild-hybrid technology. How much this helps in the real world can be seen from our Real MPG submissions. 

The B4 diesel will hold appeal for those doing larger mileages, thanks to its focus on fuel economy. It should achieve more than 40mpg with careful driving: not bad for a sizable SUV with all-wheel drive. 

Choosing the more powerful B5 petrol, with its 250PS and all-wheel-drive system, will see fuel consumption fall below 30mpg. 

The two plug-in hybrid options inevitably steal the show when it comes to headline-grabbing official fuel economy figures. Both the T6 Recharge and T8 Recharge return between 180 and 235mpg, providing the batteries are regularly recharged. Letting them run down will see the miles per gallon plummet, too.

Keeping the 18.8kWh battery pack topped-up will result in the potential to cover up to 48 miles on electric power alone, so the Recharge models hold plenty of appeal for company car drivers. Official CO2 emissions are between 23g/km and 24g/km, resulting in a Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate of just eight percent. By comparison, the other petrol and diesel models attract a 37 percent BiK tax rate.

Volvo only offers the XC60 with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty. This feels a little miserly, but it matches that offered by other premium European marques. 

Set your expectations right before driving the Volvo XC60 and you are unlikely to be disappointed. The XC60 has not been designed to be a driver’s car, with Volvo unashamedly putting comfort and ease of use ahead of sportiness.

The Volvo XC60’s steering is light, and somewhat lacking in feel, but it offers enough precision to allow a 2000kg SUV to be threaded along country roads with confidence. Alternatives such as the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan will feel more involving, but the XC60 exists as an effective counterpoint to these performance-orientated models. 

Core and Plus versions come with a conventional suspension setup, which manages to effectively balance ride comfort and body control. Larger alloy wheels do result in road imperfections being transmitted back to the cabin, though. 

For maximum comfort, pick the Volvo XC60 in Ultimate trim. This adds ‘Four-C’ adaptive dampers combined with air suspension, allowing drivers to select between Comfort and Dynamic modes. It results in limo-like refinement, and justifies the price hike for this range-topping model.

Volvo has condensed its engine options in other areas of its model range. However, there are still a number of choices available for the Volvo XC60, including a diesel. All cars come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

With Volvo discontinuing the entry level B4 petrol engine, the range now kicks off with the B5 petrol. This turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit has a healthy power output of 250PS. Torque is also plentiful, at 350Nm, with all-wheel drive included as standard. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes just 6.9 seconds. 

The T6 Recharge is the first of two plug-in hybrid engines in the XC60 range. It employs the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but adds an electric motor and 18.8kWh battery pack. The result is a combined output of 350PS, with the 0-62mph time reduced to an impressive 5.7 seconds. 

For maximum performance, the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid pushes the turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor combo further. A total of 455PS lifts the XC60 into true sports car territory, and makes for mighty real-world performance. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes just 4.9 seconds, aided by a colossal 709Nm of torque. 

The sole remaining diesel in the Volvo XC60 range is the B4 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. With 197PS and 420Nm of torque, it suits the relaxed nature of the Volvo. Running from 0-62mph takes 8.3 seconds, but the diesel’s ample torque makes it feel quicker on the road.

It almost seems a cliche to talk about Volvo and safety, but the XC60 upholds the company’s noble tradition. When assessed by the independent Euro NCAP organisation, the Volvo XC60 received the maximum five-star rating for crash protection.

It has a near-endless list of standard safety equipment, including front collision warning with automatic braking, cruise control with a speed limiter, driver alert control, and lane-keeping assist. Top-specification Ultimate models gain blind-spot warning with steering assist.  

As a sizable SUV, the Volvo XC60 will be a popular choice for those looking to tow caravans and trailers. A retractable tow bar can be found on the options list, but it does add more than £1200 to the list price. 

For maximum towing capacity, buyers will need to pick the XC60 with the B4 diesel or B5 petrol engines. These can haul braked trailers weighing up to 2400kg.

The Volvo XC60 comes comprehensively equipped, befitting its premium image and lofty price tag. 

Starting off the XC60 model range is Core specification. This is now offered solely with the B5 250PS petrol engine, and makes for a considerable saving compared to the other trim levels.

Standard equipment on the Volvo XC60 Core includes automatic LED lights with active high beam, 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails and a piano black front grille with a chrome surround. There’s also a power-operated tailgate, along with side mirrors that fold automatically. Helping with parking are front and rear sensors, plus a rear-view camera.

On the inside, the XC60 Core comes with dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, keyless start and cruise control. Its front seats are heated, and also feature power adjustment and lumbar support. All XC60 models come with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

Satellite navigation incorporating Google Maps is fitted to the XC60 Core. Wireless smartphone charging is standard as well, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Safety equipment begins with front collision warning featuring automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, a speed limiter and dynamic road sign display.

Moving up to the Plus specification brings extra equipment to the Volvo XC60. This includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a handsfree-opening tailgate, puddle lights and a 360-degree parking camera. 

Moving inside adds four-zone climate control, a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Keyless entry and start are fitted, plus there is ambient lighting and even an air purifier.  

Plus specification also means you get Volvo’s Pilot Assistance and adaptive cruise control, bringing semi-autonomous driving capability. The 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system boasts a punchy 600W output, and comes with a ‘fresh air’ subwoofer. 

Ultimate trim is the only way to have the Volvo XC60 with the T8 Recharge powertrain. However, it is also available with the B5 petrol and T6 Recharge options. 

Choosing this range-topping version adds 20-inch alloy wheels, along with the impressive Active Four-C chassis with air suspension. The LED headlights are now able to bend around corners, as can the LED fog lights. Privacy glass is fitted to the rear windows, too.

There is also a panoramic glass sunroof, a head-up display for the windscreen and a bespoke instrument panel with contrast stitching. The seats are clad in Nappa leather, with the front pair offering a massage function.

Additional safety equipment includes a blind-spot warning system with steering assist, plus cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. Crowning the XC60 Ultimate is a 14-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system, delivering a mighty 1100W output.