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  2. 2023 Volvo XC60 Review

Source: www.volvocars.com

Stylish SUV with a premium interior and impressive powertrain options

Price From $44,545 – To $75,245

by | May 26, 2023

Overview

Volvo XC60 has been around since 2008. The present-day XC60 belongs to the second generation of the lineup, which has been in production since 2017. Nowadays electrification is one of the primary features buyers look for in a car, and the good news is, this one is a plug-in hybrid, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. 

In this 2023 Volvo XC60 review, we’ll evaluate this midsize SUV based on its engine, performance, comfort, safety features, pricing, and more. This comprehensive review will help you decide if this is the right SUV to buy in 2023.

Pros
Multiple engine options
Electrification available
Posh and spacious interior
Excellent exterior styling
Built-in Google
Cons
Ride quality feels harsh while driving through uneven terrains
Lack of interior storage space
Not as sporty as some of its competitors

Performance, Engine, and Comfort

(4.5/5)

XC60 performs delightfully on smooth roads, but on uneven roads, rides can feel jittery. It’s quite quick, but may not be as sporty as a car like Porsche Macan. The comfort levels are high in this vehicle, thanks to the thoughtfully designed interior.

Engine & Performance

(4.5/5)

The engine options have to be one of the most impressive features of this lineup. Depending on your requirement of power and efficiency, you can choose a specific model and engine option.

Engine

The base one (B5) is a 2-liter four-cylinder turbo engine along with a 48V hybrid setup. It generates an output of 247 hp. The next trim level (B6) has the same engine but with a supercharger, generating 295 hp. As for the plug-in hybrid variant, you get the same engine as B6, combined with electric motors, and it’s good for 455 hp. The last option is reserved solely for the models in the Recharge trims.

Transmission

The engine is paired with 8-speed automatic transmission or direct drive.

Suspension

It’s equipped with front control arms and rear multilink suspension.

Steering

The vehicle comes with a tilt and telescopic electric power steering wheel. There are controls located on the steering wheel to make it easy to access audio or cruise control. The steering wheel is covered in leather and simulated alloy.

Safety & Reliability

(5/5)

Volvo XC60 has a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, and it has been IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ for the year 2022. Looking at its safety and driver assist features we can say that the automakers definitely prioritized safety and included key features in the standard package.

Brakes

This SUV comes with 13.6-inch vented disc for front brake and 12.3-inch vented disc for rear brake.

Airbags

Airbags provide protection to the driver and the passengers when the vehicle is in a collision or any form of accident. Volvo offers a pre and post-collision safety system, along with dual front side-mount airbags and head airbags for front and rear seats.

Electronics

Some notable electronic features include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, stability control, remote anti-theft alarm, 4-wheel ABS, child lock, and child seat anchors, to mention a few.

Lights

In this vehicle, you’ll get adaptive headlights, front fog lights, daytime running lights, and cornering lights, all available as part of the standard safety features.

Traction control

Traction control is a feature in modern-day SUVs that prevent slippage and help the driver stay in control. This is part of XC60’s standard list of features.

Fuel Economy

(4/5)

An SUV of this magnitude cannot be fuel efficient, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain does make the deal a little sweeter. If you’re solely looking for efficiency, you can get your hands on the entry level models with the B5 powertrain. But if you want power, the higher models do a far better job, and electrification is also available to help you save some bucks on fuel.

Engine size

Depending on which trim level you choose, the lineup has 3 powertrain options. The base one is B5, which is a 2-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a 48V hybrid system. The next one is B6, which is a 2-liter turbo four-cylinder, and the star of the show is the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and electric motors.

Gas per mileage consumption

If you opt for the B5 models that run on gas, you can expect 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway. This number drops a little in the B6 models, which will offer 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid models (Recharge and Polestar) have an electric-only driving range of 32 miles.

Interior

(4.5/5)

The clean and sophisticated interior of the XC60 truly reflects its Scandinavian style. The automaker uses premium quality materials for the upholstery, the seats are spacious enough for adult passengers, and the infotainment system is more than adequate. The only complaint we have is the shortage of storage pockets.

Seats

XC60 has a seating capacity of 5. The front leg room of 41.5 inches is definitely great, and so is the 38-inch rear seat legroom. In the front you get bucket seats, 8-way power adjustable and height adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seat, as well as lumbar support. As for the rear seats, you get a folding center armrest for extra comfort.

Design

The exterior carries the typical Volvo design aesthetics—it’s sleek yet powerful, and is ready to turn heads wherever you drive with it. As for the interior, it’s thoughtfully crafted, carries the premium vibe you’d typically expect from a Volvo, and the comfort quotient is on the higher side.

Infotainment

The infotainment system is easy to use and comes with plenty of options available for personalization. You’ll get a 9-inch touchscreen display, built-in Google, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wifi hotspot as part of the standard package. While this is more or less adequate, we wanted the system to be more feature-packed.

Overall height and space

The vehicle is 185.4 inches long, 83.3 inches wide, 65.2 inches in height, and a ground clearance of 8.5 inches.

Trunk space

It has a maximum cargo caka capacity of 63.3 cubic feet, one of the biggest among all Volvo SUVs.

Price and Extras

(4/5)

The pricing may seem to be high, but it’s the standard range for most luxury SUVs belonging to this segment. If you go ahead with the entry-level trim or the middle ones, you can expect value for money. However, the top trim levels are overpriced and do not fully justify their price tag.

Market Price

Volvo XC60 comes in as many as 7 trim levels, so there’s a model for every buyer. If you’re looking for both power and performance, you can skip the base model and go with Plus, Ultimate, or if you have a higher budget, the top-tier trims. As the price goes up, there’s more luxury features on the cabins, premium upholstery, and a plenty of standard safety and driver-assist features.

Trim Level Market Price
Core $44,545
Plus $48,795
Ultimate $54,595
Recharge $58,295
Recharge Plus $62,545
Recharge Ultimate $68,045
Recharge Polestar Engineered $75,245

AWD/FWD

Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available, depending on which trim level you choose.

Warranty

The warranty front is adequate. You get a limited warranty coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles. You’ll also get complimentary maintenance for the first 3 years of purchase or 36,000 miles. Also, the hybrid system is covered by a solid warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Extras

When equipped properly, the Volvo XC60 can tow up to 3500 pounds.

Verdict

Design has been a pivotal part of this Volvo lineup ever since it first hit the market. The present iteration of XC60 carries a unique Scandinavian flair, which makes it stand out every time you take the vehicle out for a spin. Its minimalist appeal, long list of standard safety and driver-assist features, multiple powertrain options, and superior interior comfort—all of these make this lineup an excellent choice in the luxury SUV segment. If you have the budget and you’re okay to overlook its few shortcomings such as the not-so-savvy infotainment unit and low cargo space, this vehicle would be a good choice for you and your family.