Volvo XC60 review – left-field mid-size premium SUV

Verdict – is the Volvo XC60 a good car?

The Volvo XC60 is a classy SUV that feels reassuringly well built, and exudes confidence as you drive. It’s not as sporty as rivals like the BMW X3 or Jaguar F-Pace, but for motorists happy to enjoy the excellent stereo and arrive at their destination safely there’s a lot to like. Its petrol engine gets mild-hybrid tech, an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, but it’s the plug-in hybrids that will appeal to business buyers. Buy it for its handsome looks, calming drive and intuitive Google-based infotainment, although the latter is starting to look a bit dated next to newer arrivals.

Volvo XC60 models, specs and alternatives

Volvo has long been synonymous with safety and practicality, but in recent times it’s also become a lot more upmarket, and the Volvo XC60 is a mid-size SUV that epitomises that ethos, sitting between the XC90 and XC40. Volvo offers a more understated and minimalist approach compared to its German rivals, Audi, Mercedes and BMW.

The XC60 costs from around £48,000 with a petrol engine and £56,000 with a plug-in hybrid, so it has pricing to go with its upmarket styling and competes with mid-size SUV rivals including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC. Volvo has managed to distil the best elements of the larger XC90 into its smaller model too, in a (slightly) more affordable package and it has gone on to become the brand's most popular model and a common sight on British roads.

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Both models have plenty in common, from the distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlight strip to those huge rear lights. A refresh for 2021 tweaked the design of the XC60's nose, making it slightly sharper and more aggressive but the main change was the introduction of Android Automotive software for the infotainment system, ushering in features powered by Google apps. This makes Volvo's setup one of the easiest to use with excellent voice recognition for spoken commands, but its screen size and features do feel a bit lacking compared to the widescreen setups of the latest BMW and Mercedes models.

While it launched with a wider choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines, the Volvo XC60 is now offered with just three options: the B5 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre petrol engine, and the T6 or T8 plug-in hybrids, which consist of a 2.0-litre engine paired with an electric motor. While the entry-level mild-hybrid gets 248bhp, the combination of the petrol and electric motors in the plug-in hybrid duo give them 345bhp and 449bhp respectively. While that means it’s much quicker on paper, no version of the XC60 is overtly sporty, and it’s best suited to more restrained driving. We’ve reviewed the plug-in hybrid Volvo XC60 models separately here.

On the road, the Volvo XC60 is comfortable, smooth and quiet. Even in Plus trim with 19-inch wheels, it still feels softer than German rivals and the Mazda CX-60, and it’s even more relaxed with optional adaptive suspension fitted. Even then, it’s not quite as comfortable as the Mercedes GLC or as sporty as the Jaguar F-Pace, but it occupies a desirable middle ground that most drivers are likely to be pleased with.

The mild-hybrid is capable of up to 36.6mpg, while the plug-in hybrids get official figures of more than 200mpg, though this is only really possible if you keep the battery regularly topped up and utilise its 50-mile electric-only range as often as possible.

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Trim levels are Core, Plus, and Ultra, with the last of those available in either a Dark or Bright styling theme. The former adds gloss black detailing to the exterior, which is replaced by chrome trim pieces in the latter. A Black Edition model is also available, which sees almost everything finished in black, including its 21-inch wheels and it even gets tinted windows to complete the stealthy makeover.

Even the Core trim XC60 is very well equipped, with highlights including the nine-inch portrait infotainment, now running Android-based software, DAB radio, Bluetooth, sat-nav, 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate and keyless entry. The mid-range Plus model gets a bolstered list of standard equipment including 19-inch alloys, four-zone climate control, a 360-degree surround camera, a heated steering wheel and Volvo’s Driver Assistance safety suite.

Ultra trim is the most luxurious of the range, with exterior and interior styling upgrades such as larger wheels, dual exhaust pipes and Nappa leather upholstery, sports seats and a black interior headlining. It offers a far more upmarket atmosphere inside than the old XC60, while its crystal gear lever and Bowers and Wilkins stereo help set it apart from rivals.

The Volvo XC60 finished 69th out of the 75 cars ranked in our 2022 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, putting it just ahead of rivals including the BMW X3, but well behind the Jaguar F-Pace in 19th spot. It’s not charted in any of our Driver Power surveys since, however.

As has come to be expected of a Volvo, a long list of safety equipment is fitted as standard and a convincing five-star Euro NCAP crash-test score is the result. In fact, the car’s 98% score for adult occupant protection is exceptionally high. The facelift ushered in new tech to help prevent collisions while reversing, and in 2024 ‘Adaptive pedal response’ was added that helps you stay within the speed limit by limiting throttle response as you approach it.

All in all, the XC60 stacks up very well as a capable and safe family SUV of the highest quality. It’s not a ‘driver’s car’, but it’s very comfortable to travel in and reasonably affordable to run.

How about a used or nearly new Volvo XC60 Mk2?

An extremely stylish mid-size SUV with a plush, comfortable, well-appointed and solidly constructed cabin, the Volvo XC60 Mk2 is a relaxing and pleasant car to drive. It has a good range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as several mild hybrid petrol and diesel options, and a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid: the diesels offer excellent real-world fuel economy and are the versions you are most likely to find on secondhand car forecourts.

What’s its history?

The XC60 Mk2 was launched in the middle of 2017 and was available in both front- and four-wheel-drive forms. It started life with a selection of turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, a petrol engine with a turbocharger and supercharger, and a range-topping petrol-electric plug-in hybrid. In 2018 the conventional petrol and diesels were superseded by mild hybrid petrols and diesels, before the range underwent a substantial overhaul in June 2021.

Read our full Volvo XC60 Mk2 used review...

Used XC60 Mk1 (2008-2017)

Volvo’s first attempt at a mid-sized premium SUV was an instant success and proved to be a confident rival to the established players from BMW, Audi and Mercedes. Its popularity and long life means that there are plenty to choose from on the secondhand market, where you’ll find some very keen prices.

Read our full Volvo XC60 Mk1 used review...