Volvo XC60 review - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Volvo XC60 originally launched with a wide range of diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid options, though that’s since been reduced over its time on sale. Diesel is no longer available at all, but while it used to be somewhat the default choice for SUV buyers, the plug-in hybrid T6 is a more versatile option that helps to keep running costs and emissions down in around-town driving. Even the standard B5 petrol that’s offered gets mild-hybrid tech to make it more efficient than it would otherwise be.

Volvo XC60 MPG & CO2

The four-wheel-drive petrol B5 doesn’t perform too badly for a mid-sized SUV, with its mild-hybrid tech helping it to achieve up to 36.6mpg – not all that far off the diesel. However, the high CO2 emissions from 175g/km again won’t appeal to company car drivers and give the B5 a high first-year VED rate. Still, a lower price point arguably makes this the XC60 of choice for private buyers who only drive further afield occasionally. As part of an update in 2021, the B6 petrol was discontinued from the XC60 range. When it was available, this engine was the least efficient of the range, returning around 34mpg and emissions of 180g/km upwards.

Both the T6 and T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid models are intriguing propositions; low emissions drop BiK liability to a compelling level for company-car drivers, while claimed fuel economy rises to up to 313mpg for the T6 and 283mpg for the T8, thanks to an all-electric range of up to 50 miles and we've reviewed the XC60 Recharge in a separate review.

We most recently tested the XC60 T6 in November 2024 during a cold snap of near-freezing weather, and found a full charge would give an indicated 42 miles of range. For local trips this meant virtually no fuel was consumed with regular nighttime top-ups, but on a long mostly motorway trip of around 240 miles, fuel economy with a depleted battery dropped to around the 40mpg mark.

The starting price of the XC60 is now well above £40,000, meaning you’ll pay the VED (road tax) surcharge in years two to six, whichever model you buy. This is on top of the standard annual rate. The T6 and T8 plug-in hybrid cost £10 less in annual tax but both are far more expensive to buy than the conventional petrol and diesel models.

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The discontinued B4 diesel with four-wheel drive and mild-hybrid tech was a good option for long-distance drivers and capable of up to 44.1mpg, which is a competitive figure for the class. The B4 emits CO2 emissions of 168g/km at best, depending on spec.

Insurance group

Insurance groups for the XC60 start in group 31 for the D4 diesel engine, running to group 36 for the higher trims with either the B5 petrol or diesel engine. The T6 and T8 plug-in models sit in groups 41 and 42 respectively. This places the XC60 slightly above a 2.0-litre diesel Jaguar F-Pace (groups 27 to 33), but should make it cheaper to insure than the Porsche Macan in top groups 45-50.

Servicing

Volvo offers monthly fixed-price service plans to help spread the cost of routine maintenance over the first few years of ownership, so you won’t get stung by unexpected bills come service time. At many of its retailers, signing up for this also includes free roadside assistance as an added perk.

Warranty

Volvo offers a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty with the XC60, which can be extended at an additional cost. This is a fairly typical warranty, but is starting to look a bit stingy when some rivals including BMW cover an unlimited mileage in the first three years. Lexus offers free cover for up to 10 years/100,000 miles, although this does stipulate main dealer servicing as the car gets older.