Used Volvo XC60 for sale: everything you need to know

The Volvo XC60 is an excellent SUV that represents the mid-point in Volvo's SUV range. It’s positioned above the more compact Volvo XC40 family and below the luxurious Volvo XC90. 

As one of the best SUVs on the market, it competes with the likes of the Audi Q5, the high quality BMW X3 and popular Mercedes-Benz GLC. 

This generation of Volvo XC60 has been around for a few years now, with Volvo honing a line-up of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid XC60 models. The T6 and T8 plug-ins are named ‘Recharge’), and a battery update improved the pure electric range to nearly 50 miles. 

Should you buy a Volvo XC60? 

For many people looking to buy a Volvo XC60, this car represents the perfect balance. It’s larger and more upmarket than the youthful Volvo XC40, without the heady dimensions of the upmarket XC90. 

It’s a compelling alternative to the sportier BMW X3 or more tech-heavy Audi Q5. The emphasis is on Scandinavian luxury, with a very welcoming interior offered in several different ambiences. All demonstrate superb quality, plus a feel-good sense of wellbeing thanks to the low noise levels and high-set driving position. 

Practicality is good, with ample rear-seat space, and all passengers will enjoy Volvo’s trademark excellent seat comfort. Boot space is decent, and all models have the practicality of an electric tailgate. Other luxury features include heated seats, climate control air-con and a comprehensive touchscreen media system. 

Volvo uses Google-based infotainment. This means seamlessly-integrated Google Maps, plus access to a range of applications via the Google Play Store. It’s an interesting piece of automotive technology that will keep on developing throughout the life of the car. 

The Recharge T6 and T8 plug-in hybrids are great all-rounders, thanks to their extended battery capacity and generous pure electric range. They still have large fuel tanks as well, meaning the petrol range is considerable when the batteries run flat. And if you’re not ready to switch to electrified vehicles, regular petrol and diesel models remain competitive challengers.

The Volvo XC60 is an understated and very well-proportioned large SUV. Its crisply-cut lines are maturing nicely, with just a hint of sportiness, but without going overboard. The interior is superb and there are few SUVs that offer this level of comfort and wellbeing.

A Volvo XC60 not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What's the best used Volvo XC60 model to buy?

Unless you really want to run around town under electric power, we'd recommend one of the mild-hybrid petrol or diesel engines. While diesel might be out of fashion, it actually suits big SUVs like the Volvo XC60 very well, with plenty of grunt for getting a fully-loaded car up to speed. It's likely to be the most efficient in the real world, too.

In terms of trim level, we'd recommend the entry-level Volvo XC60 Momentum. It features everything you need without any of the chintz of pricier models. If you do want something a little more upmarket, consider the Volvo XC60 Inscription for features like 19-inch alloy wheels, Driftwood inlays and a flashy crystal gear lever.

Used Volvo XC60 fuel economy and performance

Volvo doesn’t offer a pure electric version of this XC60, but the range comprises petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models. They all use 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – and all have a top speed capped at 112mph. Before the switch to the B-suffix engine range, Volvo offered the D4 and D5 PowerPulse diesels, and the T5 turbo petrol. An automatic transmission is standard, with entry-level cars fitted with front-wheel drive and the bulk of the range using all-wheel drive. 

• Volvo XC60 T5 petrol: The T5 uses a 254PS turbo petrol four-cylinder engine that offers up to 39.2mpg average economy and 164g/km emissions. Acceleration sees it provide 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.
• Volvo XC60 D4 diesel: A 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 190PS will suit many buyers very well thanks to its smooth power. It also offers up to 55.4mpg and 133g/km.
• Volvo XC60 D5 diesel: The more powerful diesel option has 235PS for 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds allied to 51.4mpg and 144g/km of carbon dioxide output.
• Volvo XC60 B4P petrol: The most affordable Volvo XC60 has a 197PS 2.0-litre petrol engine. Driving the front wheels, it offers 0-62mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds. Despite being an entry-level car, it’s not the most economical, though, averaging 37.1mpg and emitting 172g/km of CO2. 
• Volvo XC60 B5P AWD petrol: A 250PS version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine cuts the 0-62mph time to 6.9 seconds (aided by all-wheel-drive traction), with the trade-off being 35.7mpg combined economy and 180g/km CO2 emissions. 
• Volvo XC60 B4D AWD diesel: The sole diesel engine in the Volvo XC60 line-up produces 197PS, which gives 0-62mph acceleration in 8.3 seconds. It too is all-wheel drive. Average fuel economy is 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions start from 167g/km. 
• Volvo XC60 T6 plug-in hybrid AWD petrol: Even the less powerful of two Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrids produces 350PS from a combination of a petrol engine and electric motor. Zero to 62mph takes 5.7 seconds and CO2 emissions start from just 23g/km. The pure electric range is around 48 miles. 
• Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid AWD petrol: A more powerful petrol engine boosts output to 455PS, for 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. The 14.9kWh usable battery capacity gives a pure electric range of just under 48 miles, plus 24g/km CO2 emissions. 

Those seeking a diesel Volvo XC60 will find a broader range of choice on the used car market. The Recharge plug-in hybrids have been around for a while as well, although they do carry a notable price premium versus a diesel. 

What used Volvo XC60 trim levels are available?

Volvo aims to make things simple with the XC60. The model trim lines have been structured to ensure even the entry-level Core grade has a generous amount of equipment. 

The spec improves for Plus, with Ultimate offering almost everything as standard. This ensures the options list can be kept simple, too. 

• The Volvo XC60 Momentum started the line-up in 2017 as the entry point. It comes with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and 18” alloy wheels. It also has the Volvo Sensus infotainment set-up with Google-based system and 9.0-inch touchscreen.
• The Volvo XC60 Inscription Nappa soft leather upholstery and electrically adjustable ventilated front seats. It also has a different style of 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior details, and rear footwell and side step illumination.
• The Volvo XC60 R-Design has 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats trimmed in leather and Nubuck, a high gloss black front grille, and silver matt and high gloss exterior detailing.
• The Volvo XC60 Core has a spec that would not look out of place on a range-topping version. It includes features such as a power tailgate, leather upholstery and heated front seats, along with familiar features like touchscreen infotainment with sat-nav. 
• The Volvo XC60 Plus brings larger alloy wheels, a more powerful audio system and neat extras such as a PM2.5 air filtration system, extended driver assistance package with Pilot Assist, and four-zone climate control. 
• The Volvo XC60 Ultimate is a really luxurious model. It comes with soft Nappa leather over heated front seats (the Recharge Plug-in Hybrid gets wool-blend upholstery instead), cushioned air suspension with adaptive dampers, even larger alloy wheels, a more powerful stereo and a head-up display. 

Volvo also offered Pro packs for the Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trims that brought more kit. It's also worth looking out for car's with the Winter Pack that have a heated steering wheel and windscreen.

Used Volvo XC60 dimensions and boot size

The Volvo XC60’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4,708mm
• Width: 1,999mm (with door mirrors folded)
• Height: 1,658mm
• Ground clearance: 216mm

The Volvo XC60’s boot space is:

• 468 litres
• 1,395 litres with rear seats folded

Used Volvo XC60 road tax

All Volvo XC60s of this generation were registered after 1 April 2017, so they pay a flat rate of £180 in annual road tax. There are variations in this, however, as the T8 plug-in hybrid model is rated as an alternative fuel vehicle to qualify for a £10 discount on its road tax.

On the other hand, Volvo XC60s up to five years old that cost more than £40,000 when new will pay a £390 surcharge on top of the existing £180 annual fee.

How much is it to insure a Volvo XC60? 

Insurance groups start in the high 20s (out of 50 groups in total) for the Volvo XC60 with the earlier trim versions. The B4D begins from group 34, while the B5P is from group 35. The extra power of T6 and T8 models does push up costs, though: the T6 starts from group 40 and the powerful T8 is a heady group 43. Get an insurance quote before you buy.

Read our full Volvo XC60 review