Volvo XC60 Review 2024

The Volvo XC60 is a comfortable and safe SUV that'll easily fit into family life. You'll pay a premium for a used Volvo XC60, but even the most affordable models feel surprisingly special. Our main reservation is that some buyers might prefer something a little more practical – in which case, the bigger Volvo XC90 is a strong alternative.

The Volvo XC60 competes with posh mid-size SUVs such as the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX and Jaguar F-Pace. You may also wish to consider left-field alternatives such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

The Volvo XC60’s cabin is filled with high quality materials, while the overall build quality is first class, with no worrying creaks or squeaks from the plastics. This gives reassurance that everything has been bolted together with purpose.

The wood and aluminium inlays (depending on model) add an extra touch of class, while even the most affordable Volvo XC60 doesn't feel anything like an entry-level car. But what would you expect for a premium SUV from Volvo?

The large, nine-inch portrait infotainment screen sitting in the centre of the Volvo XC60's dashboard is instantly quite impressive. Not only does it look smart, but it's also easy to use, while its bright, clear graphics means it looks premium, too. Our one complaint is that it's a little distracting to use on the move – you have to swipe your way through menus and there aren't any shortcut buttons for things like the heating or audio controls. Voice activation controls are standard, though.

If you're looking for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, tread carefully as these were only offered as an optional extra on early Volvo XC60s. These only became standard in 2021 – at the same time, the infotainment system was swapped for a new Android-based unit. This relies on Google services for things like navigation (Google Maps) and voice recognition (Google Assistant).

All Volvo XC60 models come with a 12.3-inch digital driver's display behind the steering wheel. This isn't as configurable as Audi's Digital Cockpit, but it does at least have sharp graphics and all the information you could possibly wish for.

Head and legroom will seldom be an issue in the Volvo XC60 and the rear seats will easily accommodate two large adults, with room to spare for an equally large or tall driver to get comfortable in the front.

A powered tailgate is standard fit and provides simple access to the boot, with a click of a button. However the Volvo XC60 doesn't have as much storage space as its rivals with the shallow boot offering just 505 litres. This means it fills up surprisingly quickly when the load cover is in place. In comparison, the Land Rover Discovery Sport will provide 689 litres while the Audi Q5 has 550 litres. Mild hybrid models have a 483 litre boot, while plug-in hybrid models reduce that further to 468 litres.

If you're wondering how the Volvo XC60 will fit in your garage, it's 4708mm long, 2117mm wide (including door mirrors) and 1655mm high, while it has a wheelbase of 2865mm. These dimensions are broadly the same as rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

When the Volvo XC60 first went on sale in 2017, it was available with a range of 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines – D4 and D5 diesels and a T5 petrol. All were paired with all-wheel drive as standard and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. A T8 'twin engine' plug-in hybrid soon followed.

Now, the Volvo XC60's engine line-up continues to use a 2.0-litre petrol but the line-up is now electrified to some degree depending on the model you choose. The mild-hybrid B5 petrol provides a relatively affordable entry point to the range, producing 250PS and available with two- or four-wheel drive. A B6 petrol model was available exclusively with AWD and producing 300PS up to 2023, as was a lower powered B4 with 197PS.

Unlike the smaller Volvo XC40, you can't buy a pure-electric version of the XC60. There are, however, a plug-in hybrid models. These include the T6, T8 and T8 Polestar Engineered variants with power varying from 340PS to 455PS based on choosing a new or used XC60. The most potent T8 model deals with 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds to deliver very rapid acceleration, though top speed is capped at a very Volvo and sensible 112mph.

If you buy a used Volvo XC60 with a diesel engine, you might be surprised at how much rumble transfers into the cabin – especially when it's first started. Petrol models are more refined, but look for a plug-in hybrid if the idea of driving around in near-silence appeals. Even these, though, aren't that quiet once the petrol engine kicks in. There's quite a drone under heavy acceleration.

Road noise is generally acceptable, but there's a clear roar from the tyres if you buy an XC60 with 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels. The 18-inch wheels on lower level trims are much better for comfort and refinement. You'll notice a bit of wind noise from the direction of the door mirrors at motorway speeds, too.

Safety is a huge selling point of the Volvo XC60 and, as such, there's a whole heap of standard equipment included across the range. This includes autonomous emergency braking systems which can apply the brakes to prevent a crash (or, at least, reduce the severity of it). The Oncoming Lane Mitigation feature will help you avoid a collision with a vehicle heading in the opposite direction, while the Run-off Road Mitigation is designed to keep you on tarmac.

The Volvo XC60 performed very well when it was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2017, achieving the full five stars for safety. It performed particularly well for adult occupants, receiving a score of 98%, while it was also awarded a score of 95% for its safety assist features.

Volvo makes some very dependable premium cars, and the XC60 is no exception. It scored 9.55 out of 10 for reliability in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, while Volvo was solidly upper mid table in 14th place in the 2023 HonestJohn Satisfaction Survey of car makes.

Our only note of caution would be to avoid a diesel if you're planning to cover a lot of short journeys or regularly drive in stop-start city traffic. Doing so is asking for issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Unless you're a particularly mature driver, expect to pay a premium to insure a Volvo XC60. Insurance groups range from 28 for a Volvo XC60 Momentum diesel, rising to 42E for a Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid.

What this means in reality is it depends very much on your personal circumstances. As ever, we'd recommend shopping around for competitive insurance quotes.

The Volvo XC60's first-year VED payment is included in the on-the-road price and is based on emissions, ranging from just £10 for plug-in hybrid models to £1040 for the B5 mild-hybrid petrol. On top of that, there's the £390 surcharge for cars costing more than £40,000 that you will have to pay in the first year and every subsequent year till the car reaches its sixth birthday.

If you're buying a used example, all XC60s pay road tax at the standard rate of £180 per year. What you should be concerned about, though, is that premium car tax. For the following five years, this adds an extra £390 to the annual road tax of any car with a list price of more than £40,000 when new. That's all Volvo XC60 model and makes older models a little less appealing for more cost-conscious used buyers.

The good news is that all of the latest XC60s are classed as 'alternative fuel cars' so you'll save £10 a year off the basic tax rate.

The range started with the Volvo XC60 Momentum, which is well kitted out as standard. Standard equipment includes leather seats (heated in the front), a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a nine-inch touchscreen media system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless phone charging is standard, too, as well as a high performance sound system.

Volvo XC60 Momentum models also feature cruise control, a reversing camera and front/rear parking sensors, while a wide range of driver-assist functions are standard across the range. There are automatic LED headlights with Active High Beam, a powered tailgate and rain-sensing headlights, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.

Intended to be a sportier choice, the Volvo XC60 R-Design features 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, tinted windows and black gloss exterior highlights. Inside, the XC60 R-Design comes with part-leather sports seats (with adjustable lumbar support), metal mesh inlays, sports pedals and ambient door lighting.

Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered models built on the R-Design Pro spec with a premium Harmon Kardon sound system, 21-inch polished black alloys, Polestar Engineered brakes, Polestar Engineered chassis, metallic paint and gold (yes, gold) seatbelts.

The Volvo XC60 Inscription builds on the Momentum spec with a high gloss black front grille, chrome exterior highlights and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also adds soft perforated leather seats (ventilated), electric driver and front passenger seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with chrome trim, Driftwood inlays and front seat cushion extensions. You also get a fancy crystal gear knob as well as multicolour theatre lightings and puddle lights. On the outside, the XC60 Inscription comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior highlights.

Building on the Inscription spec, the Volvo XC60 Inscription Pro adds a heated steering wheel, head-up display and a massage function on the front seats. Front LED headlights with cornering function are standard (although not on plug-in hybrid models), as well as active bending headlights and the Active Four-C Chassis. 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are fitted to Inscription Pro models.

In mid-2022, Volvo rejigged its trim levels to Core, Plus, and Ultra. The Core mimics the Momentum and comes with 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. It 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.