2023 Volvo XC60 Review: Get the Recharge plug-in hybrid

Pros: Elegant styling and delightful cabin; glorious plug-in hybrid possibility; stable worth

Cons: Middling dealing with; expensive and unusual Polestar efficiency mannequin

The 2023 Volvo XC60 is the bread-and-butter SUV for Volvo because it’s within the highly regarded compact luxurious phase. Thankfully for Volvo, the XC60 is an efficient, solidly aggressive providing and one in every of our top-recommended decisions in that phase. The most attractive half concerning the XC60 is its very good plug-in hybrid “Recharge” possibility. With 36 miles of vary, a really sturdy electrical motor and tons of energy on faucet from the gasoline engine, there’s no luxurious compact SUV plug-in hybrid we’d fairly have.

Of course, lots of the XC60’s different parts are what make it so fascinating. The 2022 replace to revamp the automobile’s infotainment system give it a top-notch suite of tech choices. It’s virtually unimaginable to seek out the outside styling offensive. Plus, who doesn’t love a chic Swedish-style inside? You may even get wool upholstery! One of our editors beloved the XC60 a lot that he truly purchased one, so there’s a real endorsement coming straight from our wallets.

Compared to different compact luxurious SUVs, the XC60 received’t carve corners in addition to a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. Plus, the Polestar Engineered efficiency mannequin is a tad questionable contemplating it doesn’t present further energy and has manually adjustable dampers — yeah, you need to go twist the knob your self. Those aren’t precisely dealbreakers, although, and given the spacious again seat and cargo room, snug driving traits and glorious gasoline effectivity, the trendy XC60 is an impossible-to-overlook possibility.

Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy

What it is prefer to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features

What’s new for 2023?

For 2023, Volvo revamps its trim naming construction. Instead of the acquainted Momentum, R-Design and Inscription choices, consumers at the moment are confronted with Core, Plus and Ultimate. Additionally, the variety of choices packages are decreased and bundled collectively.

The extra necessary updates occurred final yr for the 2022 mannequin the place Volvo fully revamped the powertrain choices, including a mild-hybrid help to the B5 and B6 fashions and offering massive upgrades to the Recharge plug-in hybrid. You can examine these adjustments to the Recharge in our first drive story from 2022.

What are the XC60’s inside and in-car expertise like?

Volvo’s engaging and refined form is mirrored in its trendy, welcoming interiors. With premium supplies and delightful design from high to backside, it’s tough to seek out something unfavorable to say concerning the XC60’s inside. Open-pore wooden and actual metallic are each accessible relying on trim, and you may even get an Orrefors Crystal gear selector. Leather seats can be found in order for you conventional luxurious, however you possibly can choose a good looking wool textile upholstery for just a little one thing totally different and extra animal-friendly, too.

Volvo’s Android Automotive infotainment suite is suitable with Apple AutomotivePlay, however its integration with the Google suite of apps comparable to Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store make a robust case for ditching the smartphone connection tech altogether and utilizing the native interface. The infotainment system is fast to reply, and it’s built-in properly with the instrument cluster. You can select to show the Google Maps interface within the cluster, and the digital readouts for important information are straightforward to digest alongside it.

How massive is the XC60?

The XC60 is Volvo’s compact crossover, slotting above the smaller XC40 and under the flagship three-row XC90. With a wheelbase of slightly below 113 inches and an total size of roughly 185 inches, it’s the identical measurement as most of Europe’s luxurious compacts, together with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Audi Q5. Thanks to their midsize-like wheelbases, these ostensibly compact crossovers supply loads of people- and cargo-hauling functionality.   

When evaluating them back-to-back, nevertheless, we have discovered the XC60 finally has extra again seat area than the Germans, making it a tad extra household pleasant. We additionally like that you would be able to get Volvo’s distinctive built-in booster seats. The XC60’s cargo space is common, coming in as neither segment-leading nor segment-trailing. XC60 Recharge fashions lose half a cubic foot of rear cargo room because of the placement of the hybrid parts beneath the ground.

What are the XC60’s gasoline economic system and efficiency specs?

Volvo gives the 2023 XC60 with three powertrains, all of that are based mostly on the identical 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and are mated to an eight-speed automated transmission. The “B” choices all have a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that advantages effectivity, and the “Recharge” is a plug-in hybrid automobile.

The base engine, dubbed B5, is a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Volvo says it would go from 0 to 60 mph in a tidy 6.6 seconds. It’s rated at 23 mpg metropolis, 30 freeway and 26 mixed with front-wheel drive and 23/29/25 with the non-compulsory all-wheel drive.

The subsequent step up is the B6, which uniquely has each a turbo- and supercharger, boosting output to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. The 0-60 time drops to five.9 seconds. B6 fashions function all-wheel drive normal and EPA scores of 21 mpg metropolis, 27 freeway and 23 mixed.

Recharge fashions are outfitted with the plug-in hybrid T8 eAWD powertrain, which features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (no supercharger) and 143-hp electrical motor. Total output for the Recharge is 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 time drops to 4.5 seconds. Polestar Engineered fashions surprisingly hold the identical output, however add a bunch of different efficiency extras. Both Recharge variants can function as much as 36 miles on electrical energy alone and are rated at 28 mpg mixed as soon as that all-electric vary is depleted. We’ll notice that the vary and effectivity numbers for the Recharge mannequin are from the 2022 mannequin, however there shouldn’t be any vital variations for 2023 as soon as these numbers develop into official.

What’s the XC60 prefer to drive?

The XC60’s cabin is a haven for commuters and road-trippers because of its glorious seats and delightful design. Higher-end fashions supply a plethora of customizable driver aids and an efficient adaptive cruise management with lane centering that may considerably cut back fatigue on lengthy journeys.

On the street, the XC60 isn’t fairly as composed as Volvo’s different 60- and 90-series choices. Its bigger, non-compulsory wheels can considerably degrade journey high quality, particularly in areas with pockmarked pavement, and its base suspension acquired discombobulated on our mountain street check route. The takeaways from this needs to be: different Volvos are higher to drive, persist with smaller wheels, and most rivals deal with higher. This might sound damning, nevertheless it’s actually not. Spec it proper and the XC60 might be beautiful to drive in 95% of the eventualities most drivers discover themselves.

The mild-hybrid B5 and B6 fashions are smoother and higher to drive than the outdated T5 and T6 powertrains because of the electrical increase, and whereas they’re extra refined than earlier than, there are nonetheless smoother energy vegetation on the market in different autos. Meanwhile, the Recharge with its shockingly highly effective electrical motor is a deal with to drive. With 143 horsepower on faucet, there’s no must dip into the fuel engine when working in EV mode. Plus, the 36 miles of electrical vary on a full cost be certain that most journeys may be executed with out utilizing any gasoline in any respect.

As for the Polestar Engineered, this mannequin is definitely probably the most enjoyable. It will get new suspension consisting of Ohlins dampers and distinctive springs, 21-inch solid wheels (accessible with summer time tires), greater brakes and a brand new exterior look bundle that offers the SUV a great bit extra aptitude. Those Ohlins dampers are manually adjustable, and so they flip the XC60 right into a extra sure-footed — and just a little stiffer-riding — SUV. The massive brakes improve stopping energy, and whereas there isn’t any further twist from the powertrain, the bottom Recharge hardly wants it. This SUV springs off the road with a stunning quantity of pleasure, hitting 60 mph in a fast 4.5 seconds. Get the common Recharge in case you simply need acceleration and a nice-riding crossover. Spring for the Polestar Engineered in case you’re just a little bizarre and wish an additional dose of confidence on a winding street.  

What different Volvo XC60 evaluations can I learn?

2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge First Drive Review | Pumping up the electrical vary

The revised plug-in XC60 will get quicker and far more helpful

2018 Volvo XC60 First Drive

Our first expertise with the XC60 revealed few surprises: it was based mostly on the identical platform as the larger 90 collection Volvos, it appeared appreciated them and shared a lot of their expertise. That’s hardly a nasty factor. 

2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered First Drive Review

This XC60 is an adrenaline-addled crossover with large brakes

What is the 2023 XC60’s value?

The 2023 Volvo XC60 begins at $44,745, together with a $1,095 vacation spot cost. The mannequin vary is damaged down into engine selection, designated by B5, B6 and Recharge, after which trim degree: Core, Plus and Ultimate and the Recharge-exclusive Polestar Engineered.

Base Core fashions are fairly well-equipped and have 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity entry, an influence tailgate, blind-spot warning, fabric “textile” or leatherette seats, dual-zone local weather management, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, energy passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming facet mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

A PHEV Recharge mannequin begins at $58,495 and goes up from there with the identical trim construction because the B5 mannequin. Lastly, the Polestar Engineered mannequin is Volvo’s range-topper.

Add $2,300 to the B5 fashions to get AWD. Also, notice that the B6 is simply accessible within the “Ultimate” trim. A extra in-depth breakdown of trims and costs may be discovered right here at Autoblog.

• B5 Core: $44,745
• B5 Plus: $48,995
• B5 Ultimate: $55,295
• B6 AWD Ultimate: $60,345
• Recharge Core: $58,495
• Recharge Plus: $62,745
• Recharge Ultimate: $68,245
• Polestar Engineered: $75,445

What are the XC60’s security scores and driver help options?

“Volvo” has lengthy been synonymous with security innovation. As such, lots of its accessible security programs are normal. These embody entrance and rear collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning and hill begin help. Volvo’s glorious adaptive cruise management system with steering help is offered, however solely if you step up the $4,250 Plus trim. Volvo’s distinctive built-in little one booster seats are additionally non-compulsory. 

The U.S. authorities gave the 2022 XC60 (equal to the 2023 mannequin) an total five-star security score. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2023 mannequin with a Top Safety Pick+ with high marks in every single place — its headlights are the one small blemish, scoring an “Acceptable” score as an alternative of “Good.”

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