Volvo XC60 SUV
New from £48,450 / £494 p/m
Is the Volvo XC60 SUV a good car?
Read our expert review
Words by: Dan Trent
"Volvo is in a state of transition, cars like this XC60 representing a more traditional face while newer products like the electric EX30 and EX90 developed under Chinese owners Geely conceal a subtly different, tech-driven character under seemingly similar looks. Call us old-fashioned but we rather prefer old-school Volvo, minor 2026 model year updates to the XC60 not messing with the enduring appeal of its smart design, superb interior quality, slick hybrid engines or calm sense of Scandi cool. A deserved family favourite."
Read the review by category
Running costs for a Volvo XC60
Without getting too bogged down in the technical differences between mild- and plug-in hybrids (MHEV and PHEV in the jargon) Volvo offers the XC60 with both, which it lists as separate model lines on its website. Given we’re talking running costs here the B6 mild-hybrid is the better choice for private buyers for the fact it costs a lot less upfront, even if it’s not quite as fast or economical as the T6 and T8 plug-ins. If you’re a company buyer you’ll potentially claw back that extra cost in tax and Benefit In Kind savings, while those with facility to hook up to a home charging point every night can waft around on short daily trips without ever needing the petrol engine at all. No XC60 is cheap to buy, though, and you need to go up to at least the second of the four trim levels to really enjoy the proper premium vibes.
Reliability of a Volvo XC60
The data is nearly as old as the XC60 itself but the 2019 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study ranked Volvo 10th out of 25 in the overall manufacturer table, and it was far and away the highest-scoring premium manufacturer. Given the fundamentals of the car are the same we see no reason that should have changed, the build quality reassuringly solid even at a superficial level.
Safety for a Volvo XC60
The XC60 is one of the safest SUVs you can buy. As well as all the crash protection you’d expect, it comes with a range of extremely advanced safety features to help prevent you having a collision in the first place, many of which it was the first to bring to market. We’re a little disappointed the most useful – Volvo’s ‘BLIS’ blind-spot warning system and rear cross traffic alerts – aren’t standard on the base trim but the Pilot Assist part-autonomous motorway control (where fitted) feels a lot slicker and more trustworthy in operation than the equivalent system on the newer EX30.
How comfortable is the Volvo XC60
We should caveat the upgrade to a full five out of five here with the fact we tested top-spec versions with wafty air suspension and double-glazed windows for improved sound insulation, this also including all the trimmings like ventilation and massage for the already excellent front seats. Other XC60 models get by with more conventional suspension and less in the way of powered adjustment and suchlike for the seats but previous experience demonstrates it’s a fundamentally very comfortable car in all forms, in keeping with Volvo traditions. Rear seat space is decent in both leg- and headroom, though there is a bit of a lump in the middle of the floor where the hybrid batteries sit, meaning a raw deal for middle seat passengers. Integrated, fold-out booster seats are a free option on fancier trims and typical of Volvo’s family-focused features, while the boot is plenty big enough for all your clobber. It’s also a powerful towing vehicle if you like taking your holiday accommodation with you.
Features of the Volvo XC60
Most of the updates to this improved XC60 are blink-and-you’ll-miss-them subtle. Sadly, the same can’t be said of the gigantic, vertically orientated screen mounted like a crudely tacked on iPad rather than neatly integrated as it was before. Seemingly, size does matter when it comes to tech and such is the price of progress. The processor behind it is, apparently much faster and snappier than before and if your life is Google-powered you’ll be in your comfort zone given the full integration into the tech giant’s wider ecosystem of maps, apps and entertainment with a four-year subscription as standard. Apple users aren’t totally forgotten, thankfully. Other new features include fresh wheel designs and colours, a quick dip into the configurator revealing you need to go at least one grade up from the base Core and to Plus trim to score the more premium touches like the Orrefors crystal gear selector, groovy driftwood trim, heating for all four seats and more. Worth every penny, we’d say. As is the frankly incredible Bowers & Wilkins stereo on the top Ultra trim level if you’re an audiophile and want to feel like you’re a member of the orchestra/your favourite band rather than just in the pit with the audience.
Power for a Volvo XC60
Little surprise diesels have exited stage left and all XC60s now use the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine boosted by various levels of hybridisation. For all-round use the standard B6 mild-hybrid is probably plenty but the effortless waft of the T6 and T8 plug-ins feels worth the extra cash. We tried the top-level T8, which apparently has some very impressive numbers. Frankly we were less bothered about that, and instead appreciated the effortless acceleration and superb refinement, the petrol engine only audible under hard acceleration and even then only as a distant hum. At lower speeds you can, meanwhile, waft around on electric power alone for the best part of 40 miles. We’ve not always been convinced by plug-ins but, in the XC60, this truly feels like the best of both worlds.
Lease deals
These deals are based on terms of 8,000 miles, for a 36 month lease with a 6 months initial payment.
£712.42
Monthly payment
£4,274.50
Initial payment
- 5 seats
- 5 doors
- SUV
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- 2.0 litres
£606.95
Monthly payment
£3,641.67
Initial payment
- 5 seats
- 5 doors
- SUV
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- 2.0 litres
£653.97
Monthly payment
£3,923.80
Initial payment
- 5 seats
- 5 doors
- SUV
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- 2.0 litres
£765.60
Monthly payment
£4,593.62
Initial payment
- 5 seats
- 5 doors
- SUV
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- 2.0 litres
Standard equipment
Expect the following equipment on your Volvo XC60 SUV. This may vary between trim levels.
- 11.2 Centre Console Touch Screen
- 12V Socket - Front Tunnel Console
- 12v Socket - Luggage Compartment
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - Wired
- Bluetooth Handsfree System
- DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting Radio
- Google Automotive Services
- High Performance Sound
- Volvo Car Connect
- Volvo Car Connect Plus for 4 years - Unlimited Mobile Data (for In-car Apps and Vehicle Communication)
- Wireless-Inductive Mobile Phone Charging
- 12.3in Progressive Driver Display
- 2-Zone Electronic Climate Control with CleanZone Air Quality System with Pollen Filter
- 3 Spoke Tailored Sport Steering Wheel with Chrome Trim
- Autodimming Interior and Exterior Mirrors
- B-Pillar Ventilation
- Centre Console Cupholders and Storage
- Driver and Passenger Seat with Power Height Adjustment and Lumbar Support
- Fixed Rear Seat Headrests
- Floor Mats
- Front Aluminium Tread Plates
- Handsfree Tailgate Opening-Closing
- Heated Front Seats
- Height and Reach Adjustable Steering Column
- Load Cover
- Load Protection Net
- Metal Mesh Inlays
- Mid Level Illumination
- Power Operated Tailgate
- Rain Sensor - Automatic Windscreen Wiper Activation
- Rear Armrest with Cupholders
- Underfloor Luggage Compartment Storage
- Versatile Split Folding Rear Seats - 60-40
- 18in Alloy Wheels - 5 Spoke - Glossy Silver with 235-60 Summer Tyres
- Chrome Front Grille and Deco
- Colour Co-Ordinated Autofolding Heated Power Door Mirrors
- Locking Wheel Nuts
- Roof Rails - Integrated Black
- Tyre Sealant Kit and Compressor
- 2x Key Integrated Remote Control Central Locking with Deadlocking System and Auto Open-Close Windows
- Airbags - Driver and Passenger
- Anti-Theft Alarm including Immobiliser - Volume Sensor and Level Sensor
- City Safety with Steering Support
- Driver Knee Airbag
- EBA - Emergency Brake Assistance
- First Aid Kit
- Hill Descent Control - Off-Road Drive Mode
- Hill Start Assist
- IC - Inflatable Curtains - Full Length
- ISOFIX Attachment - Outer Rear Seats
- Keyless Drive - Keyless Entry and Keyless Start
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch
- Power Child Locks - Rear Doors
- Power Parking Brake with Auto Hold Function
- Run-Off Road Protection
- SIPS - Side Impact Protection System
- SIPS Airbags - Front Seats
- Seatbelt Reminder and Pretensioners
- Slippery Road and Hazard Light Alert
- WHIPS - Whiplash Protection System - Front Seats
- Warning Triangle
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Driver Alert Control
- Driver Understanding System
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Rear Park Assist Camera
- Road Sign Information Display
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Adjustable Steering Force
- Automatic Transmission with Stop-Start and Manual Change Functions
- Dynamic Chassis
- Intelligent Speed Assistance
- Automatic Headlight Levelling System
- Automatic LED Headlights with Active High Beam incorporating Day Running Lights
- Home Safe and Approach Lighting
- Puddle Lights
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Your questions answered
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Contract Hire ('Leasing') is subject to status and approval and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Vehicle must be returned with no more than fair wear and tear to avoid further charges. You will not own the vehicle. Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply.
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