2022 Volvo XC60

　　

2022 Volvo XC60 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The luxury compact SUV segment is packed with excellent competitors from various premium brands, but the one Scandinavian model on the list doesn't blend in with its rivals. Since its 2018 redesign, the Volvo XC60 has set itself apart with its unique headlights and taillights, tasteful body lines, and an uncluttered, upscale interior made of high-quality materials. The Swede, though, doesn't have the handling chops of some of its rivals or the softest ride.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volvo XC60 B5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$181/mo  for XC60 B5 Momentum

　　XC60 B5 Momentum

　　B5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,650 MSRPB5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $44,950 MSRPB5 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,800 MSRPB5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $51,100 MSRPB5 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $50,150 MSRPB5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,450 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $54,250 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $54,750 MSRPB6 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $55,100 MSRPB6 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,450 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $60,400 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $60,900 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $61,750 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $62,250 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $69,500 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered Extended Range 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $70,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　As with most premium SUVs, the XC60 hauls the family around in comfort, provides a useful amount of cargo space, and comes standard with a long list of advanced driver aids such as automatic emergency braking and evasive steering assist. Sizewise, the XC60 slots in between the smaller XC40 and larger XC90 SUVs. The XC60 also has a performance variant like its German rivals (BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5) do. It's the Polestar Engineered model that's based on the plug-in hybrid Recharge T8 version.

　　For the 2022 model year, Volvo refreshed the XC60 with reworked front and rear fascias and updated engines. There's also a new Google-based infotainment system that features Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Under the hood, Volvo has added a new mild hybrid system to the XC60's engines. It helps to slightly improve fuel economy — by about 1-2 mpg compared to last year — and smooth out the engine automatic stop-start feature when you're at stoplights.

　　The XC60's plug-in hybrid model, the Recharge, also gets a midyear update that includes a higher-capacity battery and a more powerful rear electric motor. The combination provides more power — a heady 455 horsepower — plus the ability to drive around 36 miles on a full charge, which is quite good for a plug-in hybrid. Recharging frequently can really help reduce your use of gasoline.

　　Overall, we recommend the XC60 and find it a competitive choice among other small luxury SUVs including the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

　　

Which XC60 does zzdcar recommend?

Many people will be happy with the base but well-equipped Momentum trim because it has a lot to offer for the price. The R-Design is a decent choice as well considering its extra features and sportier look. Either way, make sure to get one with the optional Advance package if you want traffic-adaptive cruise control. As for the engines, the B5 has enough power for the average driver.

　　

Volvo XC60 models

The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV. The base B5 engine is offered in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trims. The upgraded B6 engine can be paired with the R-Design or Inscription trim. The base trim for the plug-in hybrid Recharge model is the Inscription Expression trim, and the R-Design and Inscription trims are also available. The top Polestar Engineered trim gets some performance enhancements to complement the Recharge T8 powertrain. Here's what you need to know:

　　The B5 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 version is more powerful with 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

　　The Recharge T8 is similar but has additional plug-in hybrid componentry. Pay close attention to which Recharge T8 you're considering because Volvo updated this version midway through 2022. T8s built early in the model year produce 400 hp and 472 lb-ft and have an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 19 miles. Later versions, called the Extended Range, have 36 miles of range plus more power: 455 hp and 523 lb-ft.

　　The Polestar Engineered is based on the Recharge T8. Early versions have 415 hp and 494 lb-ft. Later versions have the same power that comes from the Extended Range upgrade.

　　Front-wheel drive is standard on the B5 engine, and all-wheel drive is an option. The B6 and Recharge T8 powertrains only come equipped with AWD.

　　Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the XC60 Recharge)

　　This base trim level comes with:

　　18-inch alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Panoramic sunroof Auto-dimming mirrors Dual-zone automatic climate control Driver's seat memory settings Wireless phone charger Heated front seats (AWD only) Cloth upholstery Digital instrument panel 9-inch touchscreen 10-speaker audio system Google-based infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationAdvanced driving aids and safety features include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)Numerous packages and stand-alone options are available for the Momentum trim level. They include:

　　Advanced package Ambient interior lighting Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Volvo and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Power-folding rear head restraints (outboard) Advanced air cabin filter Climate package Heated rear seats Heated steering wheel 19- or 20-inch wheels 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Hands-free tailgate Leather upholstery Integrated booster cushions for outboard rear seatsR-Design

　　The R-Design is positioned as the sporty XC60. Upgrades over the base model include:

　　19-inch wheels Black exterior trim Ambient interior lighting Four-zone automatic climate control (B5 and B6 only) Heated front sport seats with cloth bolstering 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Front parking sensorsUnless already included, the optional features listed above for the Momentum trim are available for the R-Design except the 20-inch wheels. Additional options include:

　　21-inch wheels Air suspension (adapts to provide greater ride comfort or sportier handling) 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemInscription

　　The Inscription offers more luxury features, building off the Momentum with these additions:

　　19-inch wheels Chrome exterior trim Ambient interior lighting Four-zone automatic climate control (B5 and B6 only) Ventilated front seats Upgraded leather upholstery 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Front parking sensorsUnless already included, all features on the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim are available for the Inscription. Additional options include:

　　Air suspension 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemPolestar Engineered

　　The Polestar Engineered starts with the R-Design's upgrades and adds:

　　Advanced package 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires Akebono front brakes Special Öhlins suspension dampers Gold-colored seat belts 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systemThe only options available for the Polestar Engineered trim are 22-inch wheels with summer tires and the integrated booster cushions.

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