2023 Volvo XC60

　　

2023 Volvo XC60 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　German carmakers have dominated the luxury SUV market for a long time. While these vehicles have carved out a niche in the class, there has been a certain sameness that ties them all together. For those looking to break the mold, there are a few options, and the 2023 Volvo XC60 is one of them.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Core 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 Core

　　XC60 B5 Core

　　B5 Core 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,450 MSRPB5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,750 MSRPB5 Plus Bright 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $47,700 MSRPB5 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $50,000 MSRPB5 Plus Dark 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $47,700 MSRPB5 Plus Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $50,000 MSRPB5 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,500 MSRPB5 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $55,800 MSRPB5 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,500 MSRPB5 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $55,800 MSRPRecharge T8 Core Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $57,200 MSRPB6 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,050 MSRPB6 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,050 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $61,450 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $61,450 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $66,950 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $66,950 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $74,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The XC60 stands out from the rest of the class with its unique Scandinavian design. Its clean, almost minimal exterior styling could never be mistaken for a BMW or Benz. Inside, the sophisticated cabin can be optioned with some unique upholstery options, including a very attractive wool blend fabric. There are also several engine choices, from economical mild hybrids to a powerful plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 35 miles on battery power alone.

　　Since the XC60 is a Volvo, safety plays a big part. You get all of the expected advanced safety features as standard equipment, while excellent crash test scores provide further assurance. It's even been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For 2023, the trim levels have been renamed and their features have been slightly revised. The plug-in hybrid model also gains more power and EV range.

　　Overall, the 2023 Volvo XC60 is an intriguing and stylish alternative to the established BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It's not as exciting to drive, at least in the mild hybrid lineup, but if you're in the market for a family-friendly vehicle, that's likely not a huge concern. There's also the brash Genesis GV70, representing the value leader in the segment. If you're considering any of these vehicles, you should give the XC60 a close look, especially the plug-in hybrid Recharge variant.

　　

Which XC60 does zzdcar recommend?

If your budget is generous enough, we recommend the XC60 Recharge in Plus trim. This plug-in hybrid is quite a bit more powerful and expensive than the mild hybrid powertrains, but depending on your commute, charger availability and gas prices, you could recoup the added cost in a few years through reduced fuel consumption. Otherwise, we'd stick with the standard hybrid drivetrain in Plus trim, and perhaps add all-wheel drive if you're in a region with cold or wet weather.

　　

Volvo XC60 models

The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV that is offered in four trim levels: Base, Plus, Ultimate and Polestar Engineered. There are also three exterior choices: Base, Dark and Bright, with the Base aligned with the trim level and the Dark (blacked-out exterior accents) and Bright (Chrome/metallic exterior accents) available on higher trim levels. These trims are the same with the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid model.

　　There are also four powertrain choices. The B5 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system (247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque). The B6 adds a supercharger to the same engine for more power (295 hp, 310 lb-ft). The Recharge T8 is a plug-in hybrid with an 18.8-kWh battery (455 hp, 523 lb-ft) and is estimated to return 35 miles of electric-only range.

　　All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the B5 engine, and all-wheel drive is an option. The B6 and Recharge T8 powertrains come equipped with AWD.

　　Core

　　The entry-level trim is well equipped with plenty of advanced tech and safety features. It is only sold with the B5 engine or Recharge T8. Standard feature highlights include:

　　18-inch alloy wheels LED exterior lighting Roof rails Panoramic sunroof Keyless entry/ignition Power-folding exterior mirrors Rain-sensing wipers Dual-zone automatic climate control Cloth or simulated leather upholstery Heated front seats (AWD models) Digital instrument panel Wireless charging pad Google-based infotainment system Navigation system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Satellite radioStandard advanced safety features include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Automatic reverse braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Automatic high beams Driver alertness monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued) Traffic sign readerPlus

　　Stepping up to the Plus trim gives you the choice of either the Dark or Bright exteriors and adds:

　　19-inch wheels Leather upholstery Wood interior trim Interior ambient lighting Power-folding rear headrests Universal garage door opener Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Side parking sensors IntelliSafe Assist (enhanced lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control functionality)Ultimate

　　The Ultimate trim can be had with the B5, B6 or T8 powertrain and is the most luxurious model. Feature additions include:

　　20-inch wheels Leather dash topper Four-zone automatic climate control (B5 and B6 only) Crystal gear selector knob Premium leather or tactile upholstery Extendable front-seat thigh support Heated and ventilated front seats Harman Kardon audio upgrade Enhanced interior ambient lighting Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)Polestar Engineered

　　The Polestar Engineered trim is the sporty alternative in the lineup and is only offered with the T8 powertrain. Other upgrades include:

　　21-inch wheels with summer performance tires Adaptive headlights Sport-tuned suspension Adjustable Ohlins suspension dampers Brembo brakes with gold-painted calipers Gold-colored seat belts Additional front seat adjustments Heated rear seats Heated steering wheel Bowers & Wilkins premium audio Rain-sensing wipersMany features are available on supporting trims as options. Stand-alone add-ons include integrated rear-seat child boosters

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