2024 Volvo XC60 SUV

　　

2024 Volvo XC60 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Buyers looking for a comfortable, well-built luxury SUV can turn to established favorites from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Or they can consider the stylish 2024 Volvo XC60, which offers a bit of modern Scandinavian cool relative to its more serious German counterparts. The XC60 seats five in an interior roomier than most rivals, it offers sophisticated safety features, and is the only model in this group to offer a plug-in hybrid version that can cover 35 miles on electricity. It lacks the Benz's cushy ride comfort or the Audi and BMW's athleticism, but the XC60 has a distinct character of its own.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volvo XC60 B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (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

　　$191/mo  for XC60 B5 Core

　　XC60 B5 Core

　　B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,450 MSRPB5 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $50,950 MSRPB5 Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,400 MSRPRecharge T8 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $57,900 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $62,400 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $67,850 MSRPT8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $75,250 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Plug-in power gives XC60 an edge

Volvo has always cut its own path among European luxury cars. The XC60 is no different, offering a standard gas engine alongside a plug-in hybrid option. Few rivals offer the latter (the Audi Q5 is a notable exception) and it gives the XC60 an edge, although a pricey one that costs more than $11,000 over the base drivetrain. The extra power is enticing, though, and depending on your driving, the premium could pay off. The T8 can also "self-recharge" by using the gas engine to boost battery charge. It's no substitute for plugging in and filling up, but it's a useful feature that can extend electric range. In combined operation, the T8 is rated at 63 miles per gallon equivalent.

　　

Competitors to consider

Buyers have many options for a small luxury SUV, from the agile Audi Q5 and BMW X3 to the stately Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Genesis GV70 offers bold, Bentley-esque style at an un-Bentley price, while the Lexus RX offers timeless elegance and comfort. The Cadillac XT5 flies under the radar but delivers snappy handling and striking design. The only rival to the T8 Recharge is the Audi Q5, although it's rated for less electric range — 23 miles — than the Volvo.

　　

Which XC60 does zzdcar recommend?

If your budget allows, we recommend the XC60 Recharge in Plus trim. The plug-in hybrid is more powerful, and more expensive, than its base four-cylinder counterpart. But if you have a short commute or regular routes that can maximize the Recharge's 35 miles of electric-only range, you could recoup the added expense through reduced fuel consumption. But if the bulk of your driving will dip into the gas side of things, we'd suggest sticking with the base B5 engine with the Plus trim. The latter offers improved cabin treatments and extra driver assistance features.

　　

Volvo XC60 models

The 2024 Volvo XC60 compact luxury SUV is offered in four trim levels: Core, Plus, Ultimate and Polestar Engineered.

　　Two engines are available for the Core, Plus and Ultimate trims. The base engine, called B5, is 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 plug-in hybrid version, called Recharge T8, uses the same engine paired with an electric motor that powers the rear wheels. The gas/electric combination (455 hp and 523 lb-ft) is aided by an 18.8-kWh battery, which helps the XC60 plug-in hybrid offer an estimated 35 miles of electric-only range. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard. The Polestar Engineered is only available with the Recharge T8 engine.

　　Core

　　The entry-level trim is well equipped with plenty of advanced tech and safety features. Standard feature highlights include:

　　18-inch alloy wheels Roof rails Panoramic sunroof Cloth or synthetic leather upholstery (depending on color) Heated front seats Google-based infotainment system 9-inch infotainment display Navigation system Apple CarPlay connectivity 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 assistance (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) Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)Plus

　　Stepping up to the Plus trim adds:

　　19-inch wheels Leather upholstery Wood interior trim Power-folding rear headrests Cabin air purifier Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Front, rear and side parking sensors Adaptive cruise control Enhanced lane keeping assistanceUltimate

　　The Ultimate trim is the most luxurious model, with upgrades including:

　　20-inch wheels Sound-reducing laminated side windows Upgraded Nappa leather upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats with additional thigh and side adjustments Four-zone automatic climate control Crystal gear selector knob Harman Kardon premium audio system 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 Additional front seat adjustments Heated rear seats Heated steering wheel Bowers & Wilkins premium audioMultiple options are available depending on trim. All trims can opt for the Climate package, which includes:

　　Heated steering wheel Heated rear seats Headlight washersThe Ultimate trim also offers a new Black Edition package, which adds:

　　Onyx Black paint 21-inch black wheels Gloss-black badges Choice of charcoal leather or blended leather/textile upholsteryStand-alone options include:

　　Power liftgate (all trims) Integrated rear child-seat boosters (all trims) Harman Kardon premium audio system (Plus) Massaging front seats (Ultimate) Bowers & Wilkins audio system (Ultimate) Adaptive air suspension (Ultimate) 22-inch wheels (Polestar Engineered)

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