Overview
Volvo’s unique Swedish perspective is evident in every one of the brand’s products, including its top-seller, the stylish and thoughtfully-designed 2022 XC60 SUV. Clean lines and tasteful embellishments help the XC60 strike a stylish pose in traffic while the cabin serves as an upscale oasis from perils of the modern commute. Three different powertrains are offered here, including a plug-in-hybrid variant with strong performance. Cargo space isn’t as generous as in rivals such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, or Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, but we think most buyers will find it practical enough. Technology is integrated throughout, including a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a host of driver-assistance features to help keep the XC60’s shiny side up.
What’s New for 2022?
Volvo is replacing the XC60’s Sensus infotainment system with a more modern Google Android-based interface that’s borrowed from the electric XC40 Recharge. The screen is the same 9.0-inch vertically-oriented shape, but new software offers more personalization options, a voice-assistant feature, and navigation via Google Maps. Several subtle styling changes help mark the 2022 model year as well, including a tweaked grille, a re-worked front bumper, updated wheel designs, and the introduction of Volvo’s City Weave cloth upholstery as an option for the first time on the XC60. In addition to the styling refresh and the new infotainment, Volvo also says there have been upgrades to the XC60’s various radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors that provide data for the SUV’s driver-assistance systems.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’re suckers for the R-Design’s racy appearance, and we’ve enjoyed the T6 powertrain’s peppy performance in our long-term XC60 test vehicle, so the R-Design T6 is our recommendation. The extra cost versus the base Momentum trim is worth it here, with all sorts of features becoming standard. The R-Design comes with a Harman/Kardon audio systema power-operated rear liftgate, and four-zone automatic climate control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Volvo offers three different powertrains—T5, T6, and T8—in the XC60, all mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard but upgrading to either the T6 or T8 Recharge powertrains adds all-wheel drive. Under the hood of base T5-badged XC60s is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 250 horsepower. Its 6.4-second zero-to-60-mph time in our testing is adequate but unremarkable. The T6 is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the T5, but a supercharger is added for more oomph. With 316 ponies in its stable, it feels peppier and its performance on our test track was measurably quicker. The plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain borrows the T6’s engine and pairs it with a set of electric motors for a total of 400 horsepower in the Recharge model or 415 in the Polestar Engineered model. The XC60 takes corners well, feels tied to the road while cruising, and changes directions with confidence, but doesn’t inspire hooliganism like the Porsche Macan. The ride can feel a touch harsh when driving over rougher stretches of road, but on smooth sections it’s agreeable and calm.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Going with either the Recharge or Polestar model adds the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which carries a 19-mile electric-only range estimate. The XC60 T8 can be charged at a public charging station or at home via 110- or 220-volt outlets, but Volvo also provides a handy feature that can juice the battery with energy generated from the SUV’s gasoline engine when needed.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that front-wheel drive T5 models should deliver 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; adding all-wheel drive drops both of those numbers by 1 mpg. The more powerful T6 all-wheel drive model carries ratings of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. In our real-world highway fuel-economy testing, the T5 and the T6 XC60s exceeded their EPA estimates with 29- and 28-mpg results, respectively; however, so did the Lexus RX350, which sailed on to a 31-mpg result. For more information about the XC60’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With interior styling and rich materials that mirror more expensive Volvos, the XC60 is like having your kladdkaka and eating it, too. The quiet, comfortable cabin also provides adult-sized accommodations in both rows. Clean lines and high-quality materials add a distinctly Scandinavian flavor to the XC60’s cabin—and we’d expect nothing less from a modern Volvo. Decent cargo-hauling capability puts the XC60 midpack among its rivals in our testing; with its rear seats folded, we fit 20 of our carry-on suitcases. Interior cubby storage is limited, and the sole cargo-area bin is among the smallest we’ve measured.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All XC60 models come with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display that runs Volvo’s latest Google-based software interface. The system provides several personalization options and offers voice controls via the Google Assistant. We’ve used a version of this system in the Polestar 2 electric vehicle and found it quick to respond, but its menus take some getting used to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo’s commitment to safety is evident in the XC60, with driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist made standard across the range. For more information about the XC60’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Relative to its rivals in this segment, the XC60 has an appealing warranty policy. Three years of scheduled maintenance is a convenience that Volvo buyers won’t need to pay for separately, either.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
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