2023 Volvo XC60

January 17, 2023

Elegant design and purposeful engineering combine in the 2023 Volvo XC60, and the result is a distinctive option in the luxury-SUV class. Along with its tastefully styled exterior, the XC60’s cabin is an exercise in well-tailored minimalism think Prada meets IKEA. A trio of four-cylinder powertrains is offered the 247-hp B5, the 295-hp B6, and the 455-hp T8 plug-in hybrid. All of are reasonably fuel-efficient and feel good from behind the wheel, with performance that ranges from perky to downright quick depending upon which powertrain you choose. Technology is prioritized too; Volvo includes popular driver-assistance and safety features standard. We don’t love the XC60’s Google-based infotainment interface, but it works well enough even if it doesn’t look particularly appealing. Other compact SUVs are more practical, especially the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, which both offer more cargo space.

Engine Performance

Volvo offers three different powertrains B5, B6, and T8 in the XC60, all mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Under the hood of base B5-badged XC60s are a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system making 247 horsepower. The B6 is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the B5, but a supercharger is added for more oomph. With 295 ponies in its stable, it feels a peppier than models with the base B5. The plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain borrows the B6's engine and pairs it with a set of electric motors for a total of 455 horsepower in the Recharge models. 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.