Volvo XC60 review: popular family SUV nipped and tucked to stave off retirement
Good
Comfortable ride
Practical interior
Motorway refinement
Bad
A bit staid to drive
B5 mild-hybrid petrol won't be particularly economical
PHEVs could suffer under the latest European emissions regime
Touchscreen infotainment system is still complicated and distracting
In many areas, the Volvo XC60 has aged very gracefully, and it is still quite competitive in several key areas.
It looks great on the outside and its interior can just about keep up in some areas with more modern rivals while also maintaining impressive levels of comfort and practicality.
Ride improvements made throughout its life are apparent, so you could say that XC60 has found its place as a comfortable car that doesn't over-excite its driver, rather cosseting them.
Yet the engine range is beginning to let this car down and may yet do so rather more seriously.
The clock is now ticking for the XC60. This was Europe's best-selling PHEV in 2024, and right now it continues to have plenty of laid-back, rational appeal.
But 'more of the same' will only take this car so far. Unless Volvo is keeping back a meaningful update for its hybrid system, it'll likely lose a lot of its on-paper allure when the time for mandatory homologation under stricter Euro 6e-bis emissions regulations comes.
While its rivals get younger and younger, then, and better prepared for the next era of emissions compliance, Volvo's popularity champion could start to look very old very quickly. It may always be a sound, mature choice but perhaps not such a smart one as once it was.
Model tested:
Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid Ultra
Price as tested:
Unspecified
Engine:
4 cyls in line, 1969cc, turbocharged, petrol, plus 144bhp AC synchronous electric motor
Transmission:
8-spd automatic
Driveline layout:
Front, transverse 4WD via electric rear-axle drive
Model tested
Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid Ultra
Price as tested
Unspecified
View all specs and rivals
Engine
4 cyls in line, 1969cc, turbocharged, petrol, plus 144bhp AC synchronous electric motor
Transmission
8-spd automatic
Driveline layout
Front, transverse 4WD via electric rear-axle drive
Top speed
112mph (governed)
Battery size
18.8/14.7kWh (nominal/usable capacity)
Fuel economy
201.8-313.9mpg
Electric range
41-50 miles (EAER)
BIK tax band
9% (Euro 6e-bis homologation tbc)
Rivals Audi Q5 BMW X3 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Top speed
112mph (governed)
Battery size
18.8/14.7kWh (nominal/usable capacity)
Fuel economy
201.8-313.9mpg
Electric range
41-50 miles (EAER)
BIK tax band
9% (Euro 6e-bis homologation tbc)
Rivals Audi Q5 BMW X3 Mercedes-Benz GLC
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