“Some what disappointed in four cylinder (E) engine. I do not like the automatic shut off feature and a 6 cylinder option should be offered. Also bring back the front seat pockets and add storage space in the driver compartment”
2016 Volvo XC60: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Volvo XC60 is the expansion of the newer T6 Drive-E lineup, including late-model-year AWD and new R-Design versions. Otherwise, this was a light trim-and-powertrain update rather than a redesign or major refresh.
About the 2016 Volvo XC60
1st generation XC60 (2009-2017), post-2014 refresh, late-cycle year.
Volvo positions the XC60 as a compact luxury SUV for buyers who want strong safety credentials, supportive seats, useful cargo space, and a calmer, more comfortable driving experience than many sport-focused rivals. In Volvo’s own messaging, it is the nimble two-row alternative to the larger XC90, blending Scandinavian design, family-friendly practicality, and a long-running safety-first reputation. Drive-E versions add better efficiency, while T6 and R-Design trims give the same basic XC60 formula more performance.
The 2016 XC60 ranges from the straightforward, safety-focused T5 to leather-lined Premier and feature-rich Platinum trims with a panoramic roof, navigation, upgraded audio, and a rear camera. Performance-focused models include the newer turbocharged-and-supercharged four-cylinder T6 Drive-E R-Design and the 325-hp six-cylinder T6 R-Design, both with sportier styling and chassis tuning.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Four T6 Drive-E trims joined the lineup: T6 Drive-E, T6 Drive-E Platinum, T6 Drive-E R-Design, and T6 Drive-E R-Design Platinum. AWD was added to the T6 Drive-E formula later in the model year, while the 3.2 trim family left the lineup.
Styling
Volvo added new wheel designs and more exterior colors. The new Drive-E R-Design trims paired the newer T6 engine with sportier exterior details, 20-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned chassis.
2016 Volvo XC60 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchrg 2.0T / 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchrg 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchrg 2.0T / 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchrg 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchrg 2.0T | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchrg 2.0T |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19–23 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 19 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26–31 mpg | 23–29 mpg | 26–31 mpg | 27 mpg | 26–31 mpg | 23–29 mpg | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–250 hp | 300–302 hp | 240–250 hp | 302 hp | 240–250 hp | 300–302 hp | 325 hp | 302 hp | 302 hp | 325 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 258–266 lb-ft | 295–325 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 295–325 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Volvo XC60 redesigned?
No. The 2016 XC60 remained part of the first generation and carried over the design introduced by the earlier 2014 refresh. Its updates centered on the T6 Drive-E lineup, wheels, colors, and trim reshuffling.
What was the biggest change to the 2016 Volvo XC60?
The biggest change was the expanded T6 Drive-E lineup. Four Drive-E trims joined for 2016, and AWD became part of the newer turbocharged-and-supercharged four-cylinder T6 formula later in the model year.
Which T6 Drive-E trims were added for 2016?
The 2016 lineup added the T6 Drive-E, T6 Drive-E Platinum, T6 Drive-E R-Design, and T6 Drive-E R-Design Platinum. The R-Design versions combined the newer four-cylinder T6 powertrain with sportier styling and chassis tuning.
Which trims left the XC60 lineup for 2016?
The 3.2, 3.2 Premier, 3.2 Premier Plus, and 3.2 Platinum left the lineup for 2016. The T5 Premier Plus, T6 Premier Plus, T6 R-Design Premier Plus, and the two T6 Ocean Race trims were also dropped.
Did the 2016 XC60 get major safety or infotainment updates?
No. The 2016 XC60 kept its existing City Safety automatic-braking system, optional driver-assistance equipment, Sensus touchscreen system, and 7-inch display. There was no lineup-wide safety-suite or infotainment overhaul.
2016 Volvo XC60 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volvo XC60.
4.3
2016 Volvo XC60
(468 reviews)
“We love our Xc80! Very fuel efficient, excellent pick up and easy to drive. We appreciate the added safety and driver assist features. This car has taught two of our teens to drive, and I feel very safe with them driving this car.”
“I feel very safe in my xc60. The seats are very comfy and the interior is beautiful.”