“Wonderful SUV that drives like a sedan. Very roomy and comfortable w/ backup camera & Bluetooth. Best of all: no major mechanical issues in the two years since purchase.”
Volvo XC60: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV known for its strong safety focus, clean Scandinavian design, and calm, family-friendly character. Recent models pair that practicality with either mild-hybrid gas power or a quicker plug-in hybrid system.
The XC60 has always taken a relaxed approach to luxury, putting safety, comfort, and tasteful design ahead of aggressive styling. The first generation established it as a smaller, easier-to-manage alternative to a large luxury SUV. Since the 2018 redesign, it has kept that same character while adding a more upscale cabin, broader safety technology, and plug-in hybrid power.
Strengths
- Safety has been central to the XC60 since its launch, and later models steadily expanded their standard driver-assistance features.
- The cabin feels airy, tasteful, and upscale without relying on flashy design.
- Its size gives a family useful passenger and cargo space without making the SUV feel bulky in everyday driving.
- The ride and overall character favor calm, comfortable travel rather than an aggressively sporty feel.
- The 2026 plug-in hybrid combines 455 horsepower with 36 miles of rated electric range, while the gas model takes a simpler 247-horsepower approach.
Who it's for
The XC60 fits someone who wants an upscale daily SUV without the bulk of a larger model or the firm, sporty feel of some rivals. It makes particular sense for a small family, a commuter who values a calm cabin, or a buyer drawn to understated design and safety-focused engineering.
Volvo XC60 lineup
Since 2023, Core, Plus, and the top equipment grade now called Ultra have formed the main trim ladder. Pick Core for the XC60’s essential luxury and safety character, step up to Plus for a richer everyday experience, and look to Ultra for the fullest equipment package. In recent lineups, Black Edition gives Ultra a darker appearance, while Polestar Engineered is the distinctly performance-focused plug-in hybrid with major suspension and brake upgrades. B5 models emphasize straightforward gas-powered daily use, while T8 models suit shoppers who want electric driving for shorter trips and much stronger acceleration.
Volvo XC60 generations
From 2010 to 2026, the XC60 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2018, following the 1st Generation (2010–2017).
2nd Generation (2018–Present)
The second-generation XC60 moved to Volvo’s newer SPA vehicle platform, with XC90-inspired styling, a cleaner cabin, and a large portrait touchscreen. It also introduced the T8 plug-in hybrid alongside the gas engines.
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2026New generation
Refreshed front and rear styling, a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, and updated cabin details. The B5 mild hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid carry over.
2025Trim changes
The top equipment grade is renamed Ultra. The B5 gas engine is revised for better efficiency and more torque, while the plug-in model’s name is shortened to T8 AWD plug-in hybrid.
2024Trim changes
The Black Edition joins the lineup. AWD becomes standard across the range, with the B5 mild hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid as the two powertrain paths.
2023Trim changes
A new three-level equipment structure replaces Momentum, R-Design, Inscription Expression, and Inscription. Bright and Dark become separate appearance themes.
2022Mid-cycle update
Revised exterior styling and a new Google-based touchscreen system arrive. Gas models adopt B5 and B6 names, and later plug-in hybrids gain more electric range and power.
2021Trim changes
The entry plug-in trim changes from T8 Momentum to Recharge Inscription Expression. More safety and convenience features become standard, including blind-spot monitoring and wireless phone charging.
2020Trim changes
The T8 Polestar Engineered joins with a 415-hp plug-in hybrid system plus upgraded suspension and brakes.
2019
A front-wheel-drive T5 Momentum joins as the new entry model. Other changes are mainly equipment updates.
2018New generation
The fully redesigned XC60 moves to Volvo’s SPA platform, adopts XC90-inspired styling and a portrait touchscreen, and adds the T8 plug-in hybrid.
1st Generation (2010–2017)
The first U.S.-market XC60 arrived for 2010 as a small luxury crossover with low-speed automatic braking and six-cylinder engines. Later years brought refreshed styling, newer four-cylinder engines, and updated connectivity.
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2017Trim changes
The range is reorganized around Dynamic, Inscription, and R-Design trims. The lineup also centers on 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines.
2016Trim changes
Minor equipment, wheel, and color updates. A T6 version with the newer four-cylinder engine and AWD arrives during the model year.
2015Trim changes
Newer T5 and T6 front-wheel-drive engines arrive with an 8-speed automatic. A midyear update adds connectivity features, drops Premier Plus, and introduces the Ocean Race special edition.
2014Mid-cycle update
A redesigned front end, refreshed cabin details, and standard Corner Traction Control update the lineup.
2013Trim changes
Rain-sensing wipers and several convenience features become standard. T6 models gain a transmission Sport Mode.
2012Trim changes
Comfort features are reorganized into Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum equipment groups. The T6 R-Design also gains power.
2011Trim changes
The 3.2 R-Design joins with sportier styling and suspension tuning. Both six-cylinder engine families also gain power.
2010New generation
The all-new XC60 launches in the U.S. with low-speed automatic braking, two six-cylinder engines, and standard HD Radio, USB, and Bluetooth. The T6 R-Design follows midyear.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volvo XC60.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 is a five-seat luxury SUV with two rows of seating. It balances family-friendly space with a less bulky feel than a larger three-row SUV.
What is the Volvo XC60 known for?
The XC60 is known for its safety focus, clean Scandinavian design, airy cabin, and calm everyday manners. It favors comfort and easy usability over an aggressively sporty personality.
Does the Volvo XC60 come as a hybrid?
Yes. Plug-in hybrid XC60s have been sold since the second generation arrived for 2018. Newer T8 versions combine AWD, short-trip electric driving, and quicker acceleration than the B5 mild hybrid.
Is every Volvo XC60 all-wheel drive?
No, not across the entire used range. Many XC60s have AWD, and newer lineups use it throughout, but some older T5 and B5 versions were built with front-wheel drive. Check the individual vehicle rather than relying on the badge alone.
Is the Volvo XC60 a good family SUV?
Yes. The XC60 has five seats, a split-folding rear seat, useful cargo space, and a broad range of collision-avoidance features. It suits families that want two-row practicality in a comfortable luxury SUV.
How many generations of the Volvo XC60 are there?
There are two main U.S. generations. The first ran from 2010 through 2017. The redesigned second generation arrived for 2018, then received notable technology and styling updates for 2022 and 2026.
Volvo XC60 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volvo XC60.
4.2
Volvo XC60
(7,859 reviews)
“The vehicle seats are very comfortable, the ride is quiet, and you can drive with confidence in safety; it is a luxurious ride without compromising safety. It's a very CAPABLE and pretty ride!”
“It doesn't have wireless WiFi. Volvo is behind the times with CarPlay. I hate using cord for my phone.”
“It is a very comfortable vehicle and has a lot of great features. I think it is very attractive. Gets good gas mileage with the battery.”
“A kayak, camp, and play golf. It was important for me to get a vehicle that would handle all the items associated with these activities and the XC60 does. And the plug-in hybrid is working well and gives me the feeling I'm doing something for the environment yet still leaves me with the ability to go on long trips. Very satisfied with the car.”
“I love my new car. It is everything I knew it would be as I have been researching and looking at this car for 2 years. I was hoping not to have to trade in my s80 until spring 2016 but it was beginning to need major work.”