2024 Volvo XC60: Designed to Make Life Easier

2024 Volvo XC60

Sweden knows a thing or two when it comes to making comfortable, stylish and functional products that will make your life easier. Much like the furniture giant, Volvo also knows how to make cars that contain those very same characteristics. The newly updated Volvo XC60 is the same as before but improved in many ways. When this generation of the XC60 was launched in 2018, it surprised the competition and put Volvo firmly in the game as a true player in the compact luxury SUV segment. With a more refined ride, style and impressive interior, the XC60 was praised by many journalists and gave buyers a Swedish alternative to the Germans. Fast forward six years and the XC60 has held up very well with minor updates and tweaks over the years. Even though many of its competitors are much different now than in 2018, Volvo still has many qualities that helps keep the XC60 a unique option in the crowded field of luxury SUVs. If you’re looking for an elegantly styled, practical, comfortable luxury SUV from a company that is committed to safety, then this Volvo should have a strong appeal.

Exterior Design: Elegant Scandinavian styling

Like most Volvo’s today, the XC60 is a very attractive vehicle. It features upscale styling accompanied by clean and simple Scandinavian design traits. While many competitors go for an aggressive or rugged look, one word to describe how the XC60 looks is elegant. Despite being launched in 2018, the XC60 still looks fresh today and has a timeless presence that will still look good years down the road. The front end has the newest take on Volvo’s signature diagonal bar grille, now with a mesh pattern. The Thor’s Hammer headlights and front bumpers are slightly revised. From the side, the XC60 has an athletic appearance, with lines and bulges that help form a sleek, yet muscular profile. From the rear, like all Volvo SUVs and wagons, vertical taillights are present that wrap around towards the license plate. The XC60 is well proportioned, mixing both contemporary and classic design cues. I’m glad Volvo didn’t change the look of the XC60 when they gave it a refresh. It’s a really well designed vehicle and it gets top marks for style.  

Rear end with vertical taillights that converge towards the license plate

Interior: 

 Interior Design: Still beautiful

While Volvo’s are pleasing on the eye from the outside, the same can be said from the inside. Volvo has some of the nicest interiors in the industry. It’s a welcoming space that is likeable and very easy to live with on a daily basis. Premium materials adorn the cabin from top to bottom and fit and finish is top notch. Depending on the trim, wood and brushed steel finishing’s are available. You can also get an Orrefors Crystal gear shifter that looks very ornate. The leather seats are accompanied by a small Swedish flag to remind you that this great vehicle is from Sweden. These seats are very comfortable and supportive. They can be adjusted multiple ways to ensure maximum comfort for long commutes. Rear passengers are treated to a roomy area with adult-sized accommodations. Comfort is prioritized with the rear seats and head and leg room is more than adequate. 

Gear shifter is made from genuine Swedish crystals

All XC60’s come with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It is integrated with Google, so you have access to Google Maps and Google Assistant. The infotainment system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay. With so many controls buried in the infotainment system it’s easy to feel confused at the start. After playing around with the system it becomes easy to operate. The system itself is quite intuitive and is quick to respond. A new 12-inch driver display is also present, showing all the essential information needed while driving. Two display modes are available; calm and navigation. I prefer to have the map on within in digital cluster as calm modes leaves a large empty space in the cluster that feels incomplete.

The XC60 has a quiet cabin, with great outward visibility. A large panoramic sunroof allows plenty of natural light to shine in. Rear seats fold flat and the cargo area is spacious. If your hands are full, simply move your foot under the rear bumper and the tailgate will open and close. I find this feature extremely effective as it involves minimal effort, especially if I’m carrying heavy bags or boxes. Even though Volvo has been using this interior design for a while it still manages to look modern and fresh. It’s a great place to be, especially for long periods of time as its comfortable, spacious and practical. The attractive clean lines and high quality materials make the interior of the XC60 distinctive and very Scandinavian. The interior of the XC60 is very well thought out and exceeds the demands of what is expected by todays modern family.

The Swedish flag is placed proudly on each of the front seats

Safety: Top choice on the market

Volvo is a brand that focuses heavily on safety and that commitment is very evident with the XC60. The XC60 like many Volvo’s are highly regarded for its safety and all Volvos are top safety picks. The XC60 offers a slew of advanced driver assistance features as standard equipment, helping it stand out amongst its competitors in the compact luxury SUV segment. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and cross traffic warning is available on all trims. Forward collision mitigation (car applies front brakes if a collision is imminent) and rear automatic braking (car applies brake when a collision is sensed behind the vehicle) is also standard equipment that can detect potential crashes before they happen. Lane departure mitigation is also available, which allows the car to automatically steer back into the lane if a lane change is detected without a turn signal. A 360-degree parking view is also available in most trims to help guide drivers into even the tightest parking spots. Safety is a key staple of Volvo and the XC60 has all occupants well protected.

Thor’s Hammer headlights look sharp

How it drives: Carving its own path in a very satisfying way

The Volvo XC60 is offered with a gas-mild hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid, known as Recharge. The B5 AWD mild-hybrid comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system that creates 247 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T8 AWD plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a set of electric motors to produce a grand total of 455 HP and 523 lb-ft of torque. Both versions come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The electric range in the XC60 recharge is 36 miles (58 km), which is just enough for a daily commute to work. The beauty of having both gas and electric is that it introduces people to the technology but also gives you the freedom to drive further without having to worry about finding an electric charging station.

Volvo’s take on a compact luxury SUV is very different from rivals

My tester was the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid with more power and better performance. I have driven the non-plug-in version and while it isn’t as quick as the one with the plug, it still has ample power to satisfy most people when driving around town. Now the XC60 Recharge has plenty of get up and go, especially when it’s in the “Power” drive mode. Power comes on strong and the XC60 gets up to speed with ease. Even in the regular “Hybrid” and efficient “Pure” drive modes, the XC60 never had any issues when merging onto a freeway or passing slower traffic, all very effortless. The 8-speed transmission is very well-tuned. Steering is precise and is nicely weighted. The XC60 sticks to the road and changes direction confidently. It has a well-composed ride, with a surprisingly firm suspension. While it can handle quick turns well, the firm ride can feel slightly harsh when driving over bumps and rougher parts of the road. The vehicle remains calm and pleasant when driving on smooth surfaces.

Volvo XC60 Recharge charging location on the driver’s side front fender

Despite having a healthy amount of power, the XC60 still doesn’t feel as sporty as rivals from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche or even Genesis. But then again, that’s not Volvo’s mission, as they want to prioritize comfort and quiet luxury. The typical luxury SUV driver wants something that is easy to drive, convenient and comfortable. The XC60 does that admirably and I’d say it’s also a perfect vehicle to go cruising in. This is because it has a great seating position, with likeable driving characteristics, that allows the driver to sit back and enjoy the ride. The XC60 is very satisfying to drive for long periods of time and makes the perfect companion for a road trip. This Volvo reminds you that sometimes comfort triumphs over sportiness and picking the XC60 over the competition is a very easy choice.       

Comfortable rear seats will keep occupants happy with plenty of room

Final Thoughts: A very smart choice

The Volvo XC60 is a sensible and practical option in the compact luxury class. It has elegant style on the outside and looks high end with tons of technology on the inside. The XC60 has plenty of power and is easy to maneuver around the city. You can’t go wrong in choosing an XC60 as it checks off almost every box that luxury buyers are looking for. Throw in a large list of standard safety features and a smart plug-in hybrid system, then this Volvo is a real winner. As a company, Volvo has mastered the art of making high quality cars that are super easy to live with. The XC60 is like an old friend, with every meeting the experience is memorable and enjoyable. It leaves a strong impression and creates a desire to meet again. In typical Swedish fashion, Volvo has created a comfortable, functional space where driving is no longer a chore.

Pricing and Specifications:

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 48-volt hybrid system - 247 HP; 258 lb-ft torque (B5 AWD mild-hybrid)

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder + 2 electric motors - 455 HP; 523 lb-ft torque (T8 AWD Plug-in-hybrid)

Canada:

B5 AWD Core - $55,000

B5 AWD Plus - $61,650

B5 AWD Ultimate - $67,750

T8 AWD PHEV Core - $64,950

T8 AWD PHEV Plus - $76,650

T8 AWD PHEV Ultimate - $82,750

T8 AWD PHEV Polestar - $91,350

US:

B5 AWD Core - $46,650

B5 AWD Plus - $51,150

B5 AWD Ultimate - $56,600

T8 AWD PHEV Core - $58,100

T8 AWD PHEV Plus - $62,600

T8 AWD PHEV Ultimate - $68,050

T8 AWD PHEV Polestar - $75,450

Main Competitors:

Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT4, Genesis GV70, Infiniti QX50, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes-Benz GLC

Volvo XC60 on the side of a mountain road