Compared to its mainstream rivals, Volvo is more of a niche player in the luxury car market, but it certainly has some great vehicles in its lineup. Plus, its unique approach is refreshing in an industry where manufacturers often copy each other in an attempt to stay abreast of the latest trends.
Volvo doesn’t play that game, but its offerings are still high-tech, and its relentless push towards electrification has resulted in a range of plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models that often deliver an enviable mix of performance and economy. However, recent shifts in regulatory and consumer demand have forced it to keep its gas fleet around for a little while longer. That has caused issues elsewhere, but the US market has yet to embrace EVs like some other parts of the world, so there are still several gas-powered Volvos on offer with mild-hybrid 48-volt technology alongside the plug-in and fully electric models.
Of these one of its longest-running models has proven to be the one that manages to offer the optimal mix of athletic performance, competitive pricing, solid reliability, and the industry-leading safety standards that define the brand. And that model is the XC60 compact luxury SUV. It has been around for some years now, yet regular updates and a great mix of attributes mark it out as the best overall Volvo currently on sale. We used data from Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book to assess its reliability, owner satisfaction and overall performance.
The 2026 Volvo XC60
Volvo
Volvo
Volvo
- Base MSRP: Starts at $51,095 (including dest. charges)
- Model Year: 2026
The Volvo XC60 occupies a lucrative space in the modern automotive landscape that is the compact luxury SUV segment. Offering much of the upmarket interior features of larger SUVs but still being spacious enough for a family of four (or five), the XC60 is the automotive equivalent of the Goldilocks zone. Its pricing, tech, performance, and features are ‘just right’ for enough buyers that it is consistently the best-selling Volvo in the US. If you want more space, there is always the XC90 to consider.
Its understated yet elegant appearance is typical Volvo, and a recent mild facelift has helped conceal the fact that the XC60 as been around since 2018. Almost all of its closest rivals have been replaced with completely new models during this time, yet the rightness of the XC60 becomes apparent the minute you get behind the wheel. Unlike the constant push for sportier handling and change for its own sake, the XC60 is refreshingly laid-back alternative to the usual crowd.
Several updates have kept it fresh inside and out, but the original design was spot-on, so not much was needed to keep the 2026 XC60 relevant even against some much newer designs. For the current model year, the XC60 gets a redesigned front grille with a new diagonal mesh pattern, subtly darkened taillight clusters, and a few new exterior colors. The interior gets a larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen infotainment display instead of the older 9.0-inch unit, which delivers crisper graphics and significantly faster processing speeds.
The Volvo XC60 in Detail
| Specification | XC60 Gas (Mild-Hybrid B5) | XC60 Plug-In Hybrid (T8) |
| Base Price (MSRP) | $51,095 | $62,545 |
| Engine Size | 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo + 48 volt system | 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo + electric motor |
| Engine Power | 247 hp | 455 hp (Combined) |
| 0-60 mph Time | 6.5 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic / Direct-Drive |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Cty/Hwy) | 23 / 30 MPG | 28 / 28 MPG (Gas) | 66 / 60 MPGe (Electric) |
As of 2026, the Volvo XC60 is available in in two distinct trims: a standard mild-hybrid version and an advanced plug-in hybrid model. The base model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that is aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, providing a decent 247-hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.
The range-topping Plug-In Hybrid (T8) variant adds electric assistance into the mix, which results in 455-hp combined and a much more impressive 4.4-second 0-60mph time. It also allows for up to 25 miles of electric-only driving, so if your daily commute is around that figure and you remember to charge it each night, your gas bill will be minimal.
If you tick the right boxes, the interior can be made to feel like an upmarket Scandinavian apartment, with available natural driftwood trim and tailored upholstery in light colors. Interior space is generous for both front and rear occupants, and the cargo space is decent, if not quite as generous as some rivals offer. Speaking of rivals, there is no shortage of them from all corners of the globe.
The Rivals
BMW
Audi
Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog
The compact luxury SUV segment is a battleground where manufacturers fight it out for sales dominance. Well Volvo is not in the fight when it comes to sales volumes, but it certainly offers a refreshingly different take on the genre, and this is what makes it a great laternative compared to alternatives like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and the Lexus RX.
| Attribute | 2026 Audi Q5 | 2026 BMW X3 (30 xDrive) | 2026 Lexus RX (350 AWD) |
| Base MSRP | $52,800 | $51,300 | $53,975 |
| Engine Power | 268 hp | 255 hp | 275 hp |
| Notable Features / Options | Standard quattro® AWD, standard LED headlights, customizable DRL signatures, 7-speed S tronic® transmission, available rear OLED taillights. | BMW Curved Display, standard xDrive AWD, double light signature headlights, available Sky Lounge Panoramic Moonroof, available Iconic Glow Kidney Grille. | Standard wireless phone charging, 8-speed automatic transmission, available 14-inch touchscreen display, Lexus Memory System, available power tilt-and-slide moonroof. |
The Audi Q5 has just been completely redesigned and now offers the latest interior tech as well as a fresh new look inside and out. It is well-priced too, and comes standard with all-wheel drive across all trims. The BMW X3 is also relatively new and offers the best handling and driving feel in its class, while also delivering a cutting-edge high-tech experience inside the cabin, too. The Lexus RX350 was redesigned in 2023 and offers a more laid-back driving approach to the segment, but while it is efficient and solidly built, it is the slowest of the bunch in base trim.
Cole Attisha
The Volvo XC60 fits somewhere in the middle of this varied bunch, with performance and economy figures in the middle of the pack, and a ride/handling balance that is very much geared towards comfort rather than outright cornering ability. The range-topping T8 matches rivals like the Audi SQ5 and BMW M50i and in a straight line, but it remains a less overtly sporty offering, which is a bonus in this class.
In terms of interior ambience, and tech, the XC60 is understated and stylish, which are just the traits that have made it such a winner with Volvo fans for close to a decade. If that is what you are after in your luxury family SUV, then Volvo still does it better than most.
Data Sources:
- All vehicle data was sourced from the manufacturer.
- Pricing figures exclude delivery charges and other taxes.
- Comparative data was sourced from Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor