Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60

2021 Volvo XC60

Pros: Compelling performance; abundance of safety features; comfortable back seat

Cons: Complex touchscreen control interface can be distracting; topline models get expensive

CG Says: The 2021 Volvo XC60 adds standard blind-spot alert, hands-free power liftgate, and steering-linked LED headlights to all models. The T8 Plug-in Hybrid is now badged Recharge. Volvo’s premium compact crossover SUV was redesigned for 2018. The base T5 has a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the T6 has a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine with 316 hp. Recharge and Polestar Engineered models have a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 400 hp in Recharge and 415 hp in Polestar. All XC60s have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, steering-linked headlights, City Safety Collision Avoidance Technology, blind-spot alert with steering intervention, drowsiness alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation (which will steer the vehicle back into the lane if it crosses the center stripe when an oncoming vehicle is detected), and Steer Assist that combines with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and large-animal detection to help drivers avoid obstacles by adding additional steering input if necessary and braking individual wheels to increase vehicle control. Other available features include a heated/ventilated front seats, surround-view camera, cooled glove box, head-up instrument display, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and power-folding rear seats. The XC60 delivers all the available safety features expected of a Volvo, and pairs them with dynamic performance and confident distinctive styling as an unexpected bonus. Although the touchscreen control system can be tricky to master, the cabin is very nicely finished, with good rear-seat and cargo room. Topline trim levels are pricey, but the new XC60 presents itself as a fine alternative to its more-established European rivals.

The Facts
Class Premium Compact SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Volvo
Nation of Manufacture Sweden
Base Prices T5 Momentum: $42,795
AWD T5 Momentum: $45,095
T5 R-Design: $48,945
AWD T5 R-Design: $51,245
T5 Inscription: $50,295
AWD T5 Inscription: $52,595
AWD T6 Momentum: $48,595
AWD T6 R-Design: $54,745
AWD T6 Inscription: $56,095
AWD Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression: $54,595
AWD Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 R-Design: $60,745
AWD Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 Inscription: $62,095
AWD Recharge Polestar Engineered T8: $71,290

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T5)
Horsepower
250
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
21-22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
28-29

Optional Engine
turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric (Recharge T8, Recharge Polestar T8)
Horsepower
400 (415 Polestar)
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg)
27
EPA Electric Motor Combined (MPGe)
57

Optional Engine
turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (T6)
Horsepower
316
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
27

Volvo XC60
2021 Volvo XC60
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 5
100%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

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