2022 Volvo XC60 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Volvo's unique Swedish perspective is evident in every one of the brand's products, including its top-seller, the stylish and thoughtfully-designed 2022 XC60 SUV. Clean lines and tasteful embellishments help the XC60 strike a stylish pose in traffic while the cabin serves as an upscale oasis from perils of the modern commute, earning it an Editors' Choice award. Three different powertrains are offered here, including a plug-in-hybrid variant with strong performance. Cargo space isn't as generous as in rivals such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, or Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, but we think most buyers will find it practical enough. Technology is integrated throughout, including a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a host of driver-assistance features to help keep the XC60's shiny side up.

What's New for 2022?

The XC60's T5 and T6 powertrains have been dropped from the lineup this year and replaced with similar setups called B5 and B6, both of which utilize a 48-volt hybrid system; the plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain continues to serve as the SUV's top powertrain but gains a larger battery pack which extends the SUV's electric driving range to 35 miles. Volvo is also replacing the XC60's Sensus infotainment system with a more modern Google Android-based interface that's borrowed from the electric XC40 Recharge. The screen is the same 9.0-inch vertically-oriented shape, but new software offers more personalization options, a voice-assistant feature, and navigation via Google Maps. Several subtle styling changes help mark the 2022 model year as well, including a tweaked grille, a re-worked front bumper, updated wheel designs, and the introduction of Volvo's City Weave cloth upholstery as an option for the first time on the XC60. In addition to the styling refresh and the new infotainment, Volvo also says there have been upgrades to the XC60's various radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors that provide data for the SUV's driver-assistance systems.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We're suckers for the R-Design's racy appearance, and we've enjoyed the T6 powertrain's peppy performance in our long-term XC60 test vehicle, so the R-Design B6 is our recommendation. The extra cost versus the base Momentum trim is worth it here, with all sorts of features becoming standard. The R-Design comes with a Harman/Kardon audio system, prettier wheels, a power-operated rear liftgate, and four-zone automatic climate control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Volvo offers three different powertrains—B5, B6, and T8—in the XC60, all mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Under the hood of base B5-badged XC60s is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system making 247 horsepower. The B6 is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the B5, but a supercharger is added for more oomph. With 295 ponies in its stable, the B6 powertrain feels a bit peppier than models with the base B5 but it proved to be slower than the outgoing T6 model with a 6.6-second zero-to-60-mph run at our test track. We haven't had a chance to test that model yet, but in a brief first drive we praised the T8 powertrain's quick acceleration nearly seamless operation. The XC60 takes corners well, feels tied to the road while cruising, and changes directions with confidence, but doesn't inspire hooliganism like the Porsche Macan. The ride can feel a touch harsh when driving over rougher stretches of road, but on smooth sections, it's agreeable and calm.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Going with either the Recharge or Polestar model adds the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which carries a 35-mile electric-only range estimate. The XC60 T8 can be charged at a public charging station or at home via 110- or 220-volt outlets, but Volvo also provides a handy feature that can juice the battery with energy generated from the SUV's gasoline engine when needed.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that front-wheel drive B5 models should deliver 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The more powerful B6 carries ratings of 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway and the plug-in hybrid T8 model is rated for 63 MPGe. For more information about the XC60's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With interior styling and rich materials that mirror more expensive Volvos, the XC60 is like having your kladdkaka and eating it, too. The quiet, comfortable cabin also provides adult-sized accommodations in both rows. Clean lines and high-quality materials add a distinctly Scandinavian flavor to the XC60's cabin—and we'd expect nothing less from a modern Volvo. Decent cargo-hauling capability puts the XC60 midpack among its rivals in our testing; with its rear seats folded, we fit 20 of our carry-on suitcases. Interior cubby storage is limited, and the sole cargo-area bin is among the smallest we've measured.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All XC60 models come with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display that runs Volvo's latest Google-based software interface. The system provides several personalization options and offers voice controls via the Google Assistant. We've used a version of this system in the Polestar 2 electric vehicle and found it quick to respond, but its menus take some getting used to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo's commitment to safety is evident in the XC60, with driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist made standard across the range. For more information about the XC60's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Relative to its rivals in this segment, the XC60 has an appealing warranty policy. Three years of scheduled maintenance is a convenience that Volvo buyers won't need to pay for separately, either.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs