2021 Volvo XC60

Nothing sums up the refreshed ethos of Swedish automaker Volvo quite like the XC60: The mid-size crossover drips with style without being ostentatious, has a distinctive and elegant interior, the build quality is on point, on-board tech is leading-edge, and there's a range of technologically innovative drivetrains on offer. Power in the base model is supplied by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making a respectable 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Going up in the range, you'll find a 316-hp four-cylinder engine that utilizes both a supercharger and turbocharger. Topping things off, you can opt for the Recharge PHEV, which currently uses the supercharged and turbocharged engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system, and makes a healthy 400 hp. But that's not all - the Polestar Engineered version, which we had for a week-long test drive, takes this up a notch with an extra 15 horses.

There's a lot to take in when it comes to the Volvo XC60, including genuine leather in the cabin, a raft full of safety and convenience features, and those wonderful Thor's Hammer headlights. The XC60 isn't perfect, though, and the price isn't pocket change. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling vehicle in the space occupied by stalwarts like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The midsize XC60 is a little sportier in appearance than we are used to from the stately Volvo SUV lineup of the past - but we love it. This is especially true if you opt for the R-Design trim, which relies on darker exterior accents to give it a more imposing visage. Base models ride on 18-inch alloys. The 19-inch wheels on the R-Design and Inscription are a little more impressive, but you can opt for some 20-inch variants if you want to. There are 21-inch wheels on the Polestar Engineered model, which is also set apart by gold brake calipers and bespoke exterior badging.

Standard exterior fittings include Volvo's signature Thor's Hammer LED headlights with matching LED daytime running lights. These frame the large hexagonal grille, which hosts the Volvo emblem on a diagonal metal bar. The grille, mirror caps, roof rails, and air intakes are all framed in black on the R-design, while the Inscription relies on chrome grille and air intake accents to give it a more premium appeal. A panoramic power sunroof comes standard even on the base trim, and the upper trims sport dual integrated tailpipes, which are black chrome-tipped on Polestar Engineered PHEV models.

The XC60 has very respectable dimensions for a midsize SUV, with an overall length of 184.6 inches and a 112.8-inch wheelbase. It matches most of its European competitors in this regard, but it feels a little on the broad side when cruising the parking lots. With the mirrors out, it still needs in excess of 83.3 inches of space to fit, while folding them reduces this to 78.7 inches. It stands tall, though, at 65.3 inches, which means it offers a superior view of the road over and around smaller sedans or coupes. With only 8.5 inches of ground clearance, it can mount a curb or two, but it definitely isn't designed to venture too far off the asphalt.

Curb weight varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration you choose, starting at around 4,010 pounds for the lightest variants with gas engines, and topping out around 4,760 lbs for the heftiest, thanks to all the hybrid components in PHEV models.

A simple but stylish palette of colors is presented to Volvo shoppers when choosing how to dress up their purchase. Of all the options, only one is free of charge - Ice White. It is also the only solid hue, with the remaining colors all shimmering with metallic beauty. Each will cost you an additional $645, but there are other restrictions. The Momentum and Inscription can opt for Fusion Red, Bright Silver, Denim Blue, Crystal White, Onyx Black, Pine Grey, and Osmium Grey. The sportier R-Design discards the more boring greys and replaces them with the eye-catching Bursting Blue, while Polestar Engineered models are restricted to only a few of the more serious grays and blues.

Which of the available mills you opt for will have a serious impact on the performance you get out of the XC60 SUV. The base four-pot has a turbocharger to give the hefty vehicle the power it needs to get around town, while the T6 variant adds a supercharger for the extra kick that really makes the XC60 feel like a premium machine. With a reasonable, but not exciting 250 hp and 258 lb-ft, the T5 should be skipped if a little pep in your step is essential to you. Of course, this is subjective, since a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds would be considered quite good by those of us who have lived our lives in economy vehicles.

The T6 is definitely the route to go if you need to get anywhere in a hurry and don't want to lug a battery pack around. Attaching a supercharger to the already turbocharged motor grants it access to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, which has a noticeable effect on sprint times. It shaves around a second off the manufacturer's claimed time for the standard T5, so there is definitely room for a little more fun here.

The most powerful X60 is the plug-in hybrid Recharge model, and for 2021, it uses the T8 powertrain setup: the supercharged and turbocharged engine augmented by a battery pack powering an electric motor to make a healthy 400 hp. While it's not quite a performance drivetrain, there's plenty of power there to swish passengers around in smooth comfort. The top-end of the range is the Polestar Engineered version, with 415 hp and 494 b-ft, which we had for our test drive. This is the way to go if a 0-60 sprint of 4.9 seconds is something you'd like. The regular PHEV is only a fraction behind, at five seconds flat.

Every model in the lineup is rated with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, assuming you spec on the correct equipment. Volvo limits top speed to 112 mph in all variants.

There are three powertrains up for grabs under the hood of the XC60. Available with either front- or all-wheel-drive is the T5 mill. The four-cylinder block is linked to a turbocharger and displaces 2.0 liters of premium gasoline to develop a respectable 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is put to work by the eight-speed automatic gearbox. While not as punchy as most of the power plants you'll find on premium SUVs, the T5 does a good job of moving the midsize Volvo around. It does struggle a little when power is suddenly demanded for passing on the highway.

The T6 power plant is a little more eager. Paired to the same eight-speed auto, it uses both a turbo- and supercharger to develop 316 hp and 295 lb-ft for all four wheels. The smooth transmission feels far more at home with the additional power, quickly selecting the right gear for slowly rolling through town or when merging into faster traffic on the highway. While the XC60 never feels particularly eager with this setup, it is a consummate professional.

Recharge models use the T8 setup, combining the dual-charged engine with an 87-hp electric motor and a battery pack mounted down the center of the vehicle, making the Recharge an effortlessly swift premium car. A combined 400 hp is delivered smoothly, and it's always on tap for those freeway entrances or passing maneuvers. The Polestar Engineered variant ups this to 415 hp and makes for really satisfying take-offs.

There's a reason you rarely see a Volvo XC60 being driven aggressively. There's something about the whole package that encourages you to drive like a sophisticated adult, even if you're an impatient automotive journalist with a heavy right foot. The ride is as smooth as a kitten's fur and, unless you go with the fussier R-Design styling, the interior inspires the kind of relaxation you'll find in an upmarket and freshly built European log cabin. That doesn't mean you'll end up being that car in traffic holding everyone up, though. The standard turbocharged engine has enough get-up-and-go to do just that, while the twin-charged engine will get you cruising quickly. However, if you mash the throttle pedal, particularly with the twin-charged engine, the coarse sound of a four-cylinder engine being forced to do the work of a six-cylinder lump brings about some cognitive dissonance. You're driving a superbly smooth vehicle, yet with heavier throttle inputs, the engine sounds like there's sand in the oil.

Thankfully, the engine sound at lower revs is fine and is mostly canceled out by the plush soundproofing. Our Plug-In Hybrid tester proved to be a genuine delight. The cabin is both airy and quiet around town and when cruising on the freeway, and the engine noise only creeps in when it's being pushed. If you do push the XC60 on a back road, it's surprisingly spry - even with the weight of the hybrid system added on Recharge models. While an optional air suspension setup is available to regular models, the Polestar Engineered variant gets an Ohlins adjustable suspension as standard as well as a lightweight front strut bar and Akebono brakes. We found that while it's no sports car, the XC60 is all about getting where it's going in confident style - and, as a bonus, the Polestar Engineered version can even be quite fun.

Luxury vehicles are seldom economical to run since their engines usually focus on power rather than fuel efficiency, and they almost always require premium gasoline. Luckily, Volvo has a few options to choose from. The base T5 engine paired with the front-wheel drivetrain returns the best figures from the EPA with 22/29/25 miles per gallon across the city/highway/combined cycles. Switching to the all-wheel drivetrain negatively impacts mileage, with lower returns of 21/28/24 mpg.

Unsurprisingly, the T6 burns fuel the fastest, too, as seen by the lowest figures of 20/27/23 mpg from AWD T6 models. The fuel tank is decently sized at 18.8 gallons, which gives the midsize SUV a total range of 470 miles in mixed driving conditions with the most efficient configuration.

If fuel economy is the main thing you're after, the PHEV will manage 27 mpg combined and 57 MPGe, according to the EPA, as well as allowing for a 19-mile all-electric range. You can charge the battery up to full again in around five hours, depending on the outlet used.

Simple-yet-elegant is the name of the game when it comes to the cabin of the Volvo. It doesn't try to wow you with glitzy materials or thought-provoking design choices; instead, it takes what we think we know and refines it to a level that shows us just how much we have been missing in our more mundane commuters. Every surface is dressed in the finest materials, and the controls for the many available features are laid out in a way that shows just how much attention the engineers paid to the smaller details. Of course, the essentials aren't glossed over, either - there is plenty of space around the cabin and comfort is paramount, even if there are more luxurious options out there from prestigious European rivals. Overall visibility is excellent, and if you are slightly taller or shorter than the average driver, making the adjustments to your seat or steering column is effortless.

The Volvo XC60 is a five-seater and a genuine one at that. Three adults can exist in the second row, but they'll definitely be annoyingly cramped; however, being one of two passengers in the back is a remarkably pleasant experience. There's a spacious 38 inches of legroom to stretch out in, and headroom is adequate for even the tallest of adults. We've no doubt the XC60 would work well as a low-key chauffeur-driven car, but it's just as roomy and comfortable up front with 41.5 inches of legroom. The interior ambiance adds to the XC60 being a relaxing car to drive and ride shotgun in. Finding a comfortable driving position is a breeze, and visibility all around the XC60 is good in an age of thick door pillars.

It really is hard to find any complaints about the interior of the XC60, which is not surprising, considering the sumptuous materials used in its construction and the stylish layout and finish on every surface. Genuine leather is standard even on the base model, available in a variety of colors, including Maroon Brown, Blond, and Charcoal. However, if you are not a fan of hide seating, then a city weave textile is available in Blond with Iron Ore inlays. The dash, door panels, and console are trimmed in your choice of Linear Lime Wood or Cross Brushed Aluminum decor panels.

The upholstery is upgraded to Nappa leather inside the R-Design, in either Slate or Charcoal schemes. Each is paired with Metal mesh inlays, which give the model a sportier feel. The Inscription is dressed in perforated Nappa leather, instead, with each color scheme linked to a specific interior trim. Charcoal and Blond go with the Driftwood inlays, while Maroon Brown and Amber prefer the Linear Lime Wood. Another non-leather fabric is available, namely Tailored Wool Blend, with the only color scheme being Midnight Zinc with Linear Lime Wood inlays.

Polestar Engineered models show off gold seatbelts, and Inscription models get an Orrefors Crystal gear shifter. Anywhere you are likely to rest your hand is covered in supple leather, including the steering wheel.

SUVs are popular for a variety of reasons, and one of the primary factors is their superior practicality over sedans or even hatchbacks. Behind the rear seats of the XC60 is just under 22 cubic feet of cargo space. Sure, this is more than enough for light errand-running around town or doing a bit of grocery shopping, but it won't handle more than a few suitcases. Folding down the rear seats frees up 63.3 cubic feet so it can easily accommodate several large suitcases. PHEV models don't make any sacrifices to available space, and accessing the trunk is easy, especially with the power liftgate, as the load height is set quite low and the aperture is enormous.

The Volvo doesn't disappoint when it comes to in-cabin storage, with a variety of solutions presented. A few smaller bins around the center console accommodate loose keys or change, while the large door pockets or cupholders spread throughout both rows of seats are ideal for your notepads or mobile phones, respectively. The armrest cubby is large, but not deep, so you may still want to rely on the glove compartment to store your larger items.

No premium car worth its salt would go on sale without a long list of modern features. Needless to say, Volvo doesn't settle for anything less than the best. Genuine leather upholstery is standard but can be upgraded to Nappa or perforated Nappa by choosing one of the upper trims. Both front seats are power-adjustable, but memory functions are only standard on the driver's seat. The upper trims add heating, cushion extensions, and additional directions of lumbar support to both front seats. Cabin temperature is regulated by dual-zone climate control, which is upgraded to quad-zone on the upper trims. All models have a panoramic sunroof as standard. All the expected conveniences are present, including keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, and a large 12.3-inch driver information display.

Safety is covered by a comprehensive suite of features that includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance tech, and rear sensors, while Volvo Pilot Assist is available for semi-autonomous parking or even driving with the adaptive cruise control. Other available features include lane follow, traffic sign recognition, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display, with the top-end Polestar Engineered boasting a graphical head-up display and surround-view monitoring as standard.

Standard in the XC60 is a nine-inch portrait touchscreen that runs Volvo's Sensus Connect system. It's one of the most elegant-looking systems around and Volvo seeks to only put relevant information in front of you. Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple Carplay are standard, while a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is optional across the range. Navigation with real-time traffic and weather is optional on the base trim and standard across the rest of the lineup.

Sound is channeled through a ten-speaker audio setup as standard, but upgraded to a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon unit on R-Design and Inscription trims. A 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system is optional to the upper trims, and is one of the best in the business, in our opinion. It comes factory-fitted to Polestar Engineered models and is worth the premium asked of it.

The XC60's reliability scores, according to J.D. Power, are nothing to write home about. Scoring 73 out of 100 for quality and reliability and an overall of 76, the XC60 seems less impressive on paper. Three recalls were issued for 2021 models, with problems relating to potential separation of rotor and shaft components, a malfunction on the seatbelt locking mechanism, and an SRS control unit that could detach.

Still, the automaker tries to ease any consumer anxiety with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that also covers drivetrain issues. Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. New Volvo XC60 models also receive three years/36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance and enjoy a long corrosion protection warranty of 12 years.

The Swedish automaker is known for producing cars that achieve superior safety ratings, and the Volvo XC60 is no different. In its review of the Volvo XC60 for 2021, the NHTSA awarded the SUV a full five stars overall, with both frontal and side crash evaluations earning full marks, too. Rollover tests scored four out of five. The IIHS' review supports these findings with six scores of Good, and a 2021 Top Safety Pick + award.

The array of safety features that come equipped to the XC60 as standard is anything but basic. Every trim comes with ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, and seven airbags: dual front, driver's knee, front side, and side curtain. Driver-assistance features on the base trim comprise a rearview camera, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Front parking sensors are added when you upgrade to the R-Design or Inscription, but there are still several optional add-ons. These include a semi-autonomous parking system and semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control. Some desirable high-tech options include the 360-degree camera and the head-up display, which are standard on Polestar Engineered trims.

While we love the XC60 in all its guises, we do wish Volvo had gone for a six-cylinder engine as an upgrade from the base model over the complexity of two forms of forced induction technology. Add that to the hybrid, and while there are no heavy reliability issues noted by the organizations watching for them, we don't like the idea of maintenance further down the road, and the wealth of issues having all those systems working together could present. If you're going to drive one of the upper-tier models for just three or four years, we wouldn't worry, but we have reservations about taking the twin-charged engines into 150,000 miles plus territory. Having a turbo, a supercharger, and a battery pack to think about in the future is worth bearing in mind now.

If none of that worries you, the XC60 is a wonderful crossover and a brilliant alternative to BMW's X3, Audi's Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The XC60 lacks the full range of driving dynamics available from the X3, the cutting edge technology on the Q5, and the opulence of the GLC, but every evolution of the XC60 carves Volvo's own take on the mid-size crossover deeper into the segment.

The starting price for the 2021 Volvo XC60 is $41,700 for the base Momentum with T5 engine and FWD. Upgrading to the R-Design will cost $47,850 and opting for the Inscription means you'll need to put down $49,200. Choosing AWD with the base engine adds $2,300 to your bill.

For the more powerful T6 engine, pricing starts at $47,500 for the Momentum, $53,650 for the R-Design, and $55,000 for the top-tier Inscription. PHEV models start at $53,500 for the new Inscription Expression, going up to $59,650 and $61,00 for R-Design and Inscription trims, respectively. Polestar Engineered variants cost $69,500. These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or Volvo's $1,095 destination charge in the USA.

There are three trims in the Volvo XC60 gas-engined lineup for 2021, each available with two powertrains: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The PHEV model follows this trend but switches out entry-spec Momentum models for an entry-level trim called the Inscription Expression. T5 gas models rely on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine while the T6 derivatives enjoy a twin-charged four-cylinder with extra power outputs. T8 models add hybrid power to the mix. The T5 is available with either FWD or AWD, but the T6 and T8 are AWD-only, while an eight-speed automatic gearbox does duty across the range.

The Momentum trim gets the smallest 18-inch alloy wheels, but it still gets a full complement of exterior LED lighting. It also receives the panoramic power sunroof and the power liftgate. Inside, the seats are upholstered in genuine leather, accented with wood trim. The standard list of features comprises dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and power front seats. The safety suite is extensive, with forward collision avoidance, a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning all included. The infotainment suite centers around a nine-inch touchscreen programmed with Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, paired with a ten-speaker sound system. Plug-in Inscription Expressions models share these features.

The R-Design builds on the already athletic profile of the XC60 by equipping it with 19-inch wheels and a sport chassis. It features blacked-out exterior accents. Inside, it boasts plusher Nappa leather upholstery paired with racy metal mesh inlays. The front seats gain heating at this level, as well as a few extra directions of adjustability. New standard features include quad-zone climate control, FM Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The Inscription model reverts back to the standard chassis, but makes a statement of its own with bright exterior accents on the grille and air intakes, and bespoke Black Diamond-cut alloy wheels. It makes minor improvements to the interior with perforated Nappa leather upholstery paired with a choice of several natural wood inlays, and an Orrefors Crystal gear shifter.

Right at the top is the Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid that gets 21-inch wheels, Ohlins dampers, Akebono brakes, gold brake calipers, and gold seatbelts, as well as a few extra goodies like a head-up display and a surround-view camera.

A variety of packages are available across the XC60 range to equip the already competent SUV with everything it needs to launch it into the upper-most echelons of luxury. The Climate Package costs $750 on the Momentum, and equips it with some of the desirable features from more expensive trims, such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated windscreen washers. The Premium Package ($1,700) upgrades the front seats with more power functionality and adds front parking sensors, a HomeLink remote, and navigation to the features.

The price of the Advanced Package varies from $2,100 to $1,900 depending on the trim it enhances, since some features are already standard at higher levels. The complete list of upgrades comprises a 12-volt power outlet in the trunk, a wireless charger, high-level interior lighting, a 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

Standalone options include four-corner air suspension ($1,800), rear-seat booster cushions ($500), Park Pilot Assist ($200), and the decadent Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system ($3,200).

Your first decision will be whether to opt for the base powertrain or the more powerful T6 - or, for that matter, if you'd prefer the PHEV version. We'd skip over the T5 motor entirely and enjoy the added traction benefits of the standard AWD that comes with the more potent powertrains.

If you're looking to go full luxury, then we would seriously look at the Inscription trim - unless you're going all-in for the Polestar Engineered PHEV, which we'd be happy to splurge on. The Advanced Package adds some useful high-end features like a wireless charger, high-level interior lighting, a 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display, which are all standard on the Polestar Engineered. It also boasts the breathtakingly good Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, which is absolutely worth the price you pay if you need to tick the box for it on Inscription models.

It is hard to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, but Volvo makes a valiant effort with the XC60. The slightly lower starting price might sway some more frugal shoppers to move over to the Swedish camp, but the BMW X3 is certainly worth the extra investment. For starters, you get a choice of two far more capable powertrains, with the stronger one developing 382 hp and 365 lb-ft. Despite having more power, the X3's engines are also more refined, so they offer better fuel economy figures. The comparable starter engine returns 25/29/27 mpg to the Volvo's 22/29/25 mpg. The X3 Hybrid also gives the XC60 Recharge a good run for its money.

However, since luxury shoppers are unlikely to care too much about fuel economy, the real comparison comes down to how each car drives and feels. The X3 is the sportier SUV, with tighter handling and even better ride comfort when taunting the corners at higher speeds. However, it falls a little behind in terms of cabin quality and available features. If speed isn't at the top of your list, the Volvo seems to be the better value proposition, but the combination of performance and sportiness in the BMW X3 will win over quite a few shoppers.

Much like Volvo, the German automaker prides itself on more than just designing fast, attractive vehicles. Audi understands that even elite consumers are savvy to a good deal, so fuel economy, practicality, and overall value are top of the agenda. Both midsize SUVs are equipped with capable engines, with the Q5 offering slightly more horsepower than the base T5, at 261 hp, thanks to mild hybrid assistance. This changes when you spec the Volvo with the T6 powertrain, though, since Audi does not offer a second option. Neither vehicle is going to wow drivers, but we have to give the Q5 a nod when forcing ourselves to decide which is the more enjoyable ride. Inside, the two are similarly equipped with loads of tech and a comprehensive, easy-to-use infotainment suite. It will ultimately come down to personal taste or, less likely, your budget since the XC60 is nominally cheaper.