Volvo XC60 Review 2026: Still One Of The Best

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Volvo

XC60

Premium | SUV | Volvo

In this Volvo XC60 Review, what still makes this SUV easy to notice is how confidently it sticks to its own personality. While so many compact luxury crossovers chase a sportier or flashier identity, this one leans into calm design, a refined cabin, and the kind of comfort that feels expensive without trying too hard. That formula continues to work, and for 2026, the Volvo XC60 gets just enough visual and tech updates to feel fresher without losing the understated character that makes it stand out in the first place.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is a veteran in the small luxury SUV market, relying on Scandinavian roots to offer a straightforward, appealing option in this crowded field. Volvo’s signature styling includes Thor’s Hammer headlights and, for 2026, a new front grille similar to the XC90’s but laid out diagonally. The Nordic approach continues inside, with spacious, comfortable front seats for five and high-quality, understated materials. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a starter-generator, produces 247 horsepower.

While not the fastest in its class, it never feels underpowered, and the ride is smooth, with direct steering and solid grip. However, it isn’t as sporty as the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. The XC60 stands out as a strong option for its class. For 2026, a faster infotainment system enhances its appeal.

What's New?

Given the pros and cons, it’s also worth noting what’s changed for the 2026 model year.

The 2026 XC60 features a wider grille with a new vertical design that highlights the Volvo logo. The taillight shroud is now slightly darker. Three paint options are available: Forest Lake, Aurora Silver, and Mulberry Red. New wheels are also offered. The XC60 gains an 11.2-inch infotainment display, up from 9.0 inches, with improved image quality and faster performance.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All 2026 XC60 models now come with an 11.2-inch screen instead of the 9.0-inch touchscreen. The new display has 21% more pixels per inch, and improved Snapdragon Cockpit software enables up to double the speed. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are standard.

Price and How to Choose

The 2026 XC60 offers a range of trims and options that influence cost. We recommend the well-equipped Plus trim as the lineup’s sweet spot. For a small premium over the Core, it adds a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane assist, and 19-inch wheels. Official pricing is pending, and the sale date has not been announced.

Engine and Performance

The Volvo XC60 uses a 48-volt hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered via an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 and Audi Q5, especially their AMG and S variants, are sportier than the XC60. The XC60 offers precise steering and a solid chassis, with comfort favored over aggressive handling. In this context, confidence is key. A T8 plug-in hybrid with up to 455 horsepower is available and will be discussed separately.

The standard B5 turbo-four engine goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The separately reviewed T8 plug-in hybrid does it in only 4.5 seconds. Our test drivers beat Volvo’s T8 estimate, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and the quarter-mile at 111 mph in 12.6 seconds.

Fuel Economy

Once we complete our 75-mph, 200-mile highway test of the XC60 with the B5 engine, we’ll report results. EPA estimates are 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Safety Features

Volvo’s safety focus is clear in the XC60, which comes with standard features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Key safety features include:

Lane-keeping assistance and standards lane departure warning.
Adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous drive mode are both available.

Cargo Capacity

The XC60 features an elegant interior with materials that match those of pricier Volvos. Adults fit comfortably in both rows of the quiet cabin. True to modern Volvo style, its cabin feels distinctly Scandinavian with clean lines and premium materials. In our test, the XC60 held 20 carry-on bags, matching rivals, with rear seats folded. Interior storage is limited, with a small cargo bin.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

The cabin feels calm, upscale, and genuinely well finished.
Rear-seat comfort is strong for the segment, and front seats are especially good on longer drives.
The 2026 updates make the design and infotainment feel fresher without changing what already worked.

Cons:

Ride quality can feel firmer than expected over rough pavement.
The infotainment system still lacks wireless smartphone connectivity.

The XC60 is the kind of luxury SUV that can feel worth it very quickly, but that does not mean every deal is a good one. Check invoice pricing before you buy so you have a better sense of what is fair to pay and a stronger place to negotiate from.

Is the 2026 Volvo XC60 a better buy than sportier rivals like the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan?

If you want something that feels sharper and more eager, the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan still have the edge. The XC60 goes in a different direction. It feels calmer, quieter, and more relaxed, with a cabin that makes a strong impression without trying too hard. It has enough power to feel confident in everyday driving, but it is not really chasing a sporty personality. It makes more sense for someone who wants a luxury SUV that feels comfortable and tasteful every day, not one that is constantly asking to be driven hard.