Title: 2026 Volvo XC60 First Drive Review + Video

I promise this isn’t a copy-paste job.

OK, the styling tweaks might look the same, but more specifically, these words regarding the 2026 Volvo XC60 are entirely different from the ones I wrote about its slightly larger sibling late last year. And that’s in spite of their strikingly similar stories: destined to be discontinued in Volvo’s shift to an entirely electric lineup only for the death sentence to be stayed — at least for now — and the same updates applied, aesthetic and otherwise.

As Stylish as Ever

As with the XC90, the styling changes look good — a testament not only to what’s been accomplished with this refresh, but also to the timelessness of Volvo’s design language that’s mostly the same as it’s been for more than a decade. Granted, the second-generation XC60 isn’t quite as old as the same iteration of the XC90, having been introduced three years later in 2017, but it looks as fresh and modern today as it did when it debuted.

The most significant change outside was made to the grille, which now features an interesting intersecting mesh pattern. It’s finished in black here and foregoes the brightwork that punctuates the same fascia on the XC90, although it’s equally elegant either way. With respect to the icons of the Scandinavian design movement, space should be reserved for these Volvos to sit alongside them, such is the master class in minimalism they represent.

The cabin is equally chic, with seats that look like they were pulled from a Herman Miller catalogue. Meanwhile, the dashboard now sports a free-standing touchscreen that’s bigger than before. That the 11.2-inch unit is portrait-oriented means space is reserved along the lower portion for frequently used features while the rest can be used for functions like Google Maps, whether via the built-in software or through a smartphone connected to Apple CarPlay.

Updated, Not Up to Date

A couple quick notes about connectivity. For starters, there’s no Android Auto, only Apple CarPlay. On top of that, pairing an iOS device requires a hard connection — there’s no wireless interface here, which is at least one way the XC60 remains bogged down by the sands of time. But then the last time I tested this crossover, back in 2022, it went without any kind of smartphone-mirroring capability, so consider this a short step forward in the march of progress.

The overall interface is better than before, with a contemporary look and feel to the Google-based system. It offers smartphone-like functionality that will no doubt be familiar to Android users — somewhat ironic given the lack of Android Auto — with its icons, widgets, and integrated Google Assistant and Maps. Better still, the latter can be called up on either the 11.2-inch touchscreen or the 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

Not only does the system look better than before, but it’s more intuitive, too. There are widgets for smartphone and audio settings, which can be hidden with the expanded map view, plus a so-called contextual bar that puts commonly used features in a row just above the dock at the bottom of the display. That those icons change means there’s a bit of a learning curve that comes with them, but it isn’t one that’s especially steep.

Strong and Efficient

The powertrains carry over in their entireties, both of which are based on the same turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. What changes is how much electrification is applied, with the choice of a B5 model that’s a mild hybrid and uses an integrated starter-generator, or a T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). While the former is just fine and has been since this XC60 launched, the PHEV version remains a triumph of automotive engineering, efficiency, and performance.

It uses a more powerful electrically supercharged version of that four-cylinder gas engine — 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to 247 and 266, respectively — and adds an electric motor that pushes the combined numbers to 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. It’s all enough to make the XC60 feel even quicker than its quoted zero-to-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds as it surges ahead with a rarified air of authority that’s unlike any Swedish stereotype I’ve ever encountered.

If that’s the shot, the chaser is the efficiency that comes with this powertrain’s performance potential. While the 8.5 L/100 km combined the PHEV is rated for is barely better than its mild-hybrid sibling (9.0), its ability to drive under electric power alone helps to make up for it. Credit the 18.8-kWh battery (14.7-kWh usable) that provides 58 km of emissions-free range — a number that’s still fairly competitive today in spite of its age.

Still a Pleasure to Pilot

While the version tested here was fitted with air springs and adaptive dampers that add to its overall composure, the on-road experience with or without them epitomizes the way a premium crossover should feel. There’s an underlying firmness to the ride quality that isn’t dissimilar to the way competitors this size from Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz feel, providing a sense of poise and engagement to go with just enough impact-absorbing suppleness.

The steering does the same, with the ability to increase the firmness for a sportier feel. Either way, the system is direct and responsive, while body motion is well controlled even after quick changes of direction. Yes, the adaptive suspension helps here, too, but it all serves as an impressive reminder that the XC60 is still one of the best entries in the segment even after all these years — and that’s no small feat considering how many reputable rivals it’s up against.

Final Thoughts

Let’s call it a happy coincidence that the 2026 Volvo XC60 didn’t need more than a subtle update to stay competitive. For a bit of perspective, the third-generation BMW X3 was feeling a little stale before it was replaced, and that’s in spite of its introduction the same year as the XC60. And the same is true of the Audi Q5, with a new version launching for 2025 despite its predecessor going on sale just a year prior to the XC60 and X3.

The reality is that, as with the larger XC90, Volvo was left with little choice but to extend the life of its most popular model in the face of weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Crucially, though, the most important components don’t feel like they’re on borrowed time. Sure, there are some signs of age here and there — including the wired Apple CarPlay connectivity — but the essentials are nearly as timeless as the XC60’s styling.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is available to order now. Pricing starts at $57,600 for the mild-hybrid model, while the PHEV starts at $64,950 before options, freight, and taxes.