The Volvo XC60 has become a defining model in the compact luxury SUV segment, known for its blend of Scandinavian style, safety innovation, and performance. From its 2008 debut to its latest 2026 iteration, the XC60 has undergone thoughtful improvements under the hood and inside the cabin. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the generational evolution of the Volvo XC60 to find out what’s changed and what’s new. If you read this until the end, you will also learn how to upgrade the Volvo XC60 no matter the model year.
First Generation Volvo XC60 (2008–2017)
When the first-generation Volvo XC60 launched in 2008, it brought a fresh, premium option to the luxury compact SUV market. Based on Volvo’s P2 platform, this XC60 featured a well-rounded lineup of engines. The most popular was the 3.0L inline-six turbocharged engine producing around 300 horsepower. There was also a 3.2L inline-six naturally aspirated engine producing roughly 240 horsepower and several four-cylinder turbocharged options, including a 2.5L inline-five with 250 horsepower.
2014 Facelift: Technology and Safety Advances
The 2014 refresh took the XC60’s evolution journey further. The exterior styling was sharpened with a more aggressive grille and signature LED daytime running lights integrated into the updated headlight clusters, enhancing its road presence. The Drive-E engine family expanded, delivering a range of 2.0L four-cylinder turbo and turbocharged plus supercharged units, producing power from 190 up to 302 horsepower in some variants. Also, Volvo introduced the City Safety system, an advanced low-speed collision avoidance feature that could detect pedestrians and cyclists, reinforcing the XC60’s safety pedigree.
Second Generation Volvo XC60 (2017–Present)
With the 2017 launch of the second-generation XC60, Volvo took a giant leap forward in design, technology, and efficiency. Built on the modern SPA platform, this generation debuted a fully new range of powertrains. The engine lineup emphasized turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder E-Drive units, including a 2.0L gasoline engine producing between 190 and 316 horsepower, depending on the variant.
Moreover, the addition of mild-hybrid technology improved fuel economy and smoothness across many trims. Plug-in hybrid variants combine a 2.0L engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of around 400 horsepower, all-wheel drive capability, and an electric-only driving range suitable for urban commuting.
2021 Facelift: Smarter Tech Meets Efficiency
The 2021 update refreshed the XC60’s grille and headlights, refining its distinctive look with updated “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights. Engine-wise, mild-hybrid technology was expanded across the range, boosting efficiency and reducing emissions. The plug-in hybrid powertrain received minor tuning to improve electric range and performance. Inside, Google’s built-in infotainment system debuted, bringing seamless smartphone integration and voice-activated controls. The instrument cluster was replaced with a sharper digital display, enhancing driver focus and customization.
What’s New in the 2026 Volvo XC60?
The 2026 Volvo XC60 brings a series of thoughtful updates that enhance its design, technology, and comfort, ensuring it remains a top contender in the luxury compact SUV segment. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s new in the 2026 Volvo XC60:
2026 Volvo XC60 Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2026 Volvo XC60 retains its existing powertrain option. The B5 AWD continues with a 2.0L turbocharged mild-hybrid engine producing 247 horsepower. The T8 AWD Recharge plug-in hybrid remains the most powerful option, delivering 455 horsepower, while the T6 PHEV available in Europe offers 345 horsepower.
2026 Volvo XC60 Efficiency
The 2026 Volvo XC60 offers two efficient powertrain options: the B5 mild hybrid delivers around 26 mpg combined and requires no charging, making it ideal for those seeking simplicity and solid fuel economy. In contrast, the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid offers up to 63 MPGe and 36 miles of electric-only range, while still averaging around 28–35 mpg when running on gas alone.
2026 Volvo XC60 Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid features an 18 kWh lithium-ion battery (14.7 kWh usable). Charging is accomplished via a 3.6 kW onboard AC charger, typically requiring about five hours on a 240 V circuit or up to eight hours using a standard 120 V outlet. Real-world experience suggests that the range may fluctuate slightly, typically between 35 and 40 miles, depending on driving conditions and climate.
2026 Volvo XC60 Towing Capacity
The 2026 Volvo XC60 Hybrid is rated to tow a maximum of 3500 pounds. This rating is consistent across all trim levels. Trailer sway control and other towing aids are integrated into the towing package, ensuring stable and secure hauling performance.
2026 Volvo XC60 Interior Design
Inside, the 2026 Volvo XC60 boasts a new 11.2-inch central touchscreen, an upgrade from the previous 9.0-inch display. This larger screen offers a 21% increase in pixel density, providing sharper visuals and a more responsive interface. The cabin also features new premium materials, including Quilted Nordico and Navy Herringbone Weave, enhancing the interior’s aesthetic appeal. Practical updates include redesigned cupholders, an improved wireless phone charger, and additional storage compartments.
2026 Volvo XC60 Exterior Design
The 2026 Volvo XC60 adopts a refreshed front grille inspired by the XC90, featuring intersecting diagonal lines that give the vehicle a more modern and cohesive look. Additionally, the rear taillights have been darkened to modernize the overall silhouette. New wheel designs and three new paint colors—Forest Lake, Aurora Silver, and Mulberry Red—offer more personalization options for buyers.
What are the 2026 Volvo XC60 Trim Levels and Pricing?
The 2026 Volvo XC60 has four trim levels for the B5 mild-hybrid engine, while the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid offers five trim levels. All trims feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Let’s look at all of them:
2026 Volvo XC60 Core
The Volvo XC60 Core trim delivers a complete suite of premium features. It has adaptive LED headlights that swivel with your steering, a panoramic sunroof, and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there’s a Google-based infotainment system with a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 9-inch touchscreen. Comfort is enhanced by heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, while the cabin is well-appointed with leatherette upholstery and a spacious panoramic glass roof. Safety and driver aids are robust, including blind‑spot monitoring with rear cross‑traffic alert, forward collision mitigation (complete with automatic braking), lane‑keeping assistance, automatic reverse braking, and front/rear parking sensors.
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Core Price: Starting at $49,700
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Core (Plug-In Hybrid) Price: Starting at $61,150
2026 Volvo XC60 Plus
Building on the Core trim, the Volvo XC60 Plus adds several upgrades to enhance comfort and convenience. This model features heated leatherette seats, a power tailgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Technology enhancements include built-in navigation and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The Plus also improves cabin ambiance with a higher-end audio system and more refined interior finishes.
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Plus Price: Starting at $54,300
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Plus (Plug-In Hybrid) Price: Starting at $65,600
2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra
The Ultra trim transforms the Volvo XC60 into a luxurious flagship. It introduces 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated Nappa leather seats with power-adjustable bolsters, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. Interior refinements include driftwood decor and an Orrefors crystal gear selector knob. Cutting-edge technology features include a head-up display and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Ambient lighting further enhances the upscale cabin ambience.
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra Price: Starting at $59,650
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra (Plug-In Hybrid) Price: Starting at $70,950
2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra Black Edition
The Ultra Black Edition retains all of the Ultra’s luxury features while introducing a more assertive aesthetic. Unique gloss-black exterior trim surrounds the grille, mirrors, badges, and 21-inch wheels, creating a refined yet bold presence. Inside, the refined cabin appointments—ventilated Nappa leather, crystal gear selector, Harman Kardon audio, and quad-zone climate—remain unchanged.
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra Black Edition Price: Starting at $60,800
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra Black Edition (Plug-In Hybrid) Price: Starting at $72,050
2026 Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered
The Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered trim offers only a plug-in hybrid powertrain and combines the luxury strengths of the Ultra with performance-oriented enhancements. Standard equipment includes 21-inch Polestar-design wheels, Brembo performance brakes with distinctive calipers, and sport-tuned chassis dynamics highlighted by adjustable dampers. Cabin upgrades include heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium 15-speaker audio system.
-
2026 Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered (Plug-In Hybrid) Price: $79,800
Maximize Your Volvo XC60 Performance with Pedal Commander®
No matter which model year your Volvo XC60 is, you can unlock its raw power with Pedal Commander®. As the ultimate throttle response controller, Pedal Commander® is designed to eliminate throttle lag from the accelerator pedal of your Volvo XC60 by intercepting and recalibrating the signal from the factory drive-by-wire throttle system. Installation is quick and easy, and the results are immediate: sharper throttle, more responsive acceleration, and a ride that feels more connected to your commands.
Moreover, you can customize your XC60’s throttle response on the fly through Pedal Commander®’s four modes: Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+. Whether you’re cruising the daily grind or hitting the open road, your XC60 reacts exactly how you want it. Imagine switching to the Sport+ mode for a burst of lightning-fast acceleration or dialing it back to the Eco mode when you want smoother starts and better fuel efficiency—right at your fingertips, no fuss.
Pedal Commander® goes beyond performance thanks to its Anti-Theft feature. When activated, this feature turns off the vehicle’s gas pedal, preventing unauthorized use of your vehicle. Enjoy the Anti-Theft feature for the first 14 days FOR FREE, then easily subscribe through the Pedal Commander® mobile app and choose from two subscription plans: $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year—cheaper than a gas station snack!
