2021 Volvo XC60

History/Overview

The XC60 is Volvo’s entry in the popular compact luxury crossover class. This model debuted in 2010 and entered its second generation in 2018.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, the only noteworthy change is the T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version’s adoption of the Recharge label first seen on the brand’s first fully electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge.

Available Trims

Volvo offers the XC60 in four trim levels and with three different powertrains. There are Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, and Polestar trims, and T5, T6 and T8 drivetrains. T5 has a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine; T6 takes that motor and adds supercharging for more power; and T8 builds on T8 by adding electric power fed by a plug-in hybrid system. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard across the line.

Standard Features

Outside, Momentum trim wears power-folding side mirrors, 18-inch wheels and tires, LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming side mirrors.

The XC60’s cabin comes with a digital gauge cluster, smartphone integration, satellite radio, active noise control, dual-zone automatic A/C, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable/heated front seats with comfort padding, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Momentum trim’s drive safety assist kit comprises forward collision detection with automatic braking, rear park assist, a lane keeping aid, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear-end collision support.

R-Design trim’s additions are a Harman Kardon stereo, 19-inch wheels and tires, an integrated garage door remote, navigation, road sign information, an intelligent driver information system, four-zone A/C, sport seats with cushion extension, front seat memory, metal mesh dash trim, and a trim-specific grille.

Inscription models revert to the base trim’s comfort seats but add power-adjustable side bolsters, ventilated front seats, a trim-specific grille, 20-inch wheels and tires, tailored dash trim, and a “dynamic” chassis setup.

Polestar trim brings adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, 360-degree exterior camera views, a Bowers and Wilkins sound system, park assist pilot, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, sport seats, heated rear seats, and 21-inch wheels and tires.

Key Options

A climate package for Momentum trim adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated wiper blades.

A premium package brings power-folding rear headrests, navigation with road sign information, front and rear park assist, and a garage door remote.

The advanced package includes 360-degree cameras, upgraded cabin lighting, adaptive cruise with pilot assist, wireless charging, a head-up display, and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area.

Fuel Economy

Volvo’s fuel consumption estimates for the XC60 are 11.1/8.3 L/100 km (city/highway) for the T5, and 11.7/8.6 for T6 models. T8 PHEV versions are rated 9.8/8.7 L/100 km when running as a gas-electric hybrid, and 4.0 Le/100 km in full electric mode.

Competition

The Volvo XC60’s key competitors come from all over. Hailing from Germany are the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Other European models are the Jaguar E-Pace and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. North American brands compete with the Cadillac XT5, the Lincoln Corsair, and the Buick Envision. Finally, Japan’s competition is the Acura RDX, the Lexus NX, and the Infiniti QX50.