The Volvo XC60 has long been the king of Swedish roads – the brand’s best-selling model, winning hearts with its blend of elegance and practicality. But the competition is not sleeping: the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 are fresh and razor-sharp. Can the updated XC60, with its new look, improved interior and hybrid heart, still keep up? Let’s dive into the details and find out if this Swedish SUV is still in the running for the throne – and why it’s still one of my favorites.
Volvo XC60 It's like a Scandinavian fairy: clean, calm, and with a character that captivates you. The 2026 facelift brings a refreshed grille, now available in two versions – dark (formerly R-Design) or light with chrome details. We fell in love with the dark version (Dark), especially the new shade Forest Lake, which blends with nature like whiskey in a glass by the fireplace. The new logo, slightly darkened taillights (in the style of the redesigned XC90) and a clean rear image without fake exhausts give the impression that Volvo knows exactly what subtle elegance means.
The dimensions remain the same: 4.71 meters long (185 inches) for an SUV that sits on wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches – or even 22 if you opt for top-of-the-line car heels. We had 20-inch wheels on test, and they look fantastic. Optional air suspension adds a touch of luxury, as you would expect from a Volvo. The XC60 maintains a classic SUV silhouette – without the coupé excesses, which means the spaciousness and practicality that drivers love.
Engines: Hybrid power with a calm character that can also bite
Volvo is sticking to its formula: 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines are the heart of the range. There's a mild hybrid with 250 hp (186 kW) or the T6 plug-in hybrid we tested with 350 hp. The T6 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds - not exactly a racing number, but enough to put a smile on your face. Top speed? 180 km/h (112 mph), limited as is customary with Volvos.
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The T6 plug-in hybrid has a 14.7 kWh net battery (18.8 kWh gross), which gives it about 60 km (40 miles) of real-world electric range. Charging? Only up to 6.4 kW AC, which means it's more suited to a home charger than a fast-charging station (it has no DC charging). In hybrid mode, the car intelligently switches between electric and petrol, and in Pure mode it drives as quietly as a Swedish forest. If you want more power, there's the T8 version with 455 hp, but a slightly faster acceleration (4.9 seconds). All versions have all-wheel drive, which is almost mandatory in the land of snow and ice. The car can also be manually switched to full-time AWD, with a mode switch.
Feelings: Electric torque with character
The constant torque of the T6 Recharge electric motor gives the driver very interesting sensations, even a micro-slip of the rear end in an “urban” environment – before the assistance systems intervene. The drivetrain is truly experienced, and the communication between the internal combustion engine and the hybrid part is seriously coordinated and almost imperceptible – which is commendable. Acceleration above 120 km/h is interesting, where the car accelerates to its maximum speed like a “Porsche” with a Turbo badge. In other words: extremely fast – even so fast that drivers behind you are often surprised.
Interior: Scandinavian minimalism with a luxurious touch
When you open the XC60's doors, you're greeted by that familiar Volvo feeling - like stepping into a designer cabin by the fjord. The quality of the materials is top-notch: soft surfaces, matte wood inserts and Nordico upholstery made from recycled materials and even pine oil. The seats are as comfortable as a Swedish massage, although the BMW X3 may offer slightly better ergonomic details. For an extra €1,000, you can add soundproofing to the windows, which we recommend, as there is some noticeable wheel noise on the motorway - especially with the 20-inch wheels.
The 11-inch infotainment screen is new and more responsive, but it protrudes slightly from the dashboard – less integrated than before, but therefore more modern. Google Maps is built in, the system also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (unfortunately with a wired connection). The Bowers & Wilkins sound system? Pure poetry – especially in the “Gothenburg Concert Hall” mode, which makes every song sound like a live concert. The air conditioning is unfortunately still buried in the on-screen menus, which is a slight annoyance. The steering wheel is wrapped in vegan leather, the buttons are intuitive, and with one click you can turn off the annoying EU speed warning – thank you, Volvo!
Feelings: Proven elegance with soul
The XC60 is Volvo's most important model. That's why there's no room for experimentation - everything is proven and refined. The use of Nordico vegan materials and the extremely premium workmanship are commendable. This sense of premiumness is reflected in the seams and details that cannot be overlooked. Here, Volvo is truly a master of its craft. Fans of Scandinavian design will be delighted - nothing is too much or too little. Volvo masters this best in its segment. However, this car is one class lower than the V90, which is still noticeable in some details and material selection.
Driving Experience: Comfort over Racing Spirit
XC60 not a car to be driven around corners like BMW X3 – but that’s not its purpose. The air suspension and comfortable seats provide a floating feel that’s perfect for long drives. It’s quiet on the highway, although the 20-inch wheels introduce some road noise. The steering is surprisingly precise and light, making the car feel smaller than it actually is. I was surprised at how light and, at times, sporty this Volvo drives.
In Power mode, the T6 shows its teeth with instant electric acceleration, which is especially pleasant in the city. Switching to B-mode allows for strong recuperation – almost one-pedal driving, which is rare in hybrids. This mode is identical to driving an electric vehicle, i.e. with one pedal all the way to a stop at 0 km/h. On country roads, the XC60 behaves confidently, although the 20-inch wheels slightly reduce comfort on potholed roads. For greater softness, we recommend 19-inch wheels – but bigger ones are of course nicer.
Security? The Volvo is still king. Blind spots are well-marked with red “boomerangs” in the mirrors, and the active cruise control and steering assist work reliably – although the German rivals offer slightly smoother corrections.
Feelings: A Swiss Army Knife for Every Family
Jack of all trades – the Swiss army knife of every “football” mom or prudent dad. If you want, this car also has character. It’s not a BMW X3, but it’s not far behind in terms of driving characteristics. Predictability and the “Scandinavian bet” on safety, expressed in a calm ride, are among its main assets. For the first time in a long time, I had the feeling that a Volvo could also be a “Ford-like” fun car – which means I was happy to drive it a little more dynamically. Played with it a little. You know what I mean – when a car forces you not to be slow.
Trunk: not the biggest... but...
The plug-in hybrid’s trunk offers 470 liters of space, which is enough for family adventures. There’s a cable compartment under the hood, and the rear seats can be folded in one motion, creating a flat space up to 1.75 m (69 inches) long. ISOFIX, USB-C charging ports in the rear and heated rear seats make the XC60 ideal for families. Not to mention the “integrated” rear child seat for children weighing 12 to 36 kilograms.
Conclusion: Swedish classic with modern charm
The 2026 Volvo XC60 facelift isn't revolutionary, but it brings enough updates to keep it in the game. The exterior is elegant, the interior is luxurious, and the hybrid drive combines power and quietness. Prices start under 60,000 euros, and with all the extras (like the T6 version, air suspension, and Bowers & Wilkins) they can reach 75,000 euros - somewhere around the price of the test model.
Compared to its German rivals, the XC60 may be a bit less dynamic, but it offers a unique combination of practicality, safety and Scandinavian charm. If you're looking for an SUV that's more of a laid-back companion than a racehorse, the XC60 is still worth a look. As the Swedish proverb says: Lagom – exactly right. And that's the XC60 at its core.
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Would you choose the XC60 over the BMW X3 or the Mercedes GLC? Leave a comment and tell us your opinion!
