2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo typically takes the high road when it comes to tackling competitive segments, and the midsize luxury SUV field is no exception with the 2022 XC60. High-quality materials and a well-put-together feel make the XC60 a pleasant place for long road trips. Real metal trim, nicely executed textures and an optional 1,100-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system further position the XC60 as a capable choice for sophisticated adults. Decent rear legroom adds to the family appeal despite a relatively compact footprint. 

Rather than battle the competition with look-at-me styling and punchy performance, the XC60 addresses flashy foes like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX and Genesis GV70 with quiet aplomb. It’s not a performance vehicle, but now that the lineup is fully hybridized it has better fuel economy, which, with high gas prices, is a relief. The plug-in Recharge is even more compelling at the pump. 

Facelifted for 2022, the model is handsome, but not overt. A reworked lower fascia now hides the exhaust pipes. Also new for 2022 is a mild-hybrid powertrain lineup that introduces more efficiency, from the 247 hp B5 model and the 295 hp B6 version, to the T8 that offers 400 hp and the Polestar Engineered iteration that offers 415 hp. The T8 packs an 11.5-kWh battery that can propel the Volvo 19 miles on pure electric power. The Recharge offers 35 miles of pure battery power. Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trims increase up the line to add features. 

The XC60 starts to show signs of Volvo’s embrace of electrification, which plays well with its quietly sophisticated ethos. Starting at $42,650 in front-drive B5 Momentum trim, $51,245 in Inscription and $49,895 in R-Design, the XC60 gains a power advantage with the B6 drivetrain option, which adds $4,000 to all-wheel drive models. The plug-in version starts at $57,200. 

Inside, things get incrementally more expressive. Though the XC60 features familiar elements shared throughout the Volvo lineup like the infotainment screen and steering wheel, contemporary textile upholstery options for 2022 helps spruce up the space and add a bit of character to the otherwise understated cabin. An updated multimedia system now packs Google Maps and Google Assistant. 

The refreshed XC60 lineup continues the brand’s forward movement with a package that feels contemporary, capable and stylish without sacrificing its reputation as a safety leader. And that is enough for those seeking a competent, well-made midsize luxury SUV. Most buyers will be most satisfied by the middle-ground B6 model, which is plenty capable but doesn’t break the bank. 

Performance: 11/15 

While many carmakers crow about high horsepower and blistering performance, Volvo’s calling card has—and will continue to be—safety. That said, while the XC60’s hybridized lineup doesn’t compare to its spiciest competitors, the Swedish SUV steps up with a range of satisfying options that show how far the brand has come in recent years. 

While the 247 horsepower B5 version earns the label “adequate” at the very least, the 295 hp B6 hits a sweet spot and never feels lacking in gusto. Power delivery is smooth and even, so there are no explosive bursts of power, just a manageable pull of acceleration when you need it. 

The 400 and 415-hp T8 models prove that Volvo is capable of bringing a bit of heat, augmenting its drivetrain with electric power that can launch it to 60 mph in as little as 4.9 seconds. The plug-in version gives it an electric jolt with 4.5 seconds to accelerate with 455 horsepower. Volvo sacrifices some handling sharpness in favor of ride quality, but overall manages a harmonious package that shouldn’t put off those who can’t shake the brand’s old image of anemic performance. 

Fuel Economy: 13/15 

Now that the XC60 lineup is fully hybridized, the models benefit from improved fuel economy figures. The entry-level B5 model in front-drive configuration offers EPA estimates of 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. This is right around the Audi Q5 40 TFSI, BMW X3 sDrive30i and non-hybrid Lexus NX 350 AWD, but is a little better than the Genesis GV70’s numbers. 

Step up to the B6 all-wheel drive version, and the figures dip slightly to 22 city, 28 highway and 24 combined. The T8’s plug-in hybrid powertrain yields 24 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, for a combined average of 25 mpg, or 57 MPGe in full EV mode. The T8 can also deliver an EPA-estimated 19 miles on battery power alone. The Recharge, which needs a home or public charger for its bigger 18.7 kWh battery, adds 35 miles of pure electric range, boosting the fuel economy to 63 MPGe. The PHEV version of the Lexus NX can do 37 miles of electric range and up to 84 MPGe, but isn’t as fun to drive.

More performance-focused competitors put the XC60 lineup’s relative tameness into perspective; the hot-rodded BMW X3 M is rated at 15 mpg city, 20 highway and 17 combined while the Audi Q5 produces 19, 24 and 21 mpg figures.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 14/15

The XC60 upholds the brand’s reputation for outstanding safety by achieving IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, with top scores in all crashworthiness categories. The only near-perfect scores come in the “Headlights” and “LATCH Ease of Use” categories, where the XC60 is rated as “Acceptable,” one rung below “Good.” The SUV also earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

Standard active safety features include Volvo’s new ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) sensor platform, which is spreading to all models in the brand portfolio. The system includes collision warning, collision avoidance and oncoming traffic braking, as well as lane departure warning, blind spot steering assistance and rear collision braking. In addition to the generous list of standard safety items, the XC60’s chassis incorporates significant amounts of ultra-high strength steel in order to preserve structural integrity during a crash. 

Comfort & Room: 14/15

Volvo produces some of the most comfortable seats in the industry, and the XC60 is no exception: These perches offer excellent support and accommodate long-distance drives with ease. For 2022, Volvo brings a tailored wool blend upholstery to the mix, a breathable material that incorporates recycled materials for a premium alternative to conventional leather. Massaging and ventilated seats are available, as are Nappa hides and wood veneer trim. 

The XC60’s front and rear legroom figures of 41.5 and 37.9 inches are also comparable to the Q5’s 40.9 and 38.0 inches and the GV70’s 41.3 and 37.2. BMW’s X3 is a bit more cramped, measuring 40.3 and 36.4. 

Infotainment: 12/15

The Volvo XC60’s multimedia system is dominated by a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen. The sparse design avoids excessive buttons, featuring instead lots of menu-driven functionality and a single button to find “Home,” as well as a large dial/volume knob with a pause/play button within that’s flanked by several hard buttons on either side.

The infotainment system is Volvo’s new Android-powered setup, which incorporates Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system works reasonably well, though we detected some lagginess in the operation. Unfortunately for iPhone users, Volvo says the XC60’s system does not yet accommodate Apple CarPlay. The central screen is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital driver display, which is capable of incorporating basic navigation information in addition to the big screen’s more elaborate display. 

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

The Volvo XC60 is on par with its peers volume-wise, offering between 25.8 and 63.3 cubic-feet of cargo space. For comparison, the Q5 brings 25.6 to 54.0 cubic-feet, X3 has 28.7 to 62.7 and the GV70 offers 28.9 to 56.9. 

Subjectively speaking, the XC60 feels spacious and accommodating for front and rear passengers, offering good sightlines and discreet storage options in the front seats via sliding roller-top compartments. The storage areas between the front seats incorporate design elements (like available veneers) that tie the interior together nicely, with a wireless charging pad beneath the central compartment.

Style & Design: 8/10

While it isn’t exactly groundbreaking or especially avant-garde, the visually refreshed 2022 Volvo XC60 has a clean, contemporary look that holds its own against some of the fresher designs on the market (like the Genesis GV70).

The XC60’s cabin loses some points for featuring all-too-familiar Volvo touchpoints (like the steering wheel, air vents and buttons below the infotainment screen.) But the setup also works cohesively, offering an understated answer to more extroverted competitors. 

Is the 2022 Volvo XC60 Worth it? Which XC60 is the Best Value? 

The XC60 competes against premium players, offering strong value as prices tend to creep up. Starting at $42,650 in front-drive B5 Momentum trim, $51,245 in Inscription and $49,895 in R-Design, the XC60 gains a power advantage with the B6 drivetrain option, which adds $4,000 to AWD models and shaves a significant 6/10ths of a second from the zero-to-60 time. For nearly $57,200, there’s the more efficient Recharge, but the extra $15,000 pushes it into luxury pricing. Fully electric options like the Volvo XC40 Recharge ($51,700) make more sense, but that particular model requires a big compromise on space, where Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 do not.

One serious value contender is the Genesis GV70, which starts at $41,500 and offers a compelling combination of build quality and style. The upper end of the XC60 lineup features the Polestar Engineered model, starting at $70,595 and offers higher performance with zero to 60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds. However, serious drivers might find the sharp-edged BMW X3 M ($70,100) or its X4 companion more gratifying alternatives. 

The smart money is on the middle-ground XC60 B6 models, which can be packaged with ample amenities and offer strong performance without breaking the bank.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2022 Volvo XC60?

The XC60 should cost a little less to insure than most of its peers. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium starting at $2,060, though this averages all 50 states. An Audi Q5 owner might pay $2,580 per year, while the Genesis GV70 starts around $2,340. For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.