Overview
The XC60 Hybrid takes Volvo’s practical, five-passenger SUV and adds a potent 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system that offers an EPA-estimated 35 miles of electric-only range and up to 63 MPGe. More than just efficient, it ramps up performance enough to launch the XC60 Hybrid to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, a significant 2.1 seconds quicker than its visually identical nonhybrid XC60 sibling.
Otherwise, the compact, two-row XC60 Hybrid is pure Volvo: handsome and functional Scandinavian styling, an interior with comfortable seating, premium materials and finishes, and a modern infotainment experience via an 11.2-inch touchscreen running Volvo’s Google-based software interface. With sophisticated style and power to spare, the XC60 Hybrid is a compelling choice in a field of worthy compact luxury SUV competitors.
Expert Tip: We love the swift and versatile XC60 Hybrid, but if the ticket is a bit too steep, you can opt for the nonhybrid XC60, which starts approximately $10k less.
What’s New for 2027?
After updating the infotainment, tweaking the grille design, and adding a few color options for 2026, the XC60 Hybrid rolls into 2027 unchanged.
What’s Your Car Worth?
Car and Driver calculates your car’s value in three free and easy steps – using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
Get your trade-in valuePricing and Which One to Buy
We think the mid-range Plus hits the value gong the loudest. The reasonable upcharge brings a 360-degree camera system, laminated glass for a quieter interior, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 455 hp combined Transmission: 8-speed automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive
The plug-in-hybrid XC60 T8’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pairs with an electric motor powering the rear wheels and a starter-generator motor mounted between the eight-speed automatic transmission and the gasoline engine. The latter does double duty, charging the battery and adding torque when needed. The standard all-wheel drive and firmly compliant suspension provide a well-planted ride that can sometimes be a bit harsh over poor-quality roadways. Steering is precise but devoid of any nuance or feedback. Confidence is the keyword here, not aggression. The top Polestar Engineered model offers sportier handling and 21-inch wheels—the largest diameter wheels in the lineup.
0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 4.4 seconds (XC60 T8 AWD Ultra Plug-In Hybrid)
In Comparison: The XC60 hybrid is considerably quicker than the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e hybrid, which did it in 5.9 seconds.
Additional ResearchTowing and Payload Capacity
3500 seems to be the magic number for luxury hybrid compact SUVs, as the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e hybrid and Lexus RX Hybrid are rated for the same 3500 pounds.
In Comparison: The standard, nonhybrid XC60 is rated to tow the exact same 3500 pounds as the PHEV version reviewed here.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test: 31 miles EPA EV Range: 35 miles
The plug-in hybrid model comes with a 14.7-kWh battery pack that’s good for an EPA-estimated 35 miles of electric driving per charge; we managed 31 miles in our testing. Recharging the battery is a time-consuming affair, due largely to the slow 3.7-kW max charge rate of the onboard charger. As such, it requires between five and eight hours to refill the battery, depending on the amperage of the Level 2 charging station. The T8 is not capable of DC fast charging, however.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 30 mpg EPA City Rating: 28 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 28 mpg
The EPA estimates the 2027 XC60 Hybrid to return 28 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined when running in standard hybrid mode. With a fully charged battery, the EPA says it will return 63 MPGe in all three metrics. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV fuel efficiency.
In Car and Driver testing, the XC60 T8 returned 29 MPGe combined and 30 mpg in our 75-mph real-world highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the T8’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
In Comparison: The XC60’s real-world highway result is right on track with the plug-in versions of the RX PHEV (28-30 mpg) and the Lincoln Corsair (31 mpg).
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: Tidy lines and high-quality interior materials add a distinctly Scandinavian flavor that carries over to the front seats with their mid-century sculpting. Both supportive and comfortable, they easily adjust for drivers of all sizes. Dual-zone climate control and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are standard, while a head-up display is available.
Second Row: The second row is reasonably spacious, though the door openings are tight, and the center passenger has limited foot room due to a small bump in the floor that intersects with the console. The seatbacks fold in a 60/40 fashion for versatile cargo carrying.
Cargo Capacity: Cargo-hauling capability puts the XC60 mid-pack among its rivals in our testing, with 22 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row or 63 with it folded; with its rear seats down, we fit 20 of our carry-on suitcases.
Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 11.2-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 10-speaker stereo (standard), 14-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo (optional), 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins stereo (optional)
All XC60 models come with an 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display that runs Volvo’s latest Google-based software interface. The system provides several personalization options and offers voice controls via Google Assistant. We’ve found the software interface to be quick to respond, but its menus require some familiarization, and some of the icons are small. Redundant physical controls for volume and HVAC operation ease the strain. The Harmon Kardon premium system is available on the Plus trim, while the Bowers and Wilkins system is available on the Ultra and standard on the Polestar engineered. Wireless charging is accompanied by four USB ports (two each front and rear) and two 12-volt power ports (one front and one in the cargo area). A Wi-Fi hotspot is powered by a 4G LTE data connection.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo’s commitment to safety is evident in the XC60, with driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist standard across the range.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
For information about the XC60’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Relative to its rivals in this segment, the XC60 has an appealing warranty policy. Three years of scheduled maintenance is a convenience that Volvo buyers won’t need to pay for separately, either.
Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles Hybrid Components: eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 20,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs
Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that’s because this vehicle hasn’t changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.
Specifications
Specifications
2026 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Ultra Plug-In Hybrid
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $72,245/$79,395
Options: Bowers & Wilkins premium sound, $3200; active air suspension, $1800; 21-inch glossy black diamond-cut wheels, $800; climate package, $750; massaging front seats, $600
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 312 hp, 295 lb-ft + AC motor, 143 hp, 228 lb-ft (combined output: 455 hp, 523 lb-ft; 15-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 3.7-kW onboard charger)
Transmissions, F/R: 8-speed automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
Size: 255/40R-21 102V M+S Extra Load VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.8 in
Length: 185.4 in
Width: 74.9 in
Height: 65.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/51 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 54/21 ft3
Curb Weight: 4793 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.4 sec
100 mph: 10.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.0 sec @ 109 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 186 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 379 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
INTERIOR SOUND
Idle: 32 dBA/1 sone
Full Throttle: 74 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 67 dBA/21 sone
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 29 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 28/28/28 mpg
Combined/City/Highway Gasoline + Electricity: 63/66/60 MPGe
EV Range: 35 mi
