Anthony FongaroWhen it comes to entirely redesigning their vehicles, Volvo plays the long game. There may be modifications to the infotainment system or a powertrain refresh, but their cars soldier on for quite some time. Take the 2025 Volvo XC60. At one point, the powertrains were designated with a T and a different operating system. Although this vehicle has been around since 2017-2018, a redesign is scheduled for 2026, featuring an updated infotainment system and additional updates to the powertrain. For now, there are only two powertrains available for the Volvo XC60: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with mild hybrid technology, and an upgraded plug-in hybrid variant that offers more power and improved fuel economy. Being the B5, this XC60 came with the base powertrain in the top Ultra trim. I’ve tested the T8 PHEV before, so I was interested to see how this base engine fared. Volvo showcases a luxury different from its rivals, and the XC60 continues that trend.
Still Got It: Volvo XC60
Even after being on sale for many years, the XC60 still retains Volvo’s stylish, minimalistic body. A large black mesh grille and the Volvo logo dominate the front of the car. Lower air intakes and black trim complement Volvo’s signature LED Thor’s headlights. This Volvo XC60 was painted in Denim Blue and featured upgraded 22-inch, 5-spoke matte black diamond-cut alloy wheels. Subtle lines on the body give the XC60 a clean and contemporary look, while the black accents on the side mirrors and around the windows continue the understated luxury look. The oversized LED taillights blend into the side profile and form an L shape, spelling out ‘Volvo’. There are a few badges, including XC60 and B6. Thankfully, Volvo didn’t give the XC60 any fake exhausts. Oddly, this vehicle came with a $1,735 factory-installed trailer hitch. I’m not sure how many people will use their XC60 to tow, but it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The entire look is typical Volvo: stylish and understated, but starting to show its age.
Refreshed Interior
Although the exterior is aging gracefully, the interior will benefit from the 2026 refresh. The material quality is excellent, featuring plenty of soft-touch materials and comfortable seats. Swathed in maroon brown ventilated nappa leather, this Volvo XC60 came with the $600 massaging option for both the front driver’s and passenger’s seats, adding to the feeling of luxury and comfort. In front of the driver is a somewhat unmarked steering wheel with controls for the audio and safety systems. The digital display is clear but not very customizable. Ultra models come with a head-up display with your speed, speed limit information, and navigation. Thankfully, the 9-inch infotainment system is being replaced with a larger unit for 2026. It runs on a Google-based system, featuring Google Maps, YouTube, and the ability to download additional apps. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with a bit of lag, which is not one of the XC60’s highlights. The Ultra models come equipped with a 360-degree camera along with a parking assist function. While I used the 360-degree camera plenty of times, especially driving down narrow roads in Chicago, I didn’t need to use the parking assist function. Climate control functions are integrated into the infotainment system to give it a minimalist look, but I prefer physical buttons and switches.
Ultra Luxury
Ultra models come with an air purifier and an Orrefors crystal glass shifter, upgrading the level of luxury. This vehicle also came with heated outboard rear seats and a large panoramic roof, which gave the cabin a more airy feel. That is good because the Volvo XC60 lacks decent storage space, especially in the front. The standard sound system for the Ultra is a Harman Kardon system, but this XC60 came equipped with the $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which features 15 speakers, an amplifier, and metal mesh speaker grilles. It sounded fantastic, but if you want to save some money on your XC60, the Harman Kardon system works just fine. Finally, Ultra models come with a hands-free powered tailgate. It might be a dated interior, but the Volvo XC60 showcases understated luxury.
Powering the XC60 B5 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive, the XC60 can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in around 6.5 seconds. One of the standout options for the Volvo XC60 is the $1,800 four-corner air suspension, which helps the XC60 glide over bumps and lowers the rear for more effortless loading. It isn’t the quickest vehicle in its class, and at 25 MPG, it’s also not the most efficient. The engine does make some noise under heavy throttle, but once you’re up to speed, the ride is very comfortable. Body roll wasn’t completely mitigated, but the point of the XC60 is to cruise around in understated luxury. Activating Pilot Assist enables adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, while cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring continually monitor the surroundings to keep occupants safe. This may not be as sporty as a BMW X3 or Genesis GV70, but the XC60 excels in comfort.
Should You Buy the Volvo XC60?
Pricing for the 2025 Volvo XC60 B5 starts at $49,000 for the Core trim level. Step up to the Ultra, and you’re looking at an entry point of almost $59,000. This XC60 was fully-optioned with a $750 Climate Package with rear-heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated wiper blades, $1,735 Trailer Hitch Package, $309 retractable luggage cover, $1,475 22-inch wheels, $1,800 active air suspension, $3,200 Bower & Wilkins sound system, and $600 for massaging seats. All in, this XC60 came to around $68,000. To save almost $10,000, I would skip the base Core trim level and opt for the Plus, which comes with a 360-degree camera, leather seats, and optional 20-inch wheels. Competition has been fierce from rivals like Genesis, but Volvo remains strong with its ideals of luxury and comfort. I hope the 2026 refresh features better technology, along with stronger and more fuel-efficient powertrains.
