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Understanding Aftermarket Aero Options2023 Volvo XC60: Refined Swede Style
The 2023 Volvo XC60 comes with a classy interior and powertrain options ranging from mild hybrid to pure EV. Find out what our experts think in our review.
What’s New for the 2023 Volvo XC60?
For 2023, Volvo has axed all of its former trim level names in favor of new ones that are basically identical. In addition, it added new wheel designs for 2023 along with new paint colors and the choice of a bright or dark exterior theme.
2023 Volvo XC60 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2023 Volvo XC60 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Outstanding interior
Fast T8 powertrain
Lots of value at this price
Still short on sharp handling
Pricey Recharge trims
Limited interior storage
A dark horse pick for the luxury SUV segment
2023 Volvo Specs
- 247 horsepower from base engine
- 258 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 22.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 63.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 3,500 lbs
- Google-Based infotainment
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 4-Year 50,000 mile warranty
2023 Volvo XC60 Powertrain
Volvo offers the XC60 with three different powertrains. They start off with the B5, a mild-hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It sends that power to the front wheels only via an eight-speed automatic. AWD is available. On the whole, the B5 is a perfectly passable engine package. It’s not fast but it’s smooth and quieter than many hybrids in this space.
Above it is the B6, which is largely identical save for the fact that it’s also supercharged so it makes 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That small difference is notable from the driver’s seat and we highly suggest opting for it if the Recharge is out of your price range. AWD comes standard on the B6 as well so that’s a potential benefit for those who prefer it.
The Polestar version is by far the most sporting. Thanks to an 18.8 kWh battery pack, the T8 powertrain, which is also a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, develops 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. It does that while also ditching the supercharger from the B6. It also gets AWD standard and is positively quick.
The Polestar Engineered trim also includes Brembo brakes, Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers, and a sport-tuned suspension. It’s easily more fun and engaging to drive than anything in the same price range and segment made in America. At the same time, be warned, this isn’t a proper rival to something like the Porsche Macan in the bends. It’s simply not as sharp or as quick to react.
Towing & Payload
At its most potent, the XC60 will tow up to 3,500 pounds. For this class and its size, that’s not bad at all and should more than make up for any shortcomings in the cargo-hauling department. Those who need more could also consider the XC90.
2023 Volvo XC60 Fuel Economy & MPG
Three different drivetrains make for a trio of fuel economy ratings for the XC60. The base B5 engine can get up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway according to the EPA. The B6 AWD drivetrain dips a single mile per gallon to 21 and 28 respectively. The Recharge T8 version gets 63MPGe with an all-electric range of about 35 miles.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The interior of the XC60 is nothing if not refined. Clean lines and a decidedly elegant dashboard punctuate a cabin that impresses in both rows. The panel gaps are tight and the fit-and-finish leaves nothing to be desired. We also really like the front seats that are supportive and highly adjustable with great heating and ventilation in some models.
We should also take a moment to compliment the rear seats which not only hold adult-sized passengers with ease but they’re bolstered and very comfortable compared to the rest of the class. Upper trim levels feature a power-rear-seat headrest option that can tuck them out of the way for better rearward visibility when they’re unoccupied.
Cargo space behind those seats isn’t bad either with a little over 22 cubic feet for gear and such. Drop the rear seats, which mostly fold flat, and you’ll have over 60 cubic feet of storage space.
Entertainment & Technology
The entire XC60 lineup utilizes the same 9-inch infotainment system with Google built-in which is miles better than the old Sensus system in the XC40. It takes a little getting used to but the learning curve isn’t too steep. Once familiar with the menus we think it’s one of the better systems on the market and it’s certainly quick enough to keep up with just about any other infotainment suite. In addition, thanks to Google integration, it features voice controls that work almost every time.
Those who prefer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay can use those instead. Volvo also offers a choice of three different sound systems based on trim level. The stock sound system is fine though. Audiophiles will appreciate the Harmon Kardon package available in the mid-level trims and the Bowers & Wilkins unit on the top-end Polestar Engineered.
Safety Features
Safety is a major highlight of the XC60. It scored five stars in NHTSA crash testing and is a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS. In addition, every XC60 comes with a full suite of driver safety aids including forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and lane-keep assist.
2023 Volvo XC60 Trims & Pricing
Core – $44,745
The base XC60 comes standard with FWD and the B5 engine, but buyers can also spec the Recharge T8 powertrain throughout the lineup.
In ether powertrain, it’ll come with 18-inch wheels, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, a Google-based infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, a digital instrument panel, LED exterior lighting, and a choice of cloth or faux leather upholstery.
Safety equipment includes parking sensors, blind-spot warning, forward collision mitigation, automatic high beams, and automatic reverse braking. AWD-equipped models also add heated front seats.
Plus – $48,795
This trim adds leather upholstery, 19-inch wheels, power-folding rear headrests, a surround-view camera system, wood interior trim, interior ambient lighting, a universal garage door opener, side parking sensors, and IntelliSafe Assist which is Volvo’s name for a safety suite including adaptive cruise control and enhanced lane-keeping.
Ultimate – $54,595
Going for the Ultimate trim gets buyers’ 20-inch wheels, a leather dash, quad-zone automatic climate control (B5 and B6 models only), heated and ventilated front seats with an extendable thigh support section, an enhanced interior ambient lighting feature, a heads-up display, a Harmon Kardon sound system, and a crystal gear-selector knob.
Polestar Engineered – $75,245
The top trim, Polestar Engineered only comes with the T8 drivetrain. It also gets Brembo brakes, gold-painted calipers, 21-inch wheels, adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers, a sport-tuned suspension, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, rain-sensing wipers, and gold-colored seat belts. Buyers can also spec 22-inch wheels with summer performance tires though Volvo doesn’t specify what brand or model of tires they are.
Warranties
Every XC60 comes with four years or 50,000 miles of limited warranty and powertrain coverage. Volvo also covers the first three years or 36,000 of scheduled maintenance. Hybrid components get eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage.
What we think
2023 Volvo XC60 – media.volvocars.com | Shop 2023 Volvo XC60 on Carsforsale.com
The Volvo XC60 is one of the better offerings in the midsize luxury SUV market. It offers excellent safety equipment, outstanding seating, a clean interior, and lots of available trims and features. Sure, the upper-end Recharge trims are a bit expensive but so are most of this car’s rivals.
We can see that some families will need something bigger like the XC90 too but for those who don’t need that space, the XC60 is a fantastic option that’s sure to impress. We recommend checking out this article on new car incentives for the latest deals if you’re in the market to buy. If you don’t have the cash for a new XC60 check out this article on the top 10 used luxury SUVs under $30,000.
