Used 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60 is a 2-row/5-seater premium compact SUV/crossover. It competes with (among others) the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

The reasons that can pull buyers to the Volvo dealership include comprehensive safety features, sophisticated powertrains (including one engine that uses both kinds of forced induction, or there’s a plug-in hybrid for greater fuel efficiency). Lots of standard equipment, plenty of cabin space, and arguably attractive styling also seal the deal.

It’s not all seriousness with the 2021 XC60, however. The fun factor isn’t quite up to BMW levels, but this crossover is still enjoyable to drive, regardless of the hardware under the hood.

Chances are the high-performance Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid with 415 horsepower won’t be the biggest seller. But as a halo model that reflects a light of desirability over the whole range, it’s pretty interesting.

Even a basic 2021 Volvo XC60, the T5 model, is a delight. Naturally, its 250 horsepower makes it slightly less sprightly than the turbocharged and supercharged T6 generating 316 horsepower. But it’s still quick enough to please most people. Merging onto the freeway in the T5 or T6 is a breeze, and the XC60 maintains speed with an ease and composure that makes 70 mph seem like about 55.

The Recharge, with 400 (or 415) horsepower coming from its hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain, is in another league. A rear-mounted electric motor drives the back wheels. Keen drivers will appreciate the serious abundance of power, but the transitions between gas and electric propulsion aren’t as smooth as those they could be.

Nevertheless, the 2021 XC60 has a safe and reassuring manner with all three powertrains. And multiple drive modes allow the XC60 to be sporty, comfortable, extra-efficient, or ready to tackle some mild off-roading. For 2021, Volvo has capped the speed limit of all its new vehicles to 112 mph. That shouldn’t upset many people.

The 5-seater 2021 XC60 has an upscale cabin featuring a woodgrain “ribbon” spanning the width of the dash as a key design element. A 12.3-inch digital driver information display is standard in every version, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.

The center stack is dominated by a large touchscreen, oriented vertically. The system’s multiple menus and controls help de-clutter the interior and provide a welcome Scandinavian ambiance of classy minimalism. But it does require XC60 drivers to take their eyes off the road a tad too often.

On a positive note, the XC60 seats are all-day comfortable, with the large side bolsters providing excellent cornering support. Behind the 3-seater rear bench is a commodious 22.4 cubic feet of cargo area with a flat floor. This expands to 63.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. There’s also some under-floor stowage.

Somehow, the XC60 manages to look both assertive and elegant at the same time. The various trim levels provide different flavors.

The R-Design looks particularly sporty with its gloss-black grille. Inscription brings chrome accents. And the Polestar Engineered model really stands out with gold brake calipers and optional 22-inch alloy wheels. The basic XC60 rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels.

ADVANCED PACKAGE
This option package includes adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera system, wireless charging, and a head-up display.

POLESTAR ENGINEERED MODEL
This is the hottest XC60, featuring adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers, huge Akebono disc brakes, front strut tower brace, gold-colored seatbelts, and plug-in hybrid powertrain tuned to generate 415 horsepower. This Polestar XC60 also has a fantastic Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

The 2021 XC60 is available in Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trim levels. And just to confuse things, the entry-level PHEV, which was the Momentum T8, is now the Recharge Inscription Expression. And the tuned-up Polestar Engineered PHEV tops the range.

Although the XC60 Momentum T5 is the least expensive, it’s still equipped superbly with leather upholstery, panoramic moonroof, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, LED exterior lighting with adaptive headlights, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, two USB-A ports up front, two USB-C ports in the back, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

On the tech front, the 2021 XC60 replaces 12-volt outlets in the rear quarters with a pair of USB-C ports. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, along with a 10-speaker/330-watt audio system.

Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. This 2021 XC60 also has slippery road/hazard light alerts that come from the ability for all new Volvos to communicate with each other.

As well as many paint and wheel choices, the 2021 XC60 offers a Premium Package that includes front parking sensors, navigation, remote garage door opener, and power-folding rear outboard headrests.

An Advanced Package includes adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera system.

Other options include an air suspension, all-wheel drive, heated seats, heated steering wheel, heated wipers, massaging front seats, and Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio system upgrades. R-Design versions put the emphasis on sporty features; Inscription leans more toward luxury.

The various permutations of trim levels and drivetrains in the 2021 XC60 range can be perplexing, but let’s break down the propulsion aspect here.

All XC60s employ an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s nicely refined with a smooth shift action.

The basic engine is called T5, for reasons best known to Volvo. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit generating a decent amount of power (see below) for a premium compact SUV/crossover. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

Higher up the power ladder is the T6 setup, which deploys all-wheel drive as standard. This is another 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but it’s turbocharged and supercharged, so its output is appreciably more than the T5.

The Volvo XC60 Recharge (formerly known as the T8) is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup. It has its own form of all-wheel drive, thanks to the rear axle being powered by an electric motor. The Recharge can work like a regular hybrid, but charging the lithium-ion battery fully by plugging it in will allow 18 miles running solely with electric power. The Polestar Engineered version uses this drivetrain, but boosts output even more.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (T5)
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (FWD), 21/28 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged inline-4 (T6)
316 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged inline-4 with plug-in hybrid (Recharge)
400 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (415 horsepower in the Polestar Engineered)
472 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm (494 in the Polestar Engineered)
Combined EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27 mpg, 57 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent)