2021 Volvo XC60 Review

Name: 2021 Volvo XC60 Review
Brand: Volvo
Price: 26880 USD

2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2021 Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+463

This XC60 is the latest generation of Volvo's best-selling vehicle, and it has never looked better, inside and out. The XC60 is not only squarely in the luxury space now, but it brings something different to a class of familiar segment offerings. This Volvo did more than just impress us during testing. We think it has what it takes to compete in a heavily contested luxury SUV class.

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2021 Volvo XC60 Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Elegant interior design
Spacious second-row seating
Many standard safety tech features
Available as a plug-in hybrid

Cons

Not as fun to drive as most competitors
Too many controls tied to frustrating touchscreen interface
Ride is a little busier than you might expect from a luxury crossover

What's new

Former T8 plug-in hybrid is now called Recharge
Adaptive headlights, hands-free liftgate and rear USB-C ports added as standard
Part of the second XC60 generation introduced for 2018

Overview

Just about any small luxury SUV you research is going to be practical and useful. But is it also stylish? Well, that's harder to come by. Thankfully, the 2021 Volvo XC60 places an equal importance on style. Inside and out, it's one of the most distinctive SUVs in its class. Its overall profile suggests the station wagons that Volvo was once known for, but it also features broad shoulders, sharp creases, and immediately recognizable headlight and taillight designs. The cabin is just as impressive, with a clean, simple look that pulls from traditional Scandinavian sensibilities.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$214/mo

$196/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Every XC60 comes with a four-cylinder engine. You might be expecting more from a luxury vehicle but Volvo gives you a choice of one of three versions. The base turbocharged engine goes toe to toe with similarly configured rivals, while more potent versions give you more power. Topping the range is the XC60 Recharge, which is a 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid. To top it off, even a bare-bones XC60 comes with a wealth of driver safety aids that cost extra on rivals. Overall, the XC60's eye-catching design, powerful yet efficient engine lineup, and emphasis on value give it strong appeal. You can read our in-depth Expert Rating below to learn more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the XC60 drive? The twin-charged T6 engine has the best balance of power and dynamics of the available XC60 models. No one should be disappointed with the amount of power, and the brakes deliver smooth yet responsive stopping performance. The adjustable suspension gives the XC60 some extra ground clearance, which can be especially helpful in inclement weather.

While the XC60 is a solid midpack contender, it does have some flaws worth noting. Surges in power from the twin-charged engine mean some issues with low-speed drivability, but a well-tuned transmission helps even things out. Steering and handling are a bit behind the curve for a luxury SUV, though, lacking some of the precision that rivals possess.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the XC60? It might not be the sportiest vehicle in the segment, but the XC60 is one of the most comfortable SUVs in its class. Seating comfort is a strong point of the XC60 thanks largely to soft-padded surfaces and available features such as massaging seats. The four-zone climate control is also a rather luxurious optional feature, and it works well in all four zones (even if it does take a minute to get the coldest of A/C temps going).

Cabin noise in the XC60 is relatively hushed, although you may hear some supercharger whine at low speeds if you've got the stereo turned off. And unfortunately Volvo hasn't optimized the air suspension for ride comfort, and the ride can be busy over broken surfaces.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Volvo's approach to interior design is clean and simple, but it comes at the expense of convenience and usability. Many functions are touchscreen-controlled. And almost everything takes two button presses when one would normally do, and that becomes a hassle when on the move. Getting in and out of the XC60 can be a bit tough since the floor's step-over height is a little on the tall side and the angled front doors are a little on the short side.

The cabin is pretty spacious, with the exception of a panoramic sunroof eating up a little headroom. Volvo went above expectations when it comes to visibility, with the XC60's thin pillars, excellent (optional) 360-degree parking camera and power-folding rear headrests.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Volvo backs up its new modern styling with a ton of well-executed technology. It might not be innovating as boldly as the German manufacturers, but the features and driving aids available here are, for the most part, very useful. The optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is highly configurable and provides excellent sound quality along with sleek-looking speakers.

Connecting your smartphone is easy, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The voice controls work well to execute navigation and phone-call commands, and they even turn on the heated seats. The XC60's safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are easy to access and work well on busy freeways.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? Utility is another strong area for the XC60 thanks to a generous cargo area and smart configuration options. At 29.7 cubic feet, volume is generous for segment, and an innovative cargo cover can either slide up or retract completely. The air suspension allows you to lower the rear-end height for easier loading, and there's both a ski pass-through and 60/40-split flat-folding seatbacks.

In-cabin storage is decent, and there are felt- and rubber-lined door pockets that keep items from clanking around while you're on the road. Installing your child's car seat is relatively easy too, with flip-up seat anchors and enough space for two rear-facing seats.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The efficiency of Volvo's twin-charged 2.0-liter may match up with the competition by EPA standards, but it returned lower mpg numbers than we'd expect. The T6 engine is rated at 23 mpg (21 city/27 highway), and we average 22.7 mpg on our mixed-driving loop and 19.3 mpg over two weeks of driving.

Value

7.5/10

Is the XC60 a good value? Volvo's latest crop of vehicles has certainly elevated the brand's market position and that usually means an elevated price tag. That's true for the XC60, which is priced similarly to other European small luxury SUVs. But the good news is that the XC60 feels well worth the money and even offers you some optional features (such as integrated rear child-booster seats) that aren't typically found in rival models.

The build quality is excellent, and Volvo matches most segment competitors with its warranties. Scheduled maintenance coverage is typical for luxury vehicles at three years/36,000 miles, but roadside assistance is above average at four years/unlimited miles. Volvo also offers free towing for the life of the vehicle, a unique perk regardless of how much you've paid for your car.

Wildcard

8.0/10

We love what Volvo has done with the new XC60 even if it doesn't actually impress us from a dynamic standpoint. But it doesn't have to, because the majority of people buying this vehicle aren't often focused on dynamics first. User-friendly interfaces and driver aids make it easy to log miles, but it's not the car you'd choose first for a windy mountain road. That said, the design is strikingly good-looking.

Which XC60 does Edmunds recommend?

While the T5 engine will be powerful enough for most drivers, the T6 is considerably more fun. Its unusual supercharged and turbocharged layout gives the motor some character, and the punchy acceleration is quite pleasant. The Inscription costs just a bit more than the R-Design, but we appreciate its breadth of added luxury features over the R-Design's sportier setup. The Advanced package is a must-have if you want adaptive cruise control, and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system is expensive but exceptional.

2021 Volvo XC60 models

The 2021 Volvo XC60 is a small luxury SUV. It comes with one of three available powertrains that Volvo calls the T5, T6 or Recharge (last year's T8). These powertrains can then be matched to one of three trim levels that influence how many features the XC60 comes with. The trim levels are Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription.

The T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), while the T6 upgrades to a turbocharged and supercharged version of that engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque). The Recharge uses the same engine as the T6 but adds an electric motor and battery pack (combined 400 hp, 472 lb-ft). This is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows you to go about 19 miles on all-electric power before it switches over to regular gasoline power.

There is also a separate model called the XC60 Polestar Engineered, which gets a high-output version of the Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain. It puts out 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque.

An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. All T5 models come standard with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional), while all other XC60s come standard with all-wheel drive.

Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the XC60 Recharge)
This base trim level comes with:

18-inch alloy wheels
Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Panoramic sunroof
Hands-free tailgate
Auto-dimming mirrors
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Driver-seat memory settings
Heated front seats (AWD only)
Leather upholstery
9-inch touchscreen
10-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Advanced driving aids and safety features include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane
Rear cross-traffic alert (alert you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
Rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

There are numerous packages and stand-alone options available for the Momentum trim level. They include:

Premium package

Navigation system
Power-folding outboard rear headrests
Front parking sensors

Advanced package

Premium package
Ambient interior lighting
Wireless charging pad
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Volvo and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

Climate package

Heated front and rear seats
Heated steering wheel

19- or 20-inch wheels
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Integrated booster cushions for outboard rear seats
Air ionizer (helps further filter and clean air in the cabin)

R-Design
The R-Design is positioned as the sporty XC60. Upgrades over the base model include:

Premium package
19-inch wheels
Black exterior trim
Ambient interior lighting
Four-zone automatic climate control (T5 and T6 only)
Heated front sport seats with cloth bolstering
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Unless already included, the optional features listed above for the Momentum trim are available for the R-Design except the 20-inch wheels. Additional options include:

21-inch wheels
Air suspension (adapts to provide greater ride comfort or sportier handling)
15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system

Inscription
The Inscription offers more luxury features, building off the Momentum with these additions:

Premium package
19-inch wheels
Chrome exterior trim
Ambient interior lighting
Four-zone automatic climate control (T5 and T6 only)
Ventilated front seats
Upgraded leather upholstery
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Unless already included, all features on the Momentum/Inscription Expression trim are available for the Inscription. Additional options include:

Air suspension
15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system

Polestar Engineered
The Polestar Engineered starts with the R-Design's upgrades, along with an uprated version of the Recharge model's powertrain. It also includes:

Advanced package
21-inch wheels with summer performance tires
Brembo front brakes
Special Öhlins suspension dampers
Gold-colored seat belts
15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system

The only options available for the Polestar Engineered trim are 22-inch wheels and the integrated booster cushions.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#9 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo XC60 from 2008-2022.}

$650/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.44x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.8%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Volvo XC60.

5 (44%)

4 (20%)

3 (11%)

2 (8%)

1 (17%)

3.7

36 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 36 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Worst Car I've Ever Owned

RThompson, 12/14/2021

2021 Volvo XC60 T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)

I bought this Volvo XC60 T6 Momentum brand new in August 2021. My wife and I took a road trip the following week and after driving from San Fransisco back to Scottsdale- the car began to chug, decrease its speed and eventually died. Gratefully I was able to get to the side of the freeway unharmed. It took 2+ hours for a tow truck to arrive as we sat on the side of a busy freeway in … 100+ degree Arizona heat. It took the Volvo dealership 4 days before finally calling to tell me the car has a faulty fuel line that triggered it to shut down. It took another full week for a repair. Two weeks later as I was driving at 50 miles an hour the car began to shimmy and shake violently and began to stall. I was able to get to the dealership in 'limp mode'. It took them 2 full weeks to let me know the serpentine belt had shimmied off its track, broke and melted other components in the engine bay and they would need another 'week to 10 days' to repair it- it ended up taking 2 full weeks. They actually had to repair: the serpentine belt, the tensioner, the super-charger, and the a/c compressor. They told me that none of their mechanics or advisors had ' ever seen anything like it'. That of course does not engender a sense of confidence in the brand or its people. At this point I had owned the car for only 2 months and had been stranded twice and my car had been in the shop for over a month of that time. My wife noticed when we got the car back the second time that there was a squeaky sound coming from the infotainment center-we brought it in, 4 days later they call to say they couldn't find any noise. We picked the car up and drove home; all the way, listening to the horrible squeaking noise... And only 3 weeks after that, I was left stranded once again only to find out that the fuel pump and sensor needed to be replaced. All of these parts needing replacement after 2 months of ownership on a brand new vehicle?...I was incredulous. I have owned some very nice vehicles (Porsche. Jaguar, Land Rover) and can whole heartedly say that I am more than disappointed in this car. After a host of rather serious issues with a brand new car-and a lot of noises in the cabin due to fit issues; I expected better than that and called the Manager at the Volvo dealership to let him know. We felt the car fell under the Lemon Act and should be bought back by Volvo. I explained that neither my wife nor I felt any assurance we would not be stranded again. It was met with mild regard and I was told that Volvo would never buy my car back-but the dealership would be more than happy for us to trade that defunct XC60 in for ANOTHER ONE. I can't in good conscience recommend this car to anyone, as I feel we were not sold a product that one would expect after paying 50K. We have NEVER experienced a vehicle ridden with more issues than this one. At this price point you should expect a vehicle with sound mechanics and decent fit and finish throughout- which this XC60 has none of. I cannot say that we have been treated well by our Volvo dealership, Volvo itself nor do we have any confidence in the actual vehicle. I don't believe that they stand by their product and can say resolutely that we will never purchase another Volvo. If it were possible to give my Volvo experience zero stars- I would have...

Beautiful car, drives nicely, lots of issues.

Bill H., 03/19/2022

2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)

In Nov of 2021 I bought an XC60 recharge. Beautiful car, drove nicely, lots of issues. Dealer bought back three months later after 5 visits to the shop. 1 issue was related to mechanics…..a “driveline fault” related to the hybrid system. Maybe software related but unknown. Car would not drive more than 2 MPH. Self resolved two hours later. The cellular modem on the car failed 3-4 …

Good vehicle

Happy Camper, 01/19/2021

2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Want a SUV that feels solid, soaks up bumps, quiet, fast and economical? Get the Volvo XC60 with Inscription Trim and T5 engine. You won't miss the V6 or V8 with the turbocharged 2.0 liter engine and no you don't need the Polestar Package either. Comfort, ride, and elegance all neatly wrapped you in this AWD cage of safety. I've owned VW, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Subaru, Oldsmobile, …

Drive the XC60 now! Best in its class.

Phillip , 04/11/2021

2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I was test driving all the vehicles in the same class size as the XC60 and I can tell you without a doubt that this is the best option out there. To top it all off, it has the best features, best power in the base engine, best dealership experience, and is well known for being the safest car manufacturer. The fit and finish of every detail in the cabin is at the top of the segment. …

See all 36 reviews of the Volvo XC60

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2021 XC60 Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

T5 Momentum

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$214/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the XC60 models:

Oncoming Lane Mitigation: Helps avoid collisions by steering back into the lane if you cross a lane marking in the way of an oncoming vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist: Adjusts cruise control speed automatically in relation to the vehicle in front and supports the driver in keeping the car within the lane.
Driver Alert Control: Monitors steering inputs and senses if you're driving more erratically or have signs of drowsiness. Provides an audible warning and message.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Volvo XC60 Review

2021 Volvo XC60 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which XC60 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Volvo XC60 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Worst Car I've Ever Owned

Beautiful car, drives nicely, lots of issues.

Good vehicle

Drive the XC60 now! Best in its class.

2021 XC60 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}