This 2021 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.
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.
This 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription is a locally traded SUV finished in sleek white with charcoal leather interior. With all-wheel drive and a respons...
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Volvo XC60 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
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
8/10
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
6/10
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
8/10
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.
2021 Volvo XC60 trim level differences
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. Compare the 2021 Volvo XC60 trim levels in-depth.
Which XC60 trim 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.
The 2021 Volvo XC60 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #9 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above 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
$650/yr
vs. $559/yr for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
1.44x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
7.8%
vs. 8.6% for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
5 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V179000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
R10312
Manufactured from:
2019-06-04 to 2021-11-29
Number of vehicles affected:
7483
Defect Description:
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Defect Consequence:
A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
Recall Number:
23V001000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
R10213
Number of vehicles affected:
74
Defect Description:
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
Defect Consequence:
A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
Recall Number:
21V716000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
R10120
Number of vehicles affected:
9
Defect Description:
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
Defect Consequence:
Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
Recall Number:
21V682000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
R10111
Number of vehicles affected:
19149
Defect Description:
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Recall Number:
21V001000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
R10068
Number of vehicles affected:
2883
Defect Description:
Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
Defect Consequence:
A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10068.
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...
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 … times causing the navigation system to freeze and “stick” in locations I had been at previously then after 5-10 days would randomly resolve. Also remote start worked less than 50% of the time when I owned. Also, the car routinely got less than 14 miles on the battery. Pros….drives nicely. Nice looking. Nice interior. Nice acceleration. Volvo customer service was not helpful at all. Dealer was awesome. Good chance this was largely a software issue. Car not ready for prime time. Disappointing.
Want a SUV that feels solid, 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 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, Jeep, and Cadillac. Lows: … touchscreen display, air-conditioning is weak, needs more sound proofing.
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. … Lexus does have a little bit more softer door panels and dashes, but as far as the wood trim and fit and finish overall the Volvo is the winner. The cargo room is a little bit down on size compared to some of its competitors but it’s great usable space.
The features that come on the inscription model along with some of the packages available are an incredible value. Everything is super practical and easy to use. The safety technology is so much better than Infiniti and Lexus. The only thing that I would change is making the around view cameras the default when you put the car in reverse. It is a little cumbersome sometimes the switch from the back up camera to the 360° view which is the most convenient feature.
Volvo also offers the best app experience for remote start, maintenance, vehicle location, and any other details you would want to know about your car. Plus they include it free for four years. My friends and family are super surprised at far Volvo has come along over the years. The XC60 is a true luxury stand out.
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