2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered
2022 Volvo XC60 Review
byMichael Cantu
Correspondent
Michael Cantu became an automotive enthusiast at an early age as one of those kids who could name just about every car on the road. After flipping cars for fun and dabbling in auto sales, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his automotive dreams.Pros
- Elegant interior design
- Spacious second-row seating
- Many standard driver assist features
- Plug-in hybrid's impressive power and electric range
Cons
- Touchscreen interface can be frustrating to use
What's new
- Slightly improved fuel economy thanks to new mild hybrid powertrains
- More range and power for plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge version (midyear update)
- Refreshed front styling
- New Google-based infotainment system
- Part of the second XC60 generation introduced for 2018
The luxury compact SUV segment is packed with excellent competitors from various premium brands, but the one Scandinavian model on the list doesn't blend in with its rivals. Since its 2018 redesign, the Volvo XC60 has set itself apart with its unique headlights and taillights, tasteful body lines, and an uncluttered, upscale interior made of high-quality materials. The Swede, though, doesn't have the handling chops of some of its rivals or the softest ride.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 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 $4.00 per gallon for premium unleaded and $0.15 per kWh for electricity in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$159/mo
XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered
vs
$217/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
As with most premium SUVs, the XC60 hauls the family around in comfort, provides a useful amount of cargo space, and comes standard with a long list of advanced driver aids such as automatic emergency braking and evasive steering assist. Sizewise, the XC60 slots in between the smaller XC40 and larger XC90 SUVs. The XC60 also has a performance variant like its German rivals (BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5) do. It's the Polestar Engineered model that's based on the plug-in hybrid Recharge T8 version.
For the 2022 model year, Volvo refreshed the XC60 with reworked front and rear fascias and updated engines. There's also a new Google-based infotainment system that features Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Under the hood, Volvo has added a new mild hybrid system to the XC60's engines. It helps to slightly improve fuel economy — by about 1-2 mpg compared to last year — and smooth out the engine automatic stop-start feature when you're at stoplights.
The XC60's plug-in hybrid model, the Recharge, also gets a midyear update that includes a higher-capacity battery and a more powerful rear electric motor. The combination provides more power — a heady 455 horsepower — plus the ability to drive around 36 miles on a full charge, which is quite good for a plug-in hybrid. Recharging frequently can really help reduce your use of gasoline.
Overall, we recommend the XC60 and find it a competitive choice among other small luxury SUVs including the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Which XC60 does Edmunds recommend?
Many people will be happy with the base but well-equipped Momentum trim because it has a lot to offer for the price. The R-Design is a decent choice as well considering its extra features and sportier look. Either way, make sure to get one with the optional Advance package if you want traffic-adaptive cruise control. As for the engines, the B5 has enough power for the average driver.
Volvo XC60 models
The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV. The base B5 engine is offered in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trims. The upgraded B6 engine can be paired with the R-Design or Inscription trim. The base trim for the plug-in hybrid Recharge model is the Inscription Expression trim, and the R-Design and Inscription trims are also available. The top Polestar Engineered trim gets some performance enhancements to complement the Recharge T8 powertrain. Here's what you need to know:
Edmunds' Test Track: Results and Specs
Edmunds
Tested
Tested
Driven by Reese Counts
6/27/2022
Vehicle tested
2022 Volvo XC60
- Style:
- T8 Polestar
- Drive type:
- All-Wheel Drive
- Engine type:
- Hybrid
- Transmission type:
- Automatic
- Tire season:
- All-Season
- Tested weight (lbs):
- 4,726
Performance results
- 0-60 mph (sec.):
- 4.7
- 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph):
- 13 @ 107.2
- 60-0 mph (ft.):
- 112
- Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g):
- 0.91
- Sound level @ idle (dB):
- 46.1 / 35.6
- Sound level @ 70 mph cruise (dB):
- 65.6
Driver’s Comments
- Acceleration:
- This was a bit unexpected in the best sort of way. Volvo updated its T8 powertrain for 2022, and the difference between this car and a 2021 XC60 T8 is immediately evident both on the street and at the test track. The 2022 car I tested was 0.6 second quicker to 60 mph than the previous model. There was an improvement in the quarter-mile time too, but most notable to me is the 2022 car's higher trap speed. There's more power at the top end, so the T8 Polestar feels quicker at highway speeds, great for passing. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is fairly smooth and linear, with plenty of low-end torque. In fact, there's enough there to spin the tires on the quickest run. That was done in the Polestar drive mode. Hold the brake and gas at the same time. The revs should hover around 2,000 rpm. That gets the turbo to build a bit of boost. Let go and the front tires will spin a little. They also have a smile-inducing chirp on the 1-2 upshift. Gives it character. There was a hint of torque steer, but it was nothing too egregious.
- Braking:
- I'm impressed with the braking results given the XC60's curb weight and all-season tires, so props to Volvo here. Braking distances were a little up and down, but they only varied by a few feet. The fifth stop was shorter than the first, so the tires and brakes didn't seem to mind a little heat either. The XC60 stops dead straight with a mild amount of nosedive. There's no real drama at all. The XC60 T8 uses a brake-by-wire system, typical of plug-in hybrids. The brake pedal feels firm and strong, though there's not much feedback. You also don't feel any pulsing from the antilock braking, though you can hear the system working.
- Handling:
- You can't disable stability control in the XC60, so the best run was done with the system on. That said, 0.91 g is pretty good for a luxury crossover with all-season tires. The stability control system is fairly relaxed in Polestar mode, so it's not hard to find the limit and hold it there without stability control cutting in and slowing you down. There's a mild amount of understeer; you can correct it by adjusting the throttle and holding the wheel steady. The small-diameter wheel is firm in Polestar mode, but I wouldn't call it too heavy. Not much feedback, but that's to be expected. My biggest complaint is body roll. There's more than I would expect from something with a Polestar badge, but it felt fine enough for a luxury SUV.
How do we test?
The instrumented testing at our test track is only one part of the Edmunds Rating process. Learn more
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2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered pricing
in Ashburn, VA
T8 Polestar Engineered
2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay
$65,768
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2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $70,595
- MPG & Fuel
- Electric + Gas (Combined City & Hwy): 57 MPGe
- Gas Only (Combined City & Hwy): 25 MPG
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. capacity
- EPA Battery & Range
- Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)This can be tough to pin down, but we assume for simplicity that the 240V power source will enable the vehicle's onboard charger to operate at full capacity, and that the battery is fully depleted and will be recharged to 100%. Given those assumptions, the value provided is simply the battery's capacity divided by the onboard charger's power rating. For example, a battery rated at 100 kWh will need 12.5 hours to recharge fully using an 8.0-kW charger.: 3.0 hr.
- EPA Electricity RangeThis value is the estimated number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA's testing methodology.: 18 mi.
- Gas Range in Miles (Cty/Hwy): 444.0/499.5 mi.
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 415 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 494 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 184.6 in. / Height: 65.3 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 83.3 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 4751 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 29.7 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite XC60 safety features:
- 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.
- Pilot Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control
- Adjusts cruise control speed automatically in relation to the vehicle in front and helps the driver keep the car within the lane.
- Driver Alert Control
- Monitors steering inputs and senses if you're driving more erratically or showing signs of drowsiness. Provides an audible warning and message.
Volvo XC60 vs. the competition
2022 Volvo XC60
2022 BMW X3
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a strong competitor that's very well rounded. It's so well rounded, the X3 doesn't excel in any category besides providing a fun driving experience, something the XC60 with either engine lacks. The XC60's interior has aged much better than the X3's, though, and its exterior has more style.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350
The RX 350 is one of the segment's best-sellers. Without a doubt, the RX 350 is more comfortable than the XC60, but it's not as fuel-efficient as the Volvo and offers fewer engine options. Both SUVs share high-quality interiors, a lot of standard advanced driver aids, and somewhat tricky-to-use infotainment systems.
Volvo XC60 vs. Genesis GV70
The all-new GV70 is the only rival in the segment with a more striking look. Not only does it have a more powerful base engine than the XC60, the South Korean luxury SUV also has a lower starting price. Like the XC60, the GV70 has a bouncy ride with larger wheels, but the Volvo's seats provide much more comfort.
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FAQ
Is the Volvo XC60 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 XC60 both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the XC60 has 29.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volvo XC60. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Volvo XC60?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Volvo XC60:
- Slightly improved fuel economy thanks to new mild hybrid powertrains
- More range and power for plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge version (midyear update)
- Refreshed front styling
- New Google-based infotainment system
- Part of the second XC60 generation introduced for 2018
Is the Volvo XC60 reliable?
To determine whether the Volvo XC60 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the XC60. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the XC60's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Volvo XC60 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Volvo XC60 is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 XC60 is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Volvo XC60?
The least-expensive 2022 Volvo XC60 is the 2022 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $69,500.
Other versions include:
- T8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $69,500
What are the different models of Volvo XC60?
If you're interested in the Volvo XC60, the next question is, which XC60 model is right for you? XC60 variants include T8 Polestar Engineered 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of XC60 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
