2023 Volvo XC60 Review

German carmakers have dominated the luxury SUV market for a long time. While these vehicles have carved out a niche in the class, there has been a certain sameness that ties them all together. For those looking to break the mold, there are a few options, and the 2023 Volvo XC60 is one of them.

The XC60 stands out from the rest of the class with its unique Scandinavian design. Its clean, almost minimal exterior styling could never be mistaken for a BMW or Benz. Inside, the sophisticated cabin can be optioned with some unique upholstery options, including a very attractive wool blend fabric. There are also several engine choices, from economical mild hybrids to a powerful plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 35 miles on battery power alone.

Since the XC60 is a Volvo, safety plays a big part. You get all of the expected advanced safety features as standard equipment, while excellent crash test scores provide further assurance. It's even been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For 2023, the trim levels have been renamed and their features have been slightly revised. The plug-in hybrid model also gains more power and EV range.

Overall, the 2023 Volvo XC60 is an intriguing and stylish alternative to the established BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It's not as exciting to drive, at least in the mild hybrid lineup, but if you're in the market for a family-friendly vehicle, that's likely not a huge concern. There's also the brash Genesis GV70, representing the value leader in the segment. If you're considering any of these vehicles, you should give the XC60 a close look, especially the plug-in hybrid Recharge variant.

The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV that is offered in four trim levels: Base, Plus, Ultimate and Polestar Engineered. There are also three exterior choices: Base, Dark and Bright, with the Base aligned with the trim level and the Dark (blacked-out exterior accents) and Bright (Chrome/metallic exterior accents) available on higher trim levels. These trims are the same with the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid model.