For years, Volvo’s much-deserved claim to fame was their peerless safety features rather than sexy lines as the boxy rides resembled rolling security-laden refrigerators. Not the most alluring silhouettes, but at least you had a great chance of arriving in one piece.
Thankfully, Volvo designers have heard the shouts of customers demanding their safety in beautiful packages. Good on them.
The 2026 XC60 T8 AWD PLUG IN HYBRID SUV checks all the boxes for those desiring classy luxury, security, wonderful technology and yes, beauty. The tester’s Ultra trim is the highest option is the three packages and provides plenty of luxurious enjoyment. It honestly exudes excellent luxury value versus its lofty competitors.
Skin
The XC60 in Crystal White offers some serious good-looking chops up against a highly competitive upscale SUV market. The exterior exudes a clean, elegant appearance with a hint of drama. Outrageously sexy “Thor’s Hammer” headlights (auto high beams!) illuminate the road and rotate when turning. Sightlines offer a fresh SUV appearance from any angle and a blunt front allows Volvo to satisfy European pedestrian impact regulations. The rear includes dramatic vertical LED brake lights and dual chrome exhausts.
20” 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels and all-season rubber provide a cushy and responsive ride. The low-profile roof rails look great. Thus, the overall shape and trim deliver some sexy panache with a look that’ll hold up for years.
Performance
The 2026 XC60 T8’s 2.0-liter direct-injection engine combined with the electric motor is stout. 455 hp and 523 lb.-ft. of torque zips the 4,400-pound ride from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. That dual-charged power with an additional 48-volt mild hybrid battery adding 13 hp delivers admirable smoothness and pep for the targeted audience along with an imperceptible auto-stop that’s a blessing in stop-and-go traffic. And the impeccable AWD with Traction Control is a joy when confronted with inclement weather. Ride quality is tuned for comfort soaking up road imperfections — even with the tester’s attractive 22” Matte Black rims. Yet, it handles quite well when getting frisky in turns.
Thus, the XC60 is a terrific cruiser soaking up the highway miles. It’s quiet, confident with plenty of oomph to wow drivers and passengers. The mild-hybrid battery adds noticeable acceleration boosts when desired.
You’ll notice the engine bay is far larger than the engine. As usual, Volvo used safety-first thinking to allow a good distance buffer between engine, bumper and cabin for reducing collision calamities. Genius.
Off-road mode for low speeds (up to 25 mph) improves the vehicle’s traction and handling in difficult terrain, steep gradients and poor roads. The 8.5” clearance is decent enough and speed is dictated by the acceleration pedal without the need for braking.
Gas mileage is good for this category at 23/28. Plus, you can go battery-only for approximately 31 miles before the gas kicks in. The range of approximately 560 miles is outstanding.
Cabin
Everything about the serene interior is superb — especially for a two-row people hauler. Creature comforts abound in the spacious cocoon with its ultra-clean layout. Soft-touch materials, Driftwood inlays, attractive trim and a perfectly formed steering wheel will delight the inhabitants. Think high-end IKEA and one of my favorite interiors.
The 12.3” TFT Instrumentation is clear and attractive. Several ambient lighting choices will accentuate your every mood. Plus, the wiper fluid is dispensed through the wipers themselves, thus no more annoying overspray when cleaning the windshield. The overhead 360-surround view camera view is handy for tight parking.
Some might think it cumbersome to access nearly all the tasks via the touchscreen tablet, but the Google Assist voice activation ably grants your wishes in quick order.
Volvo spent seven years redesigning the Zero Gravity seats with renowned chiropractors resulting in near perfection to erase or ease pressure points to endure long voyages. In fact, the XC60 automatically braces the passengers if the car goes airborne or detects an imminent crash from behind. Safety plus!
A large double-panoramic moon roof provides oodles of headroom and looms above abundant rear seating. Graduated stadium seating allows all passengers excellent views. Drivers can also fold down all the rear headrests when traveling alone with one button for increased visibility. Finally, a mere sweep of your foot underneath the bumper opens and closes the trunk lid for entry into a spacious cargo area (22.0 cu. ft. with the rear seats up/63 cu. ft. folded down).
A refreshing Air Purification System is now included in the Plus trim. Two USB-C ports occupy the front and rear. Optional built-in booster seats in the rear are terrific for parents ($500).
The Ultra trim brings Head Up Display, Nappa Leather vented and massaging seats, 22” rims, adaptive air suspension, crystal gearshift, and quieting laminated glass.
Tech check
The XC60 now uses the much-improved Sensus Technology for its infotainment system. The 11.2” vertical touchscreen tablet is sublime and so intuitively easy to swipe and scroll. In fact, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto most of your apps are displayed so there’s little to learn. In addition, Volvo incorporates voice-activated Google Assistant that is twice as fast as the previous system to access directions, car commands and even provides jokes.
Given it’s a Volvo, there is a plethora (nearly an entire column) of very worthy safety features. So much that the NHTSA awarded its highest 5-Star rating. The Lane Departure firmly brings you back when weaving while ignoring the lane signal. For grins, I drove over three miles hands free on the Tollway with nary a concern but plenty of admiration.
Audio availability is either a capable base 10-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system or the euphoric 14-speaker 1,100-watt crystal-clear Bowers & Wilkins studio blowtorch ($3,200).
The 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid is an extraordinary ensemble embodying luxury, driving chops, unparalleled safety and cutting-edge technology. Thus, it’s the epitome of what a customer desires to arrive safely while coddled in luxurious appointments inside a striking figure with stupendous acceleration. You’d be wise to give it a go when looking for a terrific SUV that checks all the boxes.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: More than two
Curb Appeal: Modern and timelessly attractive
0-60: 4.4 sec
Mileage: 23/28. Observed 24.5 overall with 560-mile range
Must-Haves: Plus or Ultra package
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles, Complimentary Factory
Maintenance: Three years/36,000 miles
Base Price: $70,950
Price as Tested: $80,310
Who Buys It? Families desiring unparalleled safety and upscale comfort
Finish Line: A terrific vehicle that checks just about the entire wish list
Test-drive the 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid at Crest Cars in Frisco.