2023 (72) Volvo XC60 2.0 T6 [350] RC PHEV Core Bright 5dr AWD Gtron

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

In 2021, the second generation Volvo XC60, which had first been launched in 2017, got the first of two facelifts, creating the 2021-2025-era version of this premium mid-sized SUV model that we're going to look at here. Think of this kind of posh crossover from this period and you probably think of something German - maybe also a Jaguar or Lexus product. We'd also suggest though, that this elegant and beautifully crafted second generation XC60 is in this form well worth a look, proof that in Sweden, they build SUVs just a little differently. Safe, efficient, clever, practical and stylish, it's yet another model that re-established this Scandinavian maker as a credibly prestigious automotive brand.

History

Once, Volvo was a car maker primarily specialising in spacious estates and solid, safe saloons. By the beginning of this century's third decade, that wasn't true any more. By then, the brand was building far fewer cars of that sort with the majority of its business instead done in selling SUVs - cars like this XC60. Volvo launched the second generation version of this model in 2017, replacing an extremely successful predecessor, then in 2021 this SUV was lightly updated to create the car we're going to look at here. Like the model that inspired it, the second generation version of the larger XC90, this XC60 uses the 2.0-litre 'Drive-E' engines and 'SPA' 'Scalable Product Architecture' platform that Chinese brand owner Geely bankrolled for all mid and large-sized Volvo models from this period to use: the smaller XC40 model uses a much less sophisticated 'CMA' 'Compact Modular Architecture' chassis. That more compact car is essentially a family hatch with Crossover cues. This one in contrast, had to be in every way a proper SUV, offering everything you get in a prestigious XC90 but in a slightly more compact five-seat package. It needed to be good, given the quality of competition in this period in the premium-badged segment of the mid-sized SUV market where this XC60 had to compete. Back in 2021, BMW's X3, Audi's Q5 and the Mercedes GLC remained this Volvo's default class competitors, but some likely customers were also looking at rivals like the Jaguar F-PACE, the Lexus NX and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio - maybe also the Range Rover Velar and the Genesis GV70: all represented tempting alternatives in this class. Which is why by 2021, this second generation XC60 had evolved quite a lot over the original version launched in 2017. The light visual facelift four years into production brought with it a clever Android-based infotainment system. And by 2021 there were two PHEV models, the T6 and the T8, both with larger drive batteries and more powerful rear electric motors. Volvo saw these as a better option than black pump fuel, so in Autumn 2023, diesel variants were removed from sale. The post-2021 version of this MK2 XC90 was further updated in late 2025, but it's the first facelift 2021-2025-era versions we look at here as a used buy.

What You Get

If you like the look of this XC60, you'll probably be one of those people who already liked the shapely lines of the second generation version of its larger XC90 stablemate. Much of the same design language is, after all, carried directly over, creating a sleek, distinctly Scandinavian SUV that isn't particularly flashy but delivers an understated, confident demeanour that potential buyers will like. The main visual updates with the 2021 facelift were applied at the front, where the grille was lightly updated. More noticeable were the more upright corner cut-outs and the more prominent lower intake. Inside up-front, take a look around and at first glance, if you happen to be familiar with the earlier 2017-2020- version of this MK2 XC60 design, you might initially think that not much changed with this revised model - though actually, the 9-inch Android-based Centre Console Touch Screen fitted as part of this update was completely different, 'designed to seamlessly blend into your digital lifestyle', whatever that means. The system gives quick and easy access to Google services and apps, including Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice recognition and the Google Play Store for installing a wide range of apps for in-car use. Through the rather ugly three-spoke wheel, you view another screen, Volvo's 12.3-inch 'Progressive Driver Display'. But it's not just about technology in this cabin. Volvo says that when creating interiors, it applies the same principles that you would when designing a living room. High-quality materials, intelligent use of space and attention to detail work together to create a distinctly Scandinavian cabin that's simple and elegant, with layer upon layer of chrome and beautifully stitched leather. In the back, there's decent space for shoulders and heads and the kind of room for knees and legs that you'd expect from an SUV 4.7-metres in length. A really unique touch lies with the concealed storage compartments under the rear seat bases which are just the right size to store electronic devices, like a tablet, out of sight. The standard power-operated tailgate can adjust to suit the height of your garage ceiling. When raised, it reveals a cargo area that in a conventionally-engined B5 model would be rated at 483-litres - or 613-litres if you were to load up to the roof. The Plug-in Hybrid variant loses a bit from those figures because of its underfloor battery - 468-litres, or 598-litres if you load up to the roof. Once you've flattened everything, on the conventionally-engined B5 model up to 1,410-litres of total capacity will be revealed - that's if you load to the roof. It's up to 1,395-litres with the PHEV variant.

What to Look For

Most of the MK2 XC60 owners we surveyed were very happy with their cars - but inevitably there were a few issues. One owner had problems with the parking sensors and the stop/start system, so check that these features work properly on your test drive. Quite a few electrical and software issues were reported too, so go thoroughly over all the powered and infotainment functions of the car you're looking at. The Android Automotive Operating System can suffer from screen freezing, navigation issues and slow responses. The mild hybrid and PHEV variants are sensitive to low voltage, leading to electrical issues and, in a few cases, to battery failure. Older PHEVs can return very low EV mileage, so check this out. And make sure the charging lead is in good working order and the car recharges properly. Some of the engines have had oil consumption issues. Look out for creaking noises from the suspension - a sign of worn control arm bushings or rear spring problems. Some owners have reported cabin rattles and panel gaps. The powered tailgate has been known to fail. And the sunroof drains can get blocked, leading to water infiltration into the cabin. It's unlikely the XC60 will have been used arduously off road, but check the underside just in case. The big alloy wheels are very susceptible to kerbing. The more powerful models have quite an appetite for front tyres so check there's some life left in the rubber. As usual, check the alloys for kerb scuffing and the rear of the cabin and the boot for damage caused by unruly kids or awkwardly-shaped luggage.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2023 XC90 T8 PHEV - ex-VAT autodoc.co.uk) An oil filter costs in the £5-£14 bracket and an air filter will cost in the £10-£33 bracket. A front brake pad set sits in the £29-£55 bracket for a set. A rear brake pad set sits in the £14-£54 bracket for a set. A front brake disc set sits in the £44-£77 bracket for a set. A rear brake disc set sits in the £45-£50 bracket for a set. A fuel filter is in the £17-£27 bracket. Wiper blades sit in the £7-£13 bracket. A front axle shock absorber is in the £83-£151 bracket. An alternator is around £1,048.

On the Road

If you were to place entertaining driving dynamics as a priority for your premium-badged mid-sized SUV, then let's be honest, this Volvo probably wouldn't be the first model you'd turn to. But you shouldn't gauge from that an expectation that this XC60 will be a complete duffer when the road turns twisty. It's very far from that, this model described as 'confident and predictable', which is what we found it to be and precisely what most likely buyers will want it to be. There's unruffled poise and exemplary refinement, plus you get supple standards of ride comfort from the multi-link rear suspension and top variants have the 'Active Four-C' adaptive damping and air suspension package. A standard 'Drive Mode Settings' driving dynamics system allows you to tailor throttle response, steering feel and shift timings from the standard 8-speed auto gearbox to suit the way you want to drive. If you do decide to push on a bit, grip and traction are actually quite impressive aided by the standard AWD system, while cornering body roll is also decently well controlled. All the engines on offer are of a 2.0-litre, four cylinder configuration and come bolted to the same stiff, sophisticated 'SPA' chassis that also underpins Volvo's larger XC90 model. By 2021, the brand was busy banishing diesel power, hoping instead to convert customers to the merits of the kind of Plug-in Hybrid XC60 model. There are two PHEV variants, badged 'T6' or the top 'T8', both of which were considerably upgraded as part of this model's mid-term update. Volvo increased the battery size from 11.6 to 18.8kWh, facilitating an EV drive range up to around 50 miles; and rear electric motor output was enhanced from 87 to 145hp. This motor supplements the output of the 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine that both these Recharge variants share and contributes to prodigious power outputs - 350hp for the T6 and 455hp for the T8. If you really don't want to plug your XC60 in, there's a B5 petrol version with a more conventional version of the 'Drive-E' 2.0-litre turbo engine, in the case of this updated model embellished with 48V mild hybrid tech. The B5 is CO2-rated at up to 181g/km; for the Recharge PHEV models, that drops to between 22 and 25g/km.

Overall

For quite a number of buyers, this improved post-2021-era second generation XC60 will represent exactly the way a premium mid-sized SUV should look, should feel and should operate. And, like its larger XC90 stablemate, it delivers something refreshingly different to what's on offer from obvious rivals. So there's plenty to like. The brand's chosen four cylinder 2.0-litre 'Drive-E' engine formula offers everything you need and nothing you don't in this class of car. The Android infotainment system added as part of this 2021 update was cutting-edge for this era. The Recharge T8 variant delivers the kind of power in a plug-in hybrid that rivals from this era struggle to match. And the inclusion of a still segment-leading range of standard-setting safety features showed just what could be achieved in this regard by an SUV of this kind.