The 2023 Volvo XC60 AWD Ultimate: First Drive
Volvo's mid-size SUV is stylish but showing its age.
The 2023 Volvo XC60 is a mid-size crossover with just a bit of Volvo's stylish flair. Ever since the automaker was bought by the Geely, the Chinese conglomerate, it has been empowered to build stylish cars that march to their own beat.
While the XC60 starts at a relative bargain price of $43,450, this particular car–a Recharge AWD Ultimate with options–came in at $74,690, a lot of money for a car in this class. That means it falls in direct competition with high-end versions of the Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Mercedes GLC, and more. In some cases, it costs far more than those cars.
These mid-size crossovers have become ubiquitous, the go-to cars for families and people who used to be the prime market for sedans and wagons. The Volvo is an attractive entry at a decent price point, but it's starting to show its age in more ways than one.
What's New for 2023
In terms of the big ticket items like design and powertrains, the 2023 XC60 is broadly similar to the 2022 version. For 2023, Volvo renamed its trim levels for 2023, with Core, Plus, and Ultimate replacing Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. There are also light and dark color themes available that change the exterior colors and some trim.
What We Think
In terms of looks, the XC60 is elegant and refined. It's one of the best looking cars in its class, with a distinct face as well as the tall vertical taillights that have been part of the tall Volvo DNA for decades.
The interior is handsome, if a bit dated, with nice touch points and a newer Android-based center stack that is easy to operate once you're used to it.
Driving is a different story. If you're looking for something fast, fun and engaging, you're best served by going elsewhere. The steering is light and aloof, the engine feels agricultural at any speed and hybrid integration can feel haphazard. Volvo's future is all-electric, and the XC60 will absolutely benefit from that changeover. For now, though, if you have to get a powerful small crossover, the R&T team would go for the Porsche Macan S, which is fun to drive and costs about the same as this Volvo.
Pros
- Attractive design both inside and out
- Fuel efficient with decent electric-only range
- Infotainment nicely integrates Google apps
Cons
- Driving experience is not what we're looking for
- It feels heavy and can ride harshly
- It's six years old and starting to show its age, particularly in the powertrain
Performance
If you're looking for a fuel efficient crossover that is comfortable in most conditions, then the XC60 will suit you. But if you're looking something quicker that provides even a flutter of performance intent, look elsewhere.
This T8 AWD Ultimate has 455 hp and 523 lb-ft from the combination of its 2.0-liter twin-charged inline-four and electric motor. It feels like half that. The issue is the hybrid integration under hard acceleration from a standstill, which feels sudden and jarring. You might even hear what sounds like tire squeal as you pull away.
It feels heavy in corners, and the steering is feather light and aloof. On unimproved pavement, which is much of our nation, the ride can be harsh. That's thanks to the weight of the batteries.
Features and Specs
The XC60 Ultimate is the top of the range for this crossover, so that means it has everything. Since it is a plug-in hybrid, it has 35 miles of all-electric range when fully charged. The combined system output is 455 hp, which is a lot for the class.
There's a Harmon Kardon sound system, surround cameras, parking sensors, a 12.3 inch center screen, digital dash, and Volvo's Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control, among other gadgets.
Pricing
This is not a cheap car. Starting price is near as makes no difference $67,000 and this model was optioned up to $73,690. The breakdown can be seen in the window sticker above.
Interior
Volvo takes inspiration from its Swedish compatriots at Ikea here, with simple lines, clean surfaces, and a minimalist feel. There are some hard plastics on the doors, but otherwise it's quite nice. The Orrefors crystal shift knob is a cool touch. The gauges are digital and have a simple layout. It'd be nice for them to be slightly more reconfigurable, but they do a fine job as is.
The front seats are highly adjustable and comfortable, though some more bolstering and support would be welcome.
Back Seat
Plenty of room back here for adults, and a car seat will fit just fine. The seats were also heated, a nice touch for the winter.
Cargo Space/Trunk
There's plenty of room for things like groceries or a stroller in the back, and the rear seats split fold to create a 63.3-cubic-foot cargo area.
Exterior
Like all small crossovers, in profile the XC60 kind of blends in to the pack, but there is some nice detailing here. The front end is attractive, with unique LED running lights in the headlights. Somehow, the traditional Volvo logo still feels modern as well. It flies under the radar, less in your face and aggressive than so many other crossovers on the market. In the suburbs, you'll blend in.
Engine
The engine feels out of its depth. The 2.0 liter turbo- and supercharged unit can be loud and gruff under acceleration, and has an agricultural feel to it. For something with 455 hp when the hybrid system is taken into account, it just doesn't feel all that fast, either. This can't go electric soon enough.
Comfort
For the most part, the ride is supple and smooth, and while cruising the XC60 is a model of comfort. On rough roads and under heavier acceleration, though, that comes apart. The ride can't deal with ruts and bumps well, making it jarring. Under acceleration, the gearbox and engine seem to be unable to communicate, creating a subpar experience.
Technology
Volvo goes to Google for an Android-based infotainment system, and it's easy to use and has Google Maps built in, which is great. There's also an excellent Harman Kardon stereo. There's also a suite of cameras and sensors for parking, which always come in handy. Volvo's Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control was one of the earliest systems people called semi-autonomous, but it's really just advanced cruise control and works reasonably well.
Safety
Volvo has a long reputation for safety, and the XC60 is no different, earning five stars in NHTSA's front crash test.
Wrapping Up
This generation XC60 debuted as a 2018 model. In many ways it's still excellent. However, its roots can be found in the XC90, Volvo's first product after being acquired by Geely, and that debuted in 2014. Much of the XC60, particularly the interior and the engine, are from that car. The drivetrain feels dated; there aren't many ways to make a 2.0 liter four refined, elegant, and this powerful. And with Volvo heading directly towards electrification, the chances of this engine being replaced by something new before the XC60 goes out of production are slim. The center stack and gauges are also showing their age, so a full interior refresh would be welcome.
The hope is that there'll be an electric XC60 replacement soon, just like how the XC90 will have an EV counterpart in the EX90 next year. For now, though, if you want an elegant crossover with a reputation for safety that gets good mileage, the XC60 is still a decent choice.
Travis is an editor at Road & Track. He was previously the Editor-in-Chief of Jalopnik.com and is a little too fond of the Mazda Miata.
The Only Driver To Ever Complete Le Mans Alone
The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor Is the One to Get
The Lamborghini Countach Is the Best-Kept Vintage
The Alfa Romeo Tonale Makes Me Want More