Cargazing
By Derek Price
The first thing that stands out about the 2026 Volvo XC60 isn’t the speed or the screen inside, but the way it feels rolling down the road.
There is a reassuring heft to it, a sense of substance that is increasingly rare in a market obsessed with shaving pounds and chasing efficiency numbers at all costs.
That solidity works in the XC60’s favor. After a week of commuting, errands and longer highway drives, it consistently felt calm and confident.
The ride, especially with the optional air suspension, leans toward comfort without becoming floaty. You notice the weight in corners, but it never feels clumsy, and the steering is predictable even if it lacks sparkle.
The T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain brings a welcome layer of punch. With 455 horsepower on tap, the XC60 is genuinely quick when you lean into it.
Electric torque fills in gaps at low speeds, making city driving smooth and nearly silent. For short trips, it is easy to treat this like an EV, then let the gas engine take over on longer drives without planning charging stops.
The Volvo XC60 wears clean, confident styling with subtle updates for 2026.
That flexibility remains one of the XC60’s biggest selling points. The plug-in hybrid version suits buyers curious about electrification but not ready to go all-in on a fully electric SUV. During the week, most local driving happened on electric power alone, which made fuel stops feel almost optional.
Inside, the cabin continues to be one of the XC60’s strongest arguments.
Volvo’s seats are still among the best in the business. They are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable enough that long drives pass without fatigue. The optional massage function adds a touch of indulgence that feels appropriate at this price.
The interior design is airy and clean, with materials that feel premium without shouting for attention. The overall vibe is calm and Scandinavian, which will appeal to buyers who find some rivals overly busy.
The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is expensive, but it delivers crisp, powerful audio that matches the XC60’s upscale demeanor.
A bright, minimalist cabin highlights Volvo’s excellent seats and upgraded infotainment system.
For 2026, the most noticeable change is the updated infotainment system. It remains Google-based, and it works well. The interface is responsive, logical and enhanced by features like a 3D navigation view that adds visual flair without becoming distracting.
Beyond that, changes are subtle, including a revised grille, new wheel designs and additional paint choices.
That light-touch update strategy makes sense. The XC60 does not need reinvention. It is already Volvo’s most popular model and has now become the brand’s best-selling vehicle of all time, surpassing even the legendary 240 wagon. Its success comes from balance rather than boldness.
There are trade-offs. The price climbs quickly with options, and a nearly $80,000 test vehicle puts pressure on value when competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 offer strong alternatives. Some drivers may also want sharper handling or flashier tech.
Still, the XC60’s appeal lies in how well-rounded it feels. It looks good without being loud, performs well without demanding attention and delivers daily comfort with a quiet confidence.
It fits easily into real life, which helps explain why it resonates with so many buyers.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2026 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid ($70,950). Options: Climate package ($750), 21-inch wheels ($800), air suspension ($1,800), Bowers & Wilkins sound ($3,200), front seat massage ($600). Price as tested (including $1,295 destination charge): $79,395
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 112.8 in.
Length: 185.4 in.
Width: 78.7 in.
Height: 65.4 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder plus electric motors (combined 455 hp, 523 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG equivalent: 63 combined
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 6
Handling: 7
Ride: 8
Comfort: 9
Quality: 9
Overall: 8
WHY BUY IT?
The 2026 XC60 is a refined, flexible SUV that blends comfort, safety and everyday usability in a way few rivals match.