Is the Volvo XC60 a Smart Hybrid Buy?
The Volvo XC60 underwent major under the hood changes in order to make the vehicle a hybrid, contributing to Volvo’s goal of being fully electric by 2025.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Volvo has long been associated with building the safest vehicles, but they are also aiming to become the greenest car brand. The company has made some
key innovations in electric cars
, and their popular XC60 is starting to attract hybrid
drivers. The Swedish carmaker has long attracted families who want premium safety with a touch of luxury. While the Volvo XC60 is currently in mid-generation status, it did undergo a major redesign under the hood.
Meet the Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 first debuted in 2008 to accompany the 60 Series of automobiles. Unlike the S60 or V60, the CX60 is much larger, offering plenty of cargo and passenger space.
The first generation of the Volvo was only available in gas or diesel, but the second generation would start to offer hybrid options.
Today, Volvo has an aggressive strategy to go electric. They want 50% of all company sales to be fully electric by 2025. This goal resulted in big changes for the Volvo XC60.
Despite being mid-generation, Volvo scraped the old T5 and T6 engine options in favor of the B5, B6, and T8. Essentially, the only powertrain option for a 2022 Volvo XC60 is hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
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What are the specs of the Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 is available in seven different trims, offering a lot of variety for drivers. The lower-tier trims come with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 48-volt hybrid system. Combined, this powertrain generates 247 hp, as reported by
Edmunds
. If you prefer the plug-in hybrid variety, then the Volvo XC60 Recharge is for you. It uses the same gas engine as the lower trims, but is paired with a set of electric motors and generates up to 455 hp. The electric battery only has a range of 35 miles, so don't expect huge savings in gas costs if you have a long commute.
MORE: Best Hybrids for 2021: Toyota and Honda Make Up the Top 4
How the XC60 compares to other hybrids
Even with the engine change, the Volvo XC60 maintains the reputation of the Volvo brand. Critics may point out that the XC60 isn't as fun or stylish as other luxury SUVs, but no one would argue that the XC60 lacks standard safety features.
The Volvo XC60 has an impeccable 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and for good reason. It comes fully stocked with the latest safety features that would normally be add-ons with other cars. Specifically, it excels with automated features.
Every XC60 comes with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, making it a great option for kid-packed suburbs. For highway driving, the Volvo CX60 comes with a lane departure warning system that is accompanied by lane-keeping assistance.
Should you take your Volvo CX60 on a long road trip, you'll find the semi-autonomous cruise control driving to be quite helpful. Every Volvo CX60 comes with all-wheel drive, making it easy to plow through the snow or rain.
MORE: Hybrids Have Been Around a Lot Longer Than You Think
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