Volvo manufactures several SUVs capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, but only the XC90 comes with a hitch as standard equipment. If your model doesn’t, you can order a hitch from Volvo or install an aftermarket hitch.

Volvo has been synonymous with safety and Scandinavian functionality for decades, but several of its recent additions to the SUV and crossover segment have moved it into the realm of towing utility as well. In most cases, though, you’ll need to add equipment to turn your Volvo into a towing machine.

Finding the right towing equipment can be a challenge, which is why

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Volvo car insurance

as well!

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Which Volvos come with a trailer hitch?

While many Volvos are rated for towing, only the XC90 comes with a standard trailer hitch. This nifty retractable hitch keeps the tow bar and ball out of the way when it’s not in use. That means no more catching the hitch with your knee or shin!

For the rest of Volvo’s lineup of tow-rated vehicles, you’ll need to purchase some accessories. In most cases, you’d need to pick up both a trailer hitch and a ball mount. The hitch is what actually attaches to your vehicle’s undercarriage, while the ball is what you hook your trailer, bike rack, and so forth onto.

Luckily, most of Volvo’s tow packages include both the hitch and ball. You’ll only need to purchase a separate ball for the V60 and V90, while you’ll only need to purchase a ball for the XC90.

Prices and towing capacity vary across Volvo models, so we’ve put together a table to show you just how much you can tow behind your Volvo and how much you should expect to pay for the accessories to do so.

Model	Maximum towing capacity	Trailer hitch price	Ball mount price	Hitch cap price
2022 C40 Recharge	3,970 lbs	$1,109.67	Included	N/A
2022 V60 Cross Country	2,000 lbs	$1,138.46	$142.79	N/A
2022 XC40	3,500 lbs	$846.81	Included	N/A
2022 XC40 Recharge	2,000 lbs	$854.71	Included	N/A
2022 XC60	3,500 lbs	$1,161.57–$1,214.31	Included	N/A
2022 XC90	5,000 lbs	N/A	$142.79	N/A
2022 V90 Cross Country	3,500 lbs	$1,207.88	$142.79	N/A

Note that prices are approximate and subject to change.

Can you put a hitch on a Volvo S60?

You probably noticed certain Volvo models missing from the table above. We’ve only included information for Volvo models the manufacturer has rated for towing.

Why, you ask? Because, even though any vehicle can technically tow at least some weight, those that are rated for towing have a chassis and powertrain that has been manufactured specifically to accept the load. That means that towing something behind a non-tow-rated vehicle can result in both body and powertrain damage.

MORE:Volvo S60 towing capacity

How to pick a Volvo trailer hitch

So, let’s say you already have a tow-rated Volvo, and you want to install the equipment needed to put it to work. Of course, you could take it to the dealer and have them install the manufacturer’s recommended rig, but that can get expensive. Luckily, you’ve got some other options available to you as well.

While there are actually three different types of trailer hitches you can add to a vehicle, we’re focusing on receiver hitches here. These are the hitches that attach directly to the rear of your vehicle’s frame.

Genuine Volvo trailer hitches vs. aftermarket hitches for Volvo

Before you run out and pick up the cheapest aftermarket hitch you can find, let’s consider the benefits of going with genuine Volvo materials versus the benefits of going with aftermarket parts.

Obviously, cost savings are going to be a big part of what drives many to go with aftermarket equipment over manufacturers’ materials. In some cases, going with aftermarket parts can save you up to $1,000 on towing equipment. It’s pretty easy to find aftermarket tow packages for your Volvo on the interwebs, but remember that buying OEM parts from the manufacturer will always be the best way to ensure you get quality parts that won’t damage your vehicle.

Intro to trailer classes

The first thing you’ll need to look for when shopping for an aftermarket hitch for your Volvo is trailer class. Your hitch’s class determines the amount of weight it can haul:

Class I: Up to 2,000 lbs

Class II: 2,000 to 3,500 lbs

Class III: 3,500 to 8,000 lbs

Class IV: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs

Class V: 10,000 to 25,000 lbs

Remember, even if you buy a Class V trailer hitch, that doesn’t mean your Volvo can suddenly pull a mobile home across the country. Your vehicle’s towing capacity is a combination of both equipment and powertrain. Your Volvo’s powertrain can’t handle more than Class II weight in most cases, which means you'll be limited to towing things like small pop-up campers and small boats.

The XC90 and C40 Recharge are the only Volvos that reach a Class III rating (and the C40 just barely makes it). This means you can tow a medium-sized camper or a small utility trailer (like a U-Haul) behind these models.

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The best Volvo XC60 trailer hitch

The XC60 is one of Volvo’s smaller crossovers, but it can tow up to 2,000 pounds. This means you’ll need to look for a Class I hitch.

The OEM option ($1,214.31):

2022 Volvo XC60 Trailer Hitch with Air Suspension and Accessory Exterior Styling Kit

(Part No. Kit024)

The aftermarket option ($1,117):

Stealth 2018-2022 Volvo XC60 & XC60 Hybrid Trailer Hitch Combo Package

The best Volvo XC40 trailer hitch

A Volvo XC40 can two up to 3,500 pounds, so you’ll be looking for either a Class II or Class III hitch, depending on what you plan to haul.

The OEM option ($846.81):

2022 Volvo XC40 Trailer Hitch

(Part No. Kit105)

The aftermarket option ($192.69):

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver

MORE:

Volvo XC90 towing capacity

The best Volvo V90 Cross Country trailer hitch

Like the XC40, the V90 Cross Country can haul up to 3,500 pounds, so either a Class II or Class III hitch will work.

The OEM option ($1,207.88):

2022 Volvo V90CC Trailer Hitch for Cars with Electric Rear Seat Folding

(Part No. L101SAN000)

The aftermarket option ($231.99):

CURT 13305 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

The best Volvo C40 Recharge trailer hitch

Like many all-electric vehicles, the C40 Recharge sports a pretty impressive towing capacity of up to 3,970 pounds. This means you’ll be looking for a Class III hitch.

The OEM option ($1,109.67):

2022 Volvo C40 Trailer Hitch

(Part No. Kit118)

The aftermarket option ($1,090):

Volvo C40 Recharge Invisible Towbar

MORE:

How many miles can a Volvo last

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How to install a trailer hitch on a Volvo

Now that you’ve got your trailer hitch, you need to get it installed on your Volvo. If you’re handy in the garage and you’ve got a fully-stocked toolbox, you can do this yourself. However, we strongly recommend you seek the assistance or services of a professional to ensure everything is installed correctly. The last thing you want is to damage your vehicle or have your hitch come… well, unhitched.

Professional installation is best performed by your local Volvo dealer or a trusted mechanic. You should plan to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 for labor in addition to what you’ve paid for the hitch and other equipment.

If you’re feeling handy and you want to give installing the hitch yourself a go, start by gathering the following tools:

A socket set

A ratchet and ratchet extension

A swivel socket

A torque wrench

Work gloves, safety glasses, and a work light

Your aftermarket hitch should come with clear and detailed instructions for installation. Remember, this is not a decoration, so you can’t just wing it. Follow the instructions very carefully.

As you prepare to begin the installation, here are a few tips that can make things easier:

If you have the means, put your vehicle up on jacks for easier rear access.

Be ready for some heavy lifting. This hardware is meant to support thousands of pounds, so some parts can weigh over 50 pounds. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Follow your instructions when it comes to torquing bolts. Over-tightening or under-tightening can lead to disaster.

MORE:

Volvo XC90 3.2 V6

How to upgrade your Volvo insurance

Now that you’ve got your Volvo properly equipped for towing, you’re ready to head out on your next adventure. But before you get behind the wheel, take a moment to ensure your Volvo is equipped with the right

car insurance

to keep you covered on all your trips.

No need to postpone your adventure, though, shopping for insurance on the

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FAQs

Do Volvos come with a trailer hitch already installed?

Only the Volvo XC90 comes with a trailer hitch as part of its standard equipment. All other Volvos must have a hitch and ball installed.

Can a Volvo S60 tow a U-Haul trailer?

Maybe, but we don’t recommend it. The 2022 Volvo S60 is technically capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds, and U-Hauls typically weigh between 600 and 2,300 pounds unloaded. Plus, unless you’ve had your Volvo specifically outfitted to allow for towing, it’s not built for the task.

Do Volvo XC60s come with a hitch?

No. Only the XC90 comes with a standard trailer hitch.

Does the Volvo XC40 come with a trailer hitch?

No. Only the XC90 comes with a standard trailer hitch.

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