2023 Volvo XC60

Other brands have caught up, but Volvo maintains its deserved reputation for safety innovation and quality fit and finish. Volvos also stand out for its attractive exterior styling and for having some of the nicest interiors in the industry, with especially comfortable seats. The brand’s XC line of SUVs range from compact and two-row to midsized and three-row. Volvo also sells sedans and station wagons, along with several EVs, ranging from small to large. Most of Volvo’s new cars scored average or below-average in our reliability rankings, and the infotainment systems on many models are less intuitive than what you’ll find in competitors’ cars. Our testers have also found that Volvos aren’t great at absorbing bumps, and have average fuel economy. Among used Volvos, some models have proven to be reliable enough to earn our recommendation.

Volvo's second-generation XC60 is a scaled-down version of the XC90, complete with an elegant, high-quality interior. Like its big brother, it suffers from convoluted and distracting controls and an overly stiff ride. The 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is responsive enough, but the eight-speed automatic transmission shows an occasional hiccup. We measured 23 mpg overall on premium. A 316-hp version of that engine powers the uplevel T6, and a 400-hp plug-in hybrid is called the T8. The cabin benefits from supremely comfortable seats, a relatively roomy back, and a nicely finished cargo hold. Volvo's advanced safety system, City Safety, encompasses both low- and high-speed automatic emergency braking. Note that blind spot warning was only optional. Changes for 2019 included a less expensive front-drive only version. A T8 Polestar Engineered trim, complete with a 400-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain and an enhanced suspension system, was new for the 2020 model year. Other changes for 2020 included a new 12.3-inch display in the instrument panel showing information such as navigation directions, telephone and road signs. For 2021 blind spot warning and rear cross traffic are standard. For 2022, two new engines that employ mild hybrid technology are new. The B5 has 247 hp, and the B6 has 295 hp. In 2024, only the B5 engine was offered in the non-plug-in hybrid version of the XC60. Front-wheel-drive configurations were also dropped.