2026 Volvo XC60 updates keep sales champ competitive | Reviews

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This is an update that Volvo simply cannot get wrong. Like most other manufacturers, Volvo hit a global sales speed-bump from 2020 to 2022, but rebounded in 2023 and 2024 with consecutive best-years-ever, topping out at 763,389 units moved last year, with 13,404 of those in Canada. At the heart of Volvo’s success is the XC60, one of the prettiest luxury SUVs on the market since its launch in 2008, and responsible for a third of Volvo’s sales in Canada and over 30% globally.

As a smaller luxury brand, Volvo’s product cadence isn’t quite as fast as automotive giants’ like Toyota and Ford, so the 2026 Volvo XC60 represents a refresh of only the second generation — the first-generation P3 platform endured from 2008 to 2017, and this second-gen SPA platform has been in circulation since 2017. Credit to Volvo for investing in such a flexible architecture, able to accommodate gasoline- and diesel-combustion engines, turbocharging and supercharging, plus mild- and plug-in-hybrid electrification.

The ultimate achievement for the heavy hitter of Volvo’s lineup is that in June 2025, it reached the milestone of 2.7 million units sold since its launch in 2008, passing the Volvo 240 as the best-selling Volvo model ever. The Volvo XC60 is currently produced at Volvo’s plants in Torslanda, Sweden; and Chengdu, China, with plans to expand production to its plant in South Carolina in the United States in 2027.

2026 Volvo XC60 Canadian price and trims

For 2026, Canadians will have the choice of two powertrains in the Volvo XC60: a 247-hp B5 AWD starting from $60,370 (all prices include $2,770 destination charges); or 455-hp T8 Plug-in Hybrid models priced from $67,720 up to $95,220 for the Polestar Engineered trim.

All Volvo XC60 powertrains are based on a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, making 247 horsepower and 266 pound-­feet of torque from 2,000 to­ 4,500 rpm in B5 models, paired with a 13-hp integrated starter-generator to earn it a mild-hybrid badge. T8 Plug-in Hybrid models add an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery (14.7 kWh usable) and 107-kW electric motor (145 hp) to a higher-output version of the same engine (312 hp) for a net output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque.

B5 AWD models deliver respectable efficiency at 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.8 on the highway, and 9.0 combined according to American EPA estimates, and although the T8 plug-in gets a massive power upgrade, it still manages to beat the B5’s combined rating with an 8.5 L/100 km combined; or 3.5 Le/100 km if the 58 km of electric-only range from that 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is put to good use on a daily basis.

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2026 Volvo XC60 driving impressions

Both powertrains are available in Core, Plus, and Ultra trim levels, and of course we were driving the fully loaded T8 Ultra. I always appreciate the smoothness of plug-in hybrids’ roll-out, and the Volvo XC60 was no different, with near-silent engagement and silky acceleration if the accelerator is managed smoothly. Heavier application of throttle wakes up the combustion powertrain, which groans with unexpected coarseness, but delivers satisfying acceleration at any speed. Volvo estimates the XC60 T8 PHEV can hit 100 km/h from standstill in 4.8 seconds, which is more than sufficient for this class.

The T8 models we drove from Volvo’s hometown of Gothenburg to a resort on Sweden’s west coast were luxuriously comfortable in any mode we sampled, soaking up impacts from various road imperfections and serenely cruising along the highway with minimal intrusion into the peaceful cabin. Not surprisingly, this comfort-oriented tuning meant that there was ample body roll in turns and corners, and the mild steering setting showed a tendency to wander because of how light it was—switching to Firm steering setting helped keep the XC60 more composed, but none of the suspension settings seemed to offer any sporting character—perhaps the Polestar Engineered trim will deliver a more sporty option with its performance-oriented chassis tuning, Öhlins dampers, and Akebono brakes.

That being said, I thought the tuning was ideal for this segment, and more manufacturers should target on-road comfort and ease of use for the majority of drivers and luxury shoppers. Such a ride has a calming influence, and its small size, good maneuverability, and comprehensive driver’s aids made driving it easy and relaxing even on unfamiliar roads and the tight, narrow lanes of the historic town of Mollösund.

2026 Volvo XC60 refreshed interior

Another aspect of the 2026 Volvo XC60 that I found incredibly calming was the interior, and while part of that can be attributed to the supportive seats with their multitude of adjustments, it was the infotainment system that was the greatest relief. Previous tests of Volvo vehicles and their Sensus operating systems always caused me stress because of confusing steps in the menus and a slow response time that compounded the frustration. The new interface revolves around a larger 11.2-inch floating tablet-style touchscreen that responds without the delays that plagued previous Volvo interfaces. This responsiveness meant it was easy and seamless to explore the new features offered by its Google built-in maps and apps, as well as the variety of entertainment and vehicle setup options like drive modes, and accessing the superb 360-degree camera views.

While the Volvo EX30 does away with a gauge cluster and physical controls entirely, the 2026 XC60 retains its gauge cluster, with the option for large map view in addition to driving info and other controls. The Ultra model also featured a small head-up display for the most critical info. Wireless charging is conveniently situated ahead of the sparkling crystal gear shifter and wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto also means you can leave your cables at home and enjoy all your connectivity and charging without the visual clutter or tangled cords, though USB-C ports are available.

Finally, top models come with high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio, pumping out 1,410 watts through 15 speakers—including a top-centre tweeter covered in double-etched stainless steel in the middle of the dash as a centrepiece. Several other speakers also feature those stainless-steel speaker grilles that add an exclusive, glittery touch to liven up the cabin.

Those speaker covers and crystal shifter are highlights of the interior, which was complemented by the cream-coloured quilted ‘Nordico’ synthetic leather and blond ‘Natural driftwood’ strip dividing the dash-top and screen from the lower console. Although visually pleasing Scandinavian design and responsibly “recycled and bio-attributed material from forests in Sweden and Finland” was generally a plus, the simulated leather felt more simulated than leather, and the open grain of the driftwood felt like it was going to give me splinters when I grazed it.

Rear-seat passengers have two comfortable outboard seats to enjoy, and a middle position best used as an armrest and cupholders; the trunk offers a modest 598 litres of trunk space, and the rear seats split and fold 40/20/40 for maximum passenger-cargo flexibility and up to 1,528 L of cargo space. Volvo also had several XC60 models set up with rooftop tents, just one of several external options for the 100-kg roof load limit; the XC60 is rated for 1,580 kg (about 3,500 pounds) of towing capacity as well.

2026 Volvo XC60 final thoughts and pros and cons

With updated exterior and new colour options available and the proven popularity of gas and plug-in hybrid lineup options, the 2026 Volvo XC60 has fixed the model’s biggest pain point (the laggy infotainment interface) and improved the electronic interface so that it now lives up to its lovely exterior design and welcoming interior. The XC60 was already the driving force behind Volvo’s steady growth globally and in Canada, and the small but meaningful improvements make it a compact luxury SUV worthy of your consideration in this highly competitive segment.

Pros

✔ Comfortable ride
✔ Responsive and intuitive infotainment
✔ Smooth electric operation

Cons

✘ Rough gas motor
✘ Modest cargo space
✘ Head-up display glitches

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