2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Miles Driven: 998
Fuel Used: 27.0 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 37.0 mpg*
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | B+ |
| Value | C+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A- |
| Tall Guy | A- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 455-hp 2.0L |
| Engine Type | 4-cyl turbocharged plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 25% city, 75% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 63 MPGe/28 mpg (city/highway combined)
Fuel type: Premium gasoline recommended
Base price: $62,250 (not including $1095 destination charge)
Options: Climate Package ($750), Advanced Package ($2050), metallic paint ($695), Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system ($3200), 4-corner air suspension ($1800), 20-inch 8-spoke black alloy wheels ($800), power tailgate ($200)
Price as tested: $72,840
Quick Hits
The great: Standard safety features; very high-class interior materials
The good: Profound acceleration; fuel-economy potential and eco versatility of plug-in hybrid powertrain
The not so good: Complicated touchscreen controls; optional equipment quickly drives up the bottom-line price; not quite as nimble or athletic-feeling as some performance-focused class rivals
CG Says:
We’re no strangers to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and we realize that determining any sort of real-word fuel economy with a PHEV is difficult. This, because charge opportunities—and overall mileage driven—are different for every consumer, and is it turns out, every Consumer Guide editor as well. For this reason, our evaluation of the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge, seen here in topline Inscription trim, includes an asterisk next to our reported mileage above. More on that in a moment.
The XC60 Recharge hybrid system was upgraded significantly for 2022, and boasts greater battery electric-only range and more power as a result. For ’22, the Recharge battery is bumped from 11.6 to 18.8 kWh of capacity, extending range from 19 to 35 miles, hence the Extended Range addition to the vehicle’s proper name. Note that “standard-range” versions of the 2022 XC60 recharge are also available, but will not be offered for 2023.
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With the bump in battery capacity comes a bump in power, up from 400 to 455. Not that the standard-range Recharge was wanting for muscle, but the Extended-Range edition provides thrilling acceleration, and seamless power delivery.
The added range and power have not compromised the XC60 Recharge’s overall goodness, and Volvo’s compact crossover remains a fine 4-passenger conveyance, boasting a roomy, well-appointed cabin, excellent ride quality, and just enough handling prowess to complete with other European vehicles in the same class. You can read more about the XC60 Recharge drive experience here.
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As for our fuel economy, plugging in as often as possible, we averaged 37.0 mpg over 998 miles. Here’s the deal, that number includes a 468-mile Chicago-Indianapolis-Chicago road trip during which no charging took place. Fuel economy for only the city-to-city jaunt came to just 27.9 mpg—bringing down our average reported mileage significantly. But, exclude the road trip, and our average mileage jumps to 57.5 mpg, not too far off the EPA estimated number.
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At more than $72,000, the XC60 Recharge in Extended Range Inscription trim strikes as expensive, but the added range and high-end cabin do a lot to help justify the price. To extract the maximum value from your plug-in hybrid, commit to plugging in as often as you can. There’s no point in hauling around a heavy, pricey battery if you’re not going to make good use of it.
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Volvo XC60 Recharge Gallery
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