Text by Tom Appel
2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge AWD Ultimate
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Color: Bright Dusk
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 190
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | B+ |
| Value | B- |
| 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-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Real-world fuel economy: 37.4 mpg
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 63 MPGe/28 mpg (city/highway combined)
Fuel type: Premium gasoline recommended
Base price: $67,850 (not including $1195 destination charge)
Options: Climate Package ($750), Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system ($3200), Acitive Chassis with Air Suspension ($1800), 22-inch black-finish alloy wheels ($1475),
Price as tested: $76,270
Pros and Cons
The great: Plug-in hybrid efficiency, beautiful cabin, refined driving experience
The good: Roomy cabin, plenty of power
The not so good: Pricey in Ultimate trim, requires premium gas, not especially sporty
Review
With electric-vehicle sales growth slowing, carmakers are scrambling to make available in the U.S. more hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. Globally, especially in China, PHEV cars and trucks have caught fire (metaphorically) as they provide consumers with an EV-like experience without the hassle of having to find charging facilities on longer trips.
Unlike many other carmakers, Volvo has already developed several PHEV models for sale in the U.S. and around the globe. Ahead of the game, 40 percent of Volvos sold in the U.S. in 2023 were either electric or plug-in hybrid. For 2024, Volvo lineup includes five PHEV models including:
- XC90 Recharge midsize crossover
- XC60 Recharge compact crossover
- S90 Recharge midsize sedan
- S60 Recharge compact sedan
- V60 Polestar Engineered high-performance compact wagon
All PHEV Volvos come with an 18.8-kWh battery, standard AWD, and between 32 and 41 miles of battery range.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge in Ultimate “Dark Theme” trim with Bright Dusk paint. All told, our test car topped out at $76,270, this with pretty much every option available.
For 2024, the XC60 Recharge is offered in base trim (starting around $61,000) and Black Edition (also described by Volvo as Black Theme) (around $72,000). The base is also offered in Ultimate Edition trim, which is essentially the Black Edition minus the black-out exterior trim bits.
Power comes from Volvo’s branded T8 drivetrain. In short, a 312-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired with a single 143-horsepower electric motor. The two power sources combine for s stout 445 horsepower. In normal driving, the system will propel the car using just the electric motor until the battery is depleted (35 miles, per the EPA). At that time, the vehicle will operate like a conventional hybrid, drawing electrical energy recaptured during routine braking. All Volvo Recharge models employ a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
The system works very well, and is extremely quiet and refined running on battery power alone. Hit the gas for a quick getaway, and the gas engine kicks in to supplement the electric motor. Combined, the engine and motor deliver surprising power, making the XC60 recharge one of the quickest vehicles in the compact luxury-crossover segment.
If there is a downside to the T8 PHEV system, its that the gasoline engine wants for refinement, and can be course at idle and in low-speed operation. This isn’t a compelling issue, but 4-cylinder engines found in competitive small crossovers are generally smoother and quieter in operation. In Consumer Guide testing, over roughly 190 miles, our test XC60 Recharge returned about 37 mpg, this with one complete battery charge. Had we limited our evaluation to just editors close to the office–and charged every day–we would have used no fuel at all during our evaluation.
Unlike other European crossovers, Volvo tunes the suspensions of its vehicles more for comfort than for performance, and result is a quiet, refined, easy to pilot vehicle that suffers from steering that feels a little too light, and handling this is fine, but not curvy-road inspiring. And, that’s just fun with us. For most city and suburban commuters, the Volvo’s tranquil in-traffic experience will prove both friendly and relaxing. But, if you’re used to driving a BMW X3, or Audi Q3, you will find the Volvo a little flaccid.
While the Genesis GV70 probably “out-luxuries” the XC60 for the all-out premium-cabin award, the Volvo’s open, airy, and clean sophistication has its merits. The Volvo’s interior is both elegant and simple, but still feels like the interior of an expensive European crossover.
Thanks to big door openings, the XC60 front row is easy to enter and exit, and is also plenty roomy once situated. Likewise, the rear seat is spacious and comfortable. Our test vehicle was fitted with Volvo’s wool seating surfaces, which are a refreshing alternative to leather, and appear just as upscale. We don’t know if dealers stock examples with the wool cabin, but think serious shoppers owe it to themselves to have a look.
Also, the $3200 Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system—which is an upgrade of the standard Harman Kardon system, is worth knowing about if you are serious about your music. This editor favors mid-century American jazz, and found the B&W system to be absolutely fabulous.
The XC60 was refreshed for 2023, so there were few updates for 2024. For 2025, models called Ultimate become “Ultra,” and the PHEV models called Recharge will simply be called PHEV. It appears that fully electric models will retail the Recharge moniker.
At more than $76,000, our test XC60 Recharge comes in as pricey for the segment. That said, there is plenty of legitimate comfort, technology, and performance to justify the price. That said, we suggest looking at the less-pricey base XC60 Recharge, which features the same powertrain, just less equipment—and isn’t available with the cool wool seats.
Not ready to go electric, but keen to join the electrification movement? If you are serious about plugging in on a daily basis, we recommend checking out the XC60 Recharge. It’s classy, comfortable, and green. What’s not to love?
2023 Lexus NX 450h+: Guest Drive
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Ultimate Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
