The Volvo XC60 Recharge is a midsize luxury plug-in hybrid SUV with handsome Scandinavian design and punchy performance. It can go about 35 miles on all-electric power, plus there’s a gas tank for those longer trips. It’s appealing to drivers who want a luxury SUV but aren’t quite ready to go all-electric.
Base Price: $67,850
As Tested: $76,270
Horsepower: 455
Mileage: 63 MPGe gas + electric combined / 28 mpg gas only combined
The 2024 XC60 is still a bit of a rarity in that it and the Audi Q5 are the only plug-in hybrids in the luxury SUV class.
The 2024 XC60 Recharge comes in four trims: Recharge T8 Core, Recharge T8 Plus, Recharge T8 Ultimate, and Recharge Polestar Engineered. Starting prices range from $59,395 to $76,745. All-wheel drive is standard. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
The powertrain is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and an 18.8-kWh battery. Total output is 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
Acceleration is lively. Volvo says the XC60 Recharge can go from zero to 60 mpg in 4.5 seconds. Hit the accelerator and you’re off, making it a breeze to merge and pass at freeway speeds. The transition from electric- to gas-power and back is smooth and seamless. Handling is nimble with a smooth and balanced ride. The eight-speed shifts swiftly and smoothly. The XC60 Recharge feels planted when cornering and the adaptive suspension soaks up bumps. The brakes are responsive, and can be set to a regenerative braking mode which feels like one-pedal driving in all-electric vehicles. Visibility is great all the way around. All in all, the XC60 Recharge is a great blend of sportiness, comfort and fun!
It takes about five hours to fully charge when using a Level 2 240-volt outlet. It can take 8-13 hours to charge if you use a Level 1 regular 110-volt household plug.
Fuel economy is good. EPA ratings for my tester are 63 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) city and highway combined with gas and electricity, and 28 mpg in gas hybrid mode. I only used a couple of gallons of gas during my week with the XC60 Recharge.
When properly equipped, the 2024 XC60 Recharge can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The cabin is upscale with Scandinavian minimalist styling. Materials and build quality are top notch with every stitch in place. The tablet-like infotainment system dominates the dash. Seats in both rows are very comfortable, spacious and supportive, even on long trips. Adults in both rows have good leg- and headroom.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, auto-dim rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium textile upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, power adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, 12-inch instrument panel, Google-based infotainment system with a nine-inch vertical touchscreen, navigation, 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rain-sensing windshield wipers, panoramic moonroof, and glossy black roof rails.
Available features include a remote key, surround view camera system, head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, power side bolsters, heated rear seats, Harman Kardon premium audio system, Bowers & Wilkins audio system, air purifier, HomeLink garage door opener, and adaptive headlights.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, lane keeping assistance, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, front, rear and side park assist, and Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system.
The infotainment system is Volvo’s Google-based system with Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play. The nine-inch touchscreen is positioned with a vertical orientation, so it looks like a tablet on the dash. Graphics are crisp and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. However, it takes some time to get used to the system. One negative is that you have to navigate through menus and submenus for some commands.
Cargo space is good for the class. There are 22.4 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 63.3 cubes with the second row folded. A hands-free power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Swift acceleration
Sporty driving dynamics
Good all-electric range for a plug-in hybrid
Attractive, luxurious cabin
Lots of standard features and tech
Standard wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Infotainment system has a learning curve
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $67,850. The Climate Package is $750 and includes a heated steering wheel, headlamp cleaners and heated rear seats. Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system is $3,200. Active chassis with air suspension is $1,800. 22.5-inch double spoke matte black diamond cut alloy wheels are $1,475. Destination charge is $1,195 bringing the grand total to $76,270.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge checks a lot of boxes for people who want a luxurious and fuel-sipping luxury SUV. It’s peppy and comfortable with an elegant interior and lots of tech. This plug-in hybrid has a large enough all-electric range that you can probably get by most days with using little to no gas, but you still have a full tank for those longer road trips. The XC60 Recharge is a compelling offering among luxury midsize crossovers.
