2021 Volvo XC60 Review

Name: 2021 Volvo XC60 Review
Brand: Volvo

Price Range: $24,500 - $45,998

2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2021 Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+392

This 2021 XC60 is the latest generation of Volvo's best-selling vehicle, and it has never looked better, inside and out. The XC60 is not only squarely in the luxury space now, but it brings something different to a class of familiar segment offerings. This Volvo did more than just impress us during testing. We think it has what it takes to compete in a heavily contested luxury SUV class.

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2021 Volvo XC60 Review

by the Edmunds Experts

8/25/2020

What's new

Former T8 plug-in hybrid is now called Recharge
Adaptive headlights, hands-free liftgate and rear USB-C ports added as standard
Part of the second XC60 generation introduced for 2018

What is the XC60?

Volvo's midlevel SUV is easily one of our favorites around. Following a formula set by the much-loved XC90, the XC60 shines with handsome exterior styling and one of the best interiors around, bar none. A plug-in hybrid powertrain makes it one of the most efficient SUVs on sale today. Volvo improved the plug-in hybrid last year, increasing the model's all-electric range.

While the XC60 may not be the sportiest or most entertaining vehicle in its class, we think its roomy interior and long list of standard features should appeal to those looking for a luxury SUV. Volvo's reputation for safety is a big plus for those seeking a family vehicle.

We expect the XC90 to carry over relatively unchanged. Look for four trim levels, including a somewhat sporty Polestar Engineered model. Front-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine should remain standard, with all-wheel drive and more powerful engines available as options.

Edmunds says

We consider the XC60 to be one of the best luxury SUVs around and with good reason. Volvo stepped up its game with this model, offering one of the best interiors in the class and an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.91 per gallon for premium unleaded in Massachusetts.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts

$194/mo

$177/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#9 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volvo XC60 from 2008-2022.}

$650/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.44x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.8%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Volvo XC60 Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

36 reviews

5(44%)

4(20%)

3(11%)

2(8%)

1(17%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Worst Car I've Ever Owned

RThompson, 12/14/2021

2021 Volvo XC60 T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)

I bought this Volvo XC60 T6 Momentum brand new in August 2021. My wife and I took a road trip the following week and after driving from San Fransisco back to Scottsdale- the car began to chug, decrease its speed and eventually died. Gratefully I was able to get to the side of the freeway unharmed. It took 2+ hours for a tow truck to arrive as we sat on the side of a busy freeway in … 100+ degree Arizona heat. It took the Volvo dealership 4 days before finally calling to tell me the car has a faulty fuel line that triggered it to shut down. It took another full week for a repair. Two weeks later as I was driving at 50 miles an hour the car began to shimmy and shake violently and began to stall. I was able to get to the dealership in 'limp mode'. It took them 2 full weeks to let me know the serpentine belt had shimmied off its track, broke and melted other components in the engine bay and they would need another 'week to 10 days' to repair it- it ended up taking 2 full weeks. They actually had to repair: the serpentine belt, the tensioner, the super-charger, and the a/c compressor. They told me that none of their mechanics or advisors had ' ever seen anything like it'. That of course does not engender a sense of confidence in the brand or its people. At this point I had owned the car for only 2 months and had been stranded twice and my car had been in the shop for over a month of that time. My wife noticed when we got the car back the second time that there was a squeaky sound coming from the infotainment center-we brought it in, 4 days later they call to say they couldn't find any noise. We picked the car up and drove home; all the way, listening to the horrible squeaking noise... And only 3 weeks after that, I was left stranded once again only to find out that the fuel pump and sensor needed to be replaced. All of these parts needing replacement after 2 months of ownership on a brand new vehicle?...I was incredulous. I have owned some very nice vehicles (Porsche. Jaguar, Land Rover) and can whole heartedly say that I am more than disappointed in this car. After a host of rather serious issues with a brand new car-and a lot of noises in the cabin due to fit issues; I expected better than that and called the Manager at the Volvo dealership to let him know. We felt the car fell under the Lemon Act and should be bought back by Volvo. I explained that neither my wife nor I felt any assurance we would not be stranded again. It was met with mild regard and I was told that Volvo would never buy my car back-but the dealership would be more than happy for us to trade that defunct XC60 in for ANOTHER ONE. I can't in good conscience recommend this car to anyone, as I feel we were not sold a product that one would expect after paying 50K. We have NEVER experienced a vehicle ridden with more issues than this one. At this price point you should expect a vehicle with sound mechanics and decent fit and finish throughout- which this XC60 has none of. I cannot say that we have been treated well by our Volvo dealership, Volvo itself nor do we have any confidence in the actual vehicle. I don't believe that they stand by their product and can say resolutely that we will never purchase another Volvo. If it were possible to give my Volvo experience zero stars- I would have...

Beautiful car, drives nicely, lots of issues.

Bill H., 03/19/2022

2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)

In Nov of 2021 I bought an XC60 recharge. Beautiful car, drove nicely, lots of issues. Dealer bought back three months later after 5 visits to the shop. 1 issue was related to mechanics…..a “driveline fault” related to the hybrid system. Maybe software related but unknown. Car would not drive more than 2 MPH. Self resolved two hours later. The cellular modem on the car failed 3-4 …

Good vehicle

Happy Camper, 01/19/2021

2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Want a SUV that feels solid, soaks up bumps, fast and economical? Get the Volvo XC60 with Inscription Trim and T5 engine. You won't miss the V6 or V8 with the turbocharged 2.0 liter engine and no you don't need the Polestar Package either. Comfort, ride, and elegance all neatly wrapped you in this AWD cage of safety. I've owned VW, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Subaru, Oldsmobile, Jeep, and …

Drive the XC60 now! Best in its class.

Phillip , 04/11/2021

2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I was test driving all the vehicles in the same class size as the XC60 and I can tell you without a doubt that this is the best option out there. To top it all off, it has the best features, best power in the base engine, best dealership experience, and is well known for being the safest car manufacturer. The fit and finish of every detail in the cabin is at the top of the segment. …

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2021 XC60 Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

T5 Momentum

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$194/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the XC60 models:

Oncoming Lane Mitigation: Helps avoid collisions by steering back into the lane if you cross a lane marking in the way of an oncoming vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist: Adjusts cruise control speed automatically in relation to the vehicle in front and supports the driver in keeping the car within the lane.
Driver Alert Control: Monitors steering inputs and senses if you're driving more erratically or have signs of drowsiness. Provides an audible warning and message.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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