2025 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered

How does the XC60 drive? We tested the XC60 T8, which is the plug-in hybrid version, and not many PHEVs can boogie like this XC60 in hybrid mode. Its 455 horses ran free at our test track to the tune of a 4.7-second sprint to 60 mph and an eye-popping speed of 107.6 mph at the quarter-mile mark. That squares with the real-world experience, which is one of never-ending thrust from idle until you've had enough.

But that's with all hands on deck with the four-cylinder engine in play. How's the acceleration in pure electric mode? We'd say "adequate" is the best way to describe it. No one will be impressed by zero to 60 mph in 11.6 seconds, but there's enough oomph to keep up with city traffic, while a regenerative braking mode enables one-pedal driving like in a real EV. If you suddenly need more power — a lot more — just floor the accelerator through the kickdown switch and here comes the cavalry.

While you're cruising around town in hybrid mode, by the way, the electric assist is usually ready with immediate and silent part-throttle torque that makes the car feel exceptionally responsive, though occasionally you'll catch it sleeping.

As for turning and stopping, the XC60 T8 acquits itself remarkably well. The adaptive suspension works like magic on winding roads, making the XC60 feel surprisingly planted at sane cornering speeds. The brakes feel capable, too, which we corroborated with a 116-foot panic stop at our test track on all-season tires, a number that puts many a lighter vehicle to shame.

How comfortable is the XC60? The XC60 T8 is very comfortable. The seats are stellar front and rear, augmented by a nifty wool upholstery that had our team oohing and aahing. The back seat in particular merits praise for its remarkably supportive bottom cushion, which is high enough to provide great thigh support without compromising headroom, a neat trick in a rather low-profile SUV. Suspension compliance over various surfaces was usually fine and rarely objectionable.

The climate control system proved capable even on hot days, and we like how it delivers air to the rear via chest-level vents on the door pillars rather than the usual down-low vents on the back of the center console. Persistent wind noise around the side mirrors, as well as some from the roof, earned the Volvo a minor demerit, but road noise rarely intrudes. Vibration from the four-cylinder engine is noticeable at times but not problematic.

How’s the interior? Aside from the rather controversial portrait-mode touchscreen, which we'll cover in the next section, the XC60 is a delightfully easy SUV to live with. The driving position is practically perfect thanks to a chair-like sitting posture, generous visibility all around, and excellent steering-wheel placement and adjustability. Passenger space in the front and rear is superb. It's a cinch to hop in and out — you slide in at hip level rather than clambering up or dropping down.

The only really annoying thing about the plug-in XC60 is the joystick-like shift lever, which lacks the usual "skip neutral, please!" detents and requires the driver to nudge it twice every time in order to select drive or reverse. In essence, you have to double-click to accomplish a single-click task, and it's way too easy to end up in neutral, which you almost never want to do.

How’s the storage? The XC60's cargo capacity of 29.7 cubes is impressive both in numbers and in practice. You'll have no trouble fitting luggage or a couple of golf bags behind the rear seats, for example. Fold those seatbacks down and there's room for most of the large items you might want to haul.

We doubt many people will be disappointed by this SUV's storage options, including multiple handy nooks and bins for stowing small items. We wished only for more generous drink-holder cutouts in the door pockets to accommodate larger water bottles.

Got small children? A rear-facing toddler seat should fit in the middle rear position with room to spare between the front seatbacks.

Is the XC60 a good value? Our XC60 plug-in hybrid test vehicle had all of the proverbial bells and whistles and rang in around 70 grand. Is that a good price? We'd argue yes. You'll pay more for a comparably equipped BMW X5 xDrive50e (the X5 plug-in hybrid). The Volvo also has a strikingly stylish interior with upscale materials, and we detected nary a squeak or rattle.

Volvo's four-year/50,000-mile comprehensive and powertrain warranty is nothing special, and the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid components is pretty standard. But complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years is a perk that's less common these days.