2020 Volvo XC60 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Volvo’s compact crossover, the XC60, sees the addition of the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid for 2020. This may...

Volvo’s compact crossover, the XC60, sees the addition of the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid for 2020. This may help the XC60 stand out in a crowd that includes the Audi Q5, Jaguar I-Pace, Acura RDX, and BMW X3.

The XC60 is undoubtedly luxurious, featuring a long hood, subtle chrome trim, and LED lighting. The new Polestar Engineered trim benefits from gloss black trim, wider fender flares, an exclusive forged wheel design, gold brake calipers, and Polestar badging.

The XC60’s three powertrains return, with a fourth joining the lineup courtesy of the Polestar Engineered trim. Choices include the base T5, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine rated for 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline 4-cylinder engine good for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. Then there’s the T8, which adds an electric motor and comes in at a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. Polestar Engineered features a tuned version of this T8, rated for 415 hp and 494 lb-ft and tweaked for better throttle response. An 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard. While the T5 comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), the other versions come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD T5 is the most efficient, rated for 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 combined. The T8’s plug-in capabilities yield 17 miles of electric-only travel and 58 MPGe in hybrid mode.

The Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trims will carry over. The base Momentum features proximity key entry, 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, 4-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, and synthetic leather upholstery. From there, R-Design goes bold with unique bumpers, trim, and grille, and sport seats. The Inscription trim is the more sophisticated option, with similar features but a more soothing design. Both premium trims get 19-inch alloys and power lumbar support with the options of air suspension and a heated steering wheel. Polestar Engineered adds a unique black interior color scheme with Nappa leather upholstery and gold seatbelts. Standard infotainment features include a 9-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Options include navigation and premium sound systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

While the 2020 model hasn't been crash-tested, the 2019 XC60 earned Good scores in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests. Buyers get a standard reversing camera, oncoming lane mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and hill-descent control. Options include auto-dimming side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear-collision mitigation, and park assist.

The 2020 XC60 is a smart and sophisticated choice in the compact luxury crossover segment, and the new Polestar Engineered edition gives performance enthusiasts another reason to look at Volvo.