The XC60 is Volvo’s best-selling vehicle, with more than 2.7 million sold since its global launch in 2008. It’s easy to see why so many people have flocked to this five-passenger, premium compact crossover, with its standard safety tech, luxurious amenities, clean and simple Scandinavian design, and fuel-efficient powertrains.
The ground-breaking City Safety tech introduced on the first-gen XC60 likely paved the way for the modern automatic emergency braking systems we know today. Plus, except for the 2025 model year, the XC60 has made the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ list since it entered the U.S. in 2010.
Now in its second generation, the XC60’s powertrains are fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, and the lineup includes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Starting in 2022, even the base powertrains incorporated a mild-hybrid system, and EPA fuel economy ratings span 24 to 26 mpg in combined driving for most models. The extended-range PHEV introduced at this time gets a combined 28 mpg, 63 MPGe, and 36 miles of all-electric range.
Though some would argue the design for XC60 is dated, others would call it classic and timeless. However, the true selling points are the safety ratings and standard safety features.
Volvo XC60: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Volvo XC60 Pros and Cons
- Volvo XC60 Generations
- Volvo XC60 Second Generation (2018–Present)
- Volvo XC60 First Generation (2010–2017)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Volvo XC60 years are the best?
Through two generations, the Volvo XC60 has had fewer consumer complaints and recalls than lots of other vehicles. Consumer Reports gave the first-generation lower reliability ratings, but the 2017 model—the last year of the first generation—has the best reliability ratings and just 14 consumer complaints, according to NHTSA.gov. In the current generation, 2018, 2020, and 2021 have the best reliability verdicts, and the 2018 model the highest owner satisfaction ratings.
What are the worst Volvo XC60 years?
According to CarComplaints.com the 2019 Volvo XC60 is the worst year to buy due to engine problems. However, the 2010, 2013, and 2022 models have the most consumer complaints on the NHTSA.gov website.
Is a used Volvo XC60 a good deal?
A used Volvo XC60 can be a good deal, especially considering the original MSRP for most model years was more than $40,000. Go back to about 2016, and the national average price is less than $10,000. Even if you look at the last model of the first generation, most have an average purchase price of less than $15,000. But with the new generation, you’ll likely pay at least $20,000, which is still a fairly good deal at 50% or more off the original MSRP.
Volvo XC60 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Impressive technology
- Great safety ratings
Cons:
- Jerky acceleration and braking
- Tight rear-seat legroom
- Second generation can be pricey
Volvo XC60 Generations
Volvo XC60 Second Generation (2018–Present)
The new Volvo XC60 took all the safety and technology of the first generation and upped the ante with more power, more safety features, more trim levels, and a lot of modern tech. It was built on the same Scalable Product Architecture as the S90, the V90, and the XC90.
Volvo kept the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which delivered 250 horsepower and could be found on T5 models. The T6 got the supercharged and turbocharged inline four, now with 316 hp, and the all-new, top-tier T8 also got a version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged engine but as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), producing a collective 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All versions of the XC60 were fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and there was no front-wheel-drive option (FWD) at launch—all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard. Each powertrain was available with three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription.
Standard features included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Options included heated front seats, Nappa leather seats, a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, air suspension, the hands-on Pilot Assist semi-autonomous system with adaptive cruise control and steer assist, massaging seats, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.
As for new safety kit, the 2018 Volvo XC60 added steer assist to the City Safety system. Plus, the new Oncoming Lane Mitigation used steer assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, and the blind spot monitoring system applied it to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
Even though the XC60 was all-new for 2018, the 2019 model year heralded one significant change—a lower-cost FWD model. Other than that, we see some packaging changes and an available 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The 2020 model year saw some tech upgrades, including a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a new Polestar Engineered model, and standard automatic braking. The big changes for 2021—the T8 PHEV was now called the Recharge; blind spot monitoring was standardized; and all models now had standard keyless entry/ignition, a hands-free tailgate, and power-folding side mirrors.
There was a mid-cycle refresh in 2022 and XC60 models got a face-lifted interior and exterior, a new Google built-in operating system, and standard USB-C ports. The T5 and T6 were replaced by the B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains. The B5 got a 2.0-liter turbocharged 48V mild-hybrid inline-four, and the B6 added an “E-charger,” (an electric supercharger). There was also a new extended range PHEV, which could cover up to 36 all-electric miles instead of the previous 19.
Trim names were changed to Core trim, Plus trim, and Ultimate trim in 2023. In 2024, we saw a return to standard AWD, the mid-level B6 powertrain was eliminated, and the XC60 Black Edition joined the lineup; exclusive to the top-end Ultimate trim, it was a styling pack comprising “Onyx Black” paint, 21-inch gloss black alloy wheels, a crystal gear shift knob by “Orrefors”, and numerous other black details. There were minor feature updates and a couple renamed trims in 2025; Ultimate became the XC60 Ultra trim, and the Recharge T8 became the T8 AWD plug-in hybrid.
There are plenty of second-generation XC60s advertised at dealerships and by private sellers. While you won’t quite get the deal you would with a first-gen XC60, it’s possible to find a vehicle with less than 90,000 miles, no accidents, and a clean title for around $20,000 or less.
Volvo XC60 First Generation (2010–2017)
The first-generation Volvo XC60 was launched globally for the 2009 model year, but it didn’t make it to the United States until the 2010 model year. At that time, Volvo was owned by Ford, before it was sold to Geely in 2010, so this compact luxury SUV shared its platform with the Land Rover Freelander, as well as the Volvo S80, the V70, and the XC70.
The 2010 Volvo XC60 was available in three trim levels: the 3.2, the T6, and the T6 R-Design. The base Volvo XC60 3.2 received a 235-hp, naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine with FWD being the standard drivetrain. The Volvo XC60 T6 was equipped with a 281-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, with standard AWD. The Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design, which became available in the middle of the model year, had the same powertrain as the T6, but a stiffer chassis, stronger damping, and a more direct steering gear in addition to some R-Design styling touches. All powertrains were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, roof rails, a power driver’s seat with memory functions, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, Bluetooth phone pairing, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite and HD radio.
This first-generation XC60 also had a number of option packages, including the Premium, Multimedia, Technology, Convenience, and Climate packages that added things like leather upholstery, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and heated front seats.
Volvo has always been known for safety, and the XC60 included features such as whiplash protection, side impact protection, roll stability control, dynamic stability control, inflatable curtain airbags, and hill descent control. The entire first generation received either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS because of its crash test ratings.
This new compact luxury crossover also introduced a new safety feature called City Safety, which provided automatic emergency braking at speeds up to 19 mph.
In 2011, both powertrains got a power bump, and in 2012 Volvo replaced the option packages with sub-trim levels: Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum. The R-Design also got a significant power boost to 325 hp in this model year, and the newly optional Dynamic package added an upgraded suspension and steering to the T6 AWD model. Changes for 2013 included standard automatic headlights and wipers on every Volvo XC60 trim level and a new sports mode.
There was a mid-cycle refresh in 2014, with new hood and grille, as well as an updated interior. New tech features include Corner Traction Control, an adaptive digital display with Premium and T6 trims, and enhanced blind spot monitoring. There was also a new Sport Package with 20-inch wheels and sport seats. Though the 2015 model was largely a carryover, FWD models received new “Drive-E” engines, the base T5 gained a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the T6 was both turbocharged and supercharged. The 3.2-liter engine disappeared mid-year, and the base AWD model got a turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
There were no major changes for 2016, but in 2017, you could choose between a sporty Dynamic model or the more traditional Inscription. The only two engines were the turbocharged four cylinder or a supercharged and turbocharged four cylinder.
There are plenty of first-generation Volvo XC60s available, especially if you’re willing to travel a bit. For a vehicle that isn’t considered salvage, you’ll spend at least $5,000, and if you want one with less than 100,000 miles, you’ll likely spend between $10,000 and $15,000.
