New & Used 2026 Volvo XC60 for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

Is the 2026 Volvo XC60 a good car?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 earns a 6.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

That score lines up with what you get in the XC60: a stylish design, premium interior materials, and comfortable seats that give it a polished, upscale feel. The new Volvo Car UX infotainment system also helps the SUV feel more current, with an 11.2-inch touchscreen, Google Gemini integration, and an improved user experience. Adaptive cruise control is standard, which adds everyday convenience.

The trade-offs are real, though. The test-drive data calls out sluggish performance and poor fuel economy, and the driver-assistance tech is described as unimpressive. If you want a compact luxury SUV that leans into comfort, design, and a refined cabin, the XC60 still makes sense. If you want stronger all-around capability, you may want to look elsewhere.

32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Volvo XC60 reliable?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is presented as a polished, comfortable luxury SUV with a modernized cabin and standard safety tech, but the test-drive data also points to uneven power delivery and fuel economy that falls short of expectations. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid setup and regenerative braking are part of the powertrain, and Volvo includes two complimentary services with a lease or purchase.

The infotainment and Google built-in features are described as functioning flawlessly, and the new system is a meaningful update for the model year. On the ownership side, Volvo’s complimentary maintenance coverage is reduced this year, which is worth keeping in mind if you plan to keep the vehicle long term.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the XC60’s premium ownership experience may be less satisfying if you prioritize low running costs and consistently smooth everyday performance.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Volvo XC60?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 98.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and verify that the specific car you’re considering has a clean record and consistent service history. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important if you want to check for wear on the wheels, suspension, and brakes, since the test-drive data notes ride-quality and braking trade-offs. Focus on cabin condition and tech operation as well, because the XC60’s appeal depends heavily on its interior presentation and infotainment experience.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XC60 comes in Core, Plus, Ultra, and Black Edition trim levels. The cabin design is a major part of the appeal, with plush materials and a clean Scandinavian layout, while the higher trim shown in testing adds 22-inch wheels, active air suspension, front seat massage, the Climate Package, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more equipment, so compare it carefully against the better-equipped versions.
• Powertrain: The XC60 T5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The test-drive data says the powertrain is not especially quick off the line and can feel delayed in response, so smoothness matters more than urgency here.
• Safety package: Pilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, and the XC60 also includes forward-collision warning that can detect large animals, pedestrians, and cyclists, plus oncoming collision mitigation braking and intersection braking assist. The system is not especially polished in real-world use, and the SUV lacks a touch-sensing steering wheel. Volvo also offers factory-installed integrated rear booster child seats as an option.
• Infotainment: The XC60 gets a new 11.2-inch touchscreen with Volvo Car UX, Google built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Gemini, and Google Play. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection. Remote App Services adds remote engine start, remote lock/unlock, and cabin pre-conditioning.
• Fuel efficiency: The official EPA rating is 26 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle returned 24.7 mpg on one fuel-economy loop and 21.7 mpg on a mountainous route.

Which 2026 Volvo XC60 trim should I buy?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is offered in 4 trim levels: Core, Plus, Ultra, and Black Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Core: This is the entry point, so it makes the most sense if you want the XC60’s design, comfort, and updated tech without stretching for extras. It gives you the basic XC60 experience, but you should compare it closely against the higher trims because the cabin and feature set are a big part of this SUV’s appeal.
• Plus: This is the trim to consider if you want a better balance of equipment and value than the base version. It should be the safer middle-ground choice for shoppers who want more of the XC60’s upscale feel without chasing the most expensive add-ons.
• Ultra: This is the best-value trim if you want the XC60 at its most convincing. The test vehicle’s Ultra setup showed off the cabin at its best, and the cost-effectiveness data says skipping the 22-inch wheels, air suspension, and Bowers & Wilkins audio makes the Ultra more reasonable while preserving the sumptuously outfitted interior.
• Black Edition: Choose this if you want the XC60’s upscale look with a darker visual theme. It sits at the top of the lineup, so it makes the most sense if appearance and exclusivity matter more to you than value.

Volvo offers factory-installed integrated rear booster child seats as an option, which is worth noting if family flexibility matters to you.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Volvo XC60?

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,064 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 98.2% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Volvo XC60 safe?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not earn a Top Safety Pick or a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earns a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and five-star ratings in each individual crash test except for rollover resistance.

It earns a 4/10 safety score from our experts.

The XC60 includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and large-animal detection, oncoming collision mitigation braking, and intersection braking assist. Pilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but the test-drive data says it can be unsophisticated in real-world use and that the lane-keep assist system can require more driver input than you’d want. Volvo also offers integrated rear booster child seats as an option.

The main caveat is the IIHS result: the XC60 missed Top Safety Pick recognition because of an Acceptable side-impact crash-test rating rather than a Good one.

Should I buy a 2026 Volvo XC60 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 98.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• The new Volvo Car UX infotainment system, with its 11.2-inch touchscreen and Google Gemini integration, is the standout update for this year.

The bottom line: If you want the most current XC60 cabin experience and you value the updated infotainment system, the 2026 is the version to target. If you’re more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may be worth considering, especially if you can find a cleaner example with the equipment you want at a lower asking price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.