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.

Volvo’s updates help the XC60 feel more current, especially the new Volvo Car UX infotainment system, the larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, Google Gemini integration, and the improved wireless smartphone charger. That matters because this is an SUV that is rapidly aging, yet it still presents as a stylish, premium, and comfortable choice for buyers who care more about a polished cabin than outright capability.

The trade-offs are real, though: sluggish performance and poor fuel economy are two of the biggest knocks, and the driver-assistance tech is described as unimpressive. Even so, if you want a compact luxury crossover with a calm, upscale interior and modern-feeling tech, the XC60 still belongs on your list. Good and great deals account for 30.8% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Volvo XC60 reliable?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is presented as a comfortable, premium SUV with a powertrain that uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and regenerative braking, which supports smoother operation and some efficiency help. Volvo also includes two complimentary services with a lease or purchase, which is a useful ownership perk even though the program is shorter than before.

The expert evaluation also points to a powertrain that is not especially quick to respond, with delay from turbo lag or transmission behavior, so you should expect a relaxed rather than eager driving character. The overall ownership picture is more about comfort and technology than bulletproof simplicity, and the reduced complimentary maintenance coverage means long-term used-buyer risk is more about upkeep costs than catastrophic dependability concerns.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 98.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-spec example with larger wheels or more expensive options. Focus on cabin condition, wheel and tire wear, and whether the tech and driver-assistance systems behave the way you expect on a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XC60 T5 is offered in Core, Plus, Ultra, and Black Edition trim levels. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more, while the Ultra brings the richer cabin presentation that defines the model best.
• Powertrain: The T5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, plus an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It also uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with regenerative braking, but the response can feel delayed.
• Safety package: Pilot Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, and the XC60 also includes forward-collision warning, oncoming collision mitigation braking, and intersection braking assist. Factory-installed integrated rear booster child seats are available, but the driver-assistance tech is not especially polished.
• Infotainment: The XC60 gets an 11.2-inch touchscreen, Volvo Car UX software, Google built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Gemini, and Google Play. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, but Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection.
• Fuel efficiency: The official EPA rating is 26 mpg in combined driving, while testing returned 24.7 mpg on one loop and 21.7 mpg on another.

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 sense if you want the XC60’s design, comfort, and new infotainment without stretching for extras. It gives you the basic XC60 experience, but it is also the trim most likely to feel sparse compared with the richer versions.
• Plus: This is the trim to target if you want a better balance of equipment and value. It should give you more of the XC60’s premium feel without pushing you into the highest-priced territory, making it the best-value choice for many shoppers.
• Ultra: This is the sweet spot if you care most about the XC60’s cabin quality and upscale presentation. The expert review specifically highlights the Ultra’s sumptuously outfitted interior, and it’s the trim that best matches what the XC60 does well.
• Black Edition: Choose this if you want the XC60’s premium character with a darker visual theme. It’s more about appearance and presence than changing the SUV’s core personality.

The safety package includes Pilot Assist, but the system’s real-world performance is not a strong point, so don’t buy a higher trim expecting a major leap in driver-assistance capability.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a flood of standout bargains.

• Deal availability: 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 925 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 98.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $52,529.43, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 that can detect large animals, pedestrians, and cyclists, plus oncoming collision mitigation braking and intersection braking assist. Pilot Assist is standard and combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but the system is described as unsophisticated and can struggle with lane markings, traffic flow, and road geometry.

The main caveat is that the XC60’s driver-assistance tech does not match the strength of its safety reputation. There’s also no hands-free highway driving system or low-speed traffic jam assist system available, so you should treat the safety tech as helpful but not class-leading.

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:

• 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 98.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Volvo’s new Car UX infotainment system, larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, Google Gemini integration, and standard adaptive cruise control make this year feel more modern.

The bottom line: If you want the most up-to-date XC60 experience, the 2026 is the one to target, especially if you value the refreshed tech and can find a well-priced, clean example. If your priority is simply getting into an XC60 for less money, a nearby model year may be the better value play, since the core appeal here is comfort, cabin quality, and updated infotainment rather than a major mechanical leap.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.