2021 Volvo XC60 review - does mild hybrid tech make this the best large SUV? | What Car?

Luxury, practicality, & a Swedish flag - the Volvo XC60 has the lot. But where does it rank among SUV rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3? And if you want to buy one how should you spec it? Watch to find out
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[@ojtamayosr]

We just bought a 2020 XC60 T5 Momentum for the wife a couple of days ago, and she loves it, and so do I. For those of you that are considering other makes besides Volvo, the wife's previous vehicle was Mercedes Benz (our third MB) and we shopped the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Cadillac XT, the brand new Lincoln Corsair and Mercedes GLC. Volvo wasn't even on our radar when we were out shopping and we decided to stop at a Volvo dealer on our way to another brand. Needless to say, after test driving and closely examining the XC 60 both of us were sold. If you are like us that never considered Volvo before, do a yourself a big favor and check out what Volvo has to offer. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. And if matters, the current Volvo XC60 being sold in the U.S is made in Sweden, not China.

[@jamessmeyer]

Volvo’s look so elegant and classy now. One of my favorite looking luxury brands these days.

[@RiddickHBG]

But what makes a good drive is very subjective. Most car reviewers are so focused on that the car has to be "sporty" and that sportyness is something to desire. I would argue that most buyers are looking for a confortable ride over a sporty ride. In my book the XC60 is more enjoyable to drive than the Q5 for instance. And the interior is more luxorious in the XC60 than the Q5. That's why I just put in an order for the XC60. It was an easy choise for me after having test driven the both of them.

[@rwg2626]

RiddickHBG yep I’m on my second new shape XC90. Relaxing, calming, great for driving long distances

[@OscarLeeMX]

Exactly. I avoid cars that are described as "sporty" when looking for a car to purchase.

[@kennethstagg9520]

Right. It seems that many reviewers fetishize the 'German' feel - the ability to dive into corners, maybe kick the rear end out on exit, minimal movement lock-to-lock on the steering (which means it needs to be a little heavier so you don't get to twitchy), even a growling exhaust note. Then there's the real world where we want safe, quiet, comfortable, easy to maneuver at low speeds and maybe some pampering if we are thinking of buying a luxury crossover.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Agreed. That's why I'm starting to look more at women drivers that live with the car a week and then do reviews. Sick of all the emphasis on acceleration, road holding, blah blah blah. The German cars, just about all of them, don't feel "warm and fuzzy" to me. They feel like well-built machines. I'd rather go with Volvo or maybe Genesis/Kia/Hyundai or Lexus. I respect the German cars but they're pushed too much by automotive journalists.

[@Fishercan]

And still love it ? What is your experience ?

[@aaronmills3105]

The Volvo XC60 and Mercedes GLC have to be my favourite in this segment

[@22imp]

Really helpful detail thorough review

[@TATEXPRESSINC]

Keep up to great work on the videos

[@teto85]

Ours was delivered in late September. Plug in Hybrid. Inscription package and fully loaded. Looking forward to winter here on Vancouver Island and Coquitlam (SIL lives there). And the same color as shown in the video. But blonde seat leather.

[@amyf8322]

Very good review. Thank you :)

[@kevinwyatt9771]

Had one as a rental in USA. Couldn't get on with the SatNav. Didn't recognise town inputs, until nearer the destination

[@dad.0]

Awesome content as always!

[@hagestad]

But not too well informed. That Swedish flag on the dash trim is not for decoration. Its an expansion joint.

[@WHfan]

Do all models have that hidden middle box with USB for passengers in the back seat?

[@davidsingleton9864]

Volvo XC60 remains simply the best crossover with its rivals like the Audi Q5 Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X3.

[@nickegerton7220]

Just replaced my Discovery Sport. The XC60 is so much more comfortable in both seats and ride quality, better equipped and a dam sight better built.

[@presacanariox2558]

Big fan of the XC60

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Which engine is the best petrol, diesel or plug in hybrid.

[@konnlee8612]

the buttons in the screen are movable, so it real life, it is not hard to use while driving.

[@rrag1233]

Can u please do a review of the new Hyundai Ioniq hybrid premium se?

[@shallnotbenamed814]

Why so early? Are you sure the embargo is finished?

[@nikopneilyohara]

I have an older xc 60. Mine was @ dealer today and after driving about 60 miles my 🦵 cramped. Terrible and so disappointing. Once I got I. My older model I noted they the 2021 snug cockpit didn’t give me the leg /knees stretch area like my 2014 does. Loved the heads up display as well the speeding feature as well the electronic s are much improved.

[@ironsavior1171]

What seats did that car have?

[@nikopneilyohara]

@@ironsavior1171 it was the inscription w the leg extendible which I love but the snug cockpit doesn’t give ur knee room to move. I also had a v60 wagon and that felt very comfortable 2021 in October.

[@yankyleifer4578]

Here is the US you do not pay for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

[@shanjanusman9974]

Nice car

[@colinmaynard2879]

Stop phrases like "best cars in it's class". You must name them... which do you think is better?

[@yash6741]

Zactly!

[@disarchitected]

Obviously the usual suspect German brands.

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

How long did this gentleman actually test this car? The infotainment is super easy and smooth to use...😳Thought B-engines are petrol hybrid, not diesel....??? Love the car, but the review in itself....😖😖😖

[@neilold9645]

Sensus is one of the most user friendly systems i have ever used out there. The Audi system is a nightmare and talking about having a zillion customization options for the Drivers Display as sometehing positive does not make any sense. The HMI in especially VAG products is a total nightmare in my opinion. Map, speed, rev/soc left is all you need. Would be nice if journalist stopped seeing super hars sporty drives as a positive thing and spacey HMI as well.

[@vinayshsureshram277]

Should I get the B5/B6 XC60 or the 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport? Are the Volvos really made in China now?

[@tiagoarnaudyt]

the D4 is no more available, B4 now!

[@Ash-qv4mx]

test drove q5,xc60 & BMW x3, bought the x3 more space better driving dynamics cheaper to run, better infotainment system to list a few.

[@rwg2626]

When you talk about the infotainment who changes the settings, nobody, you choose your display and that’s it, I have the Volvo XC90 I only need 2 buttons on the display so I moved them to the top, sat nav, nobody uses sat Nav on every journeys, maybe once a month, now I wouldn’t buy any other make

[@blacov89]

Its so good to read that actually somebody pointed out an important thing. These days car journalists treat every car they test the same way. Whether its a super car or a small round around. They totally forget how these cars will be used in real life and do not really mention the important stuff anymore.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@blacov89 They need to read the comments and make some adjustments. Their criteria for cars don't always match buyer's and owner's criteria.

[@maxtroy8511]

55 grand and you still have to adjust your steering manually? That is a terrible flaw considering power adjustable steering is standard on car which cost less.

[@lakshmandalpadado9066]

Adjusting the steering is not something everyday. There is absolutely no need for fitting electric motors. Far quicker and easier to adjust in manually. Same with the boot.

[@mr.darknight416]

That was done for safty, in case of a crash the rescue team or the driver can move the wheel out of the way even when the engine is off. Plus how often do u change ur wheels position? Not to mention its just one more thing that can break and would cost alot of fix.

[@scotia4429]

I bought a B5 xc90 inscription with lots of extras for the same price as what your saying the top of the range xc60 is.

[@isaz597]

Friend where did you get it from please?

[@davidt8546]

Volvos used to be a family car for normal working folk. We had an 850 which was great. Its a shame they are now for the super rich

[@terrificspokesman7416]

There are lots of good XC60s second hand

[@55billposter66]

Ive got both and the Volvo beats the Merc hands down in every quarter.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

XC and large SUV??? For narrow British roads yes, otherwise XC 90 is the large one.

[@noname-JS]

Yes, it's the best

[@sergiobarbero7612]

What is the colour? denim blue or mussel blue

[@arandomseal1728]

I think denim blue

[@iCoolaxe]

If the XC60 is a 'large' SUV, then what does that make the XC90. A giant SUV?

[@rlc2978]

You'd need to find a review with some actual knowledge to answer that 🙄

[@lembit1647]

If you are going to review a car, for God's sake learn the features. You tell people how clunky it is to operate the touch screen. For the most part the touch screen only needs to be used when setting up your chosen features when first purchasing the car. Thereafter you use voice control (one button on the steering wheel) to dictate features such as car temperature, seat heating, steering wheel heating, radio station, telephone, even navigation - dictate the postcode for example. This way you don't get ya sticky finger prints all over the shiny glass screen. Also, you drive with your eyes where they should be - on the road - and not focussed on the damn screen whilst you fiddle around and the vehicle is in motion. Learn the simple voice control lingo and your experience will be sublime.

[@NickGonsalves]

Apple car play and android auto IS standard no> it is in US

[@GavinCulverhouse]

Unlike rivals I believe it is standard

[@teto85]

Standard in Canada as well.

[@adia5229]

"Large suv" 😀😀😀

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Yeah, I don't consider it "large." It's mid-sized. The xc90 is large.

[@arnoldtabor3767]

I hate the constant audi comparisons

[@Syd_Abel]

Arnold Tabor I came here to say the same

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Always some German car comparisons. Almost all British publications do this.

[@V_Dubya]

Stick with momentum? Nope

[@fatpigeon1066]

Agreed, inscription all the way

[@dagda3000]

@@fatpigeon1066 Nah, R-Design with 22s.

[@fatpigeon1066]

@@dagda3000 also a very good choice :)

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@dagda3000 22s compromise the ride quality over rough roads.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

@@dagda3000 that will ruin the ride

[@2dostone2]

idk why, but xc60 reminds me just a bit too much like caravan car

[@slugger7440]

It's not a large SUV! Its not even the biggest one Volvo makes and it's boot is barely 500 litres!

[@alexburns6783]

Agree, its a medium sized SUV. With a small engine.

[@obiadehalkhateeb884]

Is it possible to win me this car now it's my dream ???? hhh

[@JonLondrezos]

in 2019 (almost 2020) it is inexcusable for a 40k+ car to come with rubbish infotainment

[@ES-pt3mr]

Jon Londrezos I have used it and it really good!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It's not rubbish. That's this reviewer's opinion. And it was designed in 2014 or earlier. Future Volvos will use an Android infotainment system that you can find now in the Polestar 2.

[@minniesaab7255]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheVertigo686]

"Large SUV"? 😂

[@sweetfreedomGB]

I'm sorry but it isn't a 'large' SUV

[@aadi8568]

It's midsize

[@myslecinaczej8674]

Not sporty, not sporty.....such reviews arę boring....

[@joshuamony1]

Another stupid review - I buy an SUV for Comfort, Space & Safety - Volvo fits that bill. A sporty SUV because of the weight and physics typically ends up with a terrible ride eg Jaguar F Pace. And what? A Q5 has better steering feel. I drove the Q5 and it was horrendous. The XC60 was miles better

[@matthewesposito5177]

I can't stand these British car reviews they are always pro German cars! constently comparing the to German cars that are nothing but Money pits.

[@nr5494]

Another clunky, inefficient, highly polluting ICE SUV. There’s a yawning (pun intended) chasm between this waste of steel and Volvos All Electric hype of a few years back. And no, a 48V alternator/generator just doesn’t cut it in 2020.

[@dagda3000]

Strange, it is the other way around for me. Electric cars make me yawn.

[@teto85]

The Hybrid is not bad.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

They're going to electric. It'll take time. All-electric meant that all Volvos will have some electric component to them, not that every Volvo will be all-electric.

[@nr5494]

Benjamin Smith Yes. I know that. But personally I hate these compliance cars and see them as a wasted opportunity. The more enlightened manufacturers are missing this (mis) step and moving directly to EV’s. Indeed, Volvo themselves are in this category with their Polestars.