Sunday, 01 December 2024

2025 Volvo XC60 delivers sharp looks, roomy interior, advanced tech Featured

Posted On Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:48 Written by
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The 2025 Volvo XC60 is a roomy midsize luxury SUV. The 2025 Volvo XC60 is a roomy midsize luxury SUV. Photo courtesy of Volvo

In the realm of luxury SUVs, Volvo has a variety of options to compete in this increasingly competitive category.

In the middle of their SUV lineup, stuck between the compact XC40 and three-row XC90 offering, is Volvo’s XC60 — a midsize SUV that will meet the needs of most SUV shoppers.

While it’s been seven years since the last full redesign of the XC60, the vehicle surprisingly still holds up well with the 2025 offering, which I recently had a chance to test. Offered in both regular and plug-in hybrid versions, the XC60 continues to offer attractive design, plenty of space inside, and excellent tech and safety features.

Read on for a full breakdown of how it compares in the luxury market vs. midsize SUV competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

LOOKS

The 2025 Volvo XC60 features the brand’s traditional Scandinavian style, which isn’t overly bold or gaudy, yet still catches your eye. It features the signature Volvo logo on the front grille, sharp lighting design in front and back, and sleek sidelines.

The XC60 comes with 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and all-season tires. My Ultra trim test vehicle was upgraded to 22-inch wheels. It also featured a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, and glossy black integrated roof rails.

Moving inside, you’ll see a classy design that offers plenty of leg room and head room for all five passengers to travel in style and comfort.

Massaging seats are offered up front, and are a nice luxury touch. The crystal shifter, wood trim, and Nappa leather seating are among the standout interior features.

Cargo space impresses, coming in at 22.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 63.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Other interior features include: Heated front seats, 4-zone automatic climate control, 4-way power lumbar support in front seats, and an air purifier.

My Ultra trim XC60 also featured interior high-level illumination, a tailored dashboard, power-folding rear headrests, memory settings for both front and rear seats, and power cushion extension in front seats.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 comes with two options under the hood — a standard engine or a plug-in hybrid option.

I tested the standard option, which features a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Total output is 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and the system features a 48-volt mild hybrid system with regenerative braking.

The XC60 features all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and electric power assisted steering. You can also spend $1,800 to get the optional air suspension setup to improve the ride quality.

The plug-in hybrid models turn it up a notch and featured a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with electric motors to deliver 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet.

In terms of 0-to-60 times, the standard engine comes in just over 6 seconds, while the plug-in hybrid will be closer to the 4-second range (an impressive number).

I found the XC60 to be quite agile on the roadways, handing itself well in the turns and on twisty roads. Braking was also instantly responsive, and the smoothness of the overall drive is what stood out to me. It’s a comfortable, quiet family ride, but not a hot rod.

Towing capacity on the XC60 tops out at 3,500 pounds. There’s a trailer hitch option that can be added to the vehicle.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Volvo provides a Google-based infotainment system in the XC60, which works effectively by both menus on the 9-inch touchscreen and by voice.

In my testing, the voice commands were responsive for music, navigation, and phone calls. The system’s design isn't as fancy in terms of looks or design as some rivals, but it is still impressive in performance and will be a quick learning curve.

When using the navigation system, maps also display in front of the driver, which is nice.

Other elements of the tech setup in the XC60 include a 12.3-inch digital driver display, satellite radio with trial subscription, four USB-C ports (2 front and 2 rear), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and phone calls. The system features integrated Google Maps, Google Play Store and Google Assistant. Using an app on your phone, you can operate Remote Start and Remote Lock/Unlock features.

Standard sounds come from a respectable Harman Kardon setup, but you can upgrade to a more impressive Bowers & Wilkins stereo system.

Moving on to safety, let’s recognize that Volvo is a longtime safety leader in the auto industry. So it’s no surprise that the XC60 delivers in this area.

The impressive 360-degree camera includes a sky view that will show you all around the car, and is extremely helpful in parking situations. And the XC60’s Head-Up Display displays key information on the windshield to help keep the driver's eyes on the road. 

Another highlight is the basic self-driving ability that comes via the Pilot Assist Driver Assistance System with Adaptive Cruise Control. You still have to pay attention and step in when needed, but it does the job of staying where it needs to be on the road very well.

Other safety features include:
— LED headlights
— Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert
— Collision Avoidance system that detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals
— Front, Side and Curtain airbags, plus driver side knee airbag
— Whiplash Protection System
— Lane Keeping Aid; Lane Departure Warning
— Forward Collision Warning
— Standard automated emergency braking

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the 2025 Volvo XC60 I tested were 23 city/30 highway/26 combined

I experienced 23 mpg driving the car, mostly in city conditions. So the numbers are pretty accurate. In the realm of midsize luxury SUVs, these numbers are pretty solid, but a few miles per gallon behind the best options in class.

Most impressive are the numbers on the XC60’s plug-in hybrid offerings, which deliver 63 MPGe (combined gas/electric power) and 28 MPG when running on gas only. The plug-in hybrid will travel 35 miles on electric power alone, meaning people with short commutes can go long periods between gas station trips if they charge regularly at home.


PRICE

The 2025 Volvo XC60 I tested (an Ultra trim level) was priced at $68,245. Its base price starts at about $48K.

Trim levels include Core, Plus and Ultra. All three trim levels are offered both with a standard engine and as a plug-in hybrid. And there’s an additional Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid that tops out the trim levels at over $76K.

These prices are competitive with most key luxury SUV rivals, and less expensive than some alternatives.

In terms of warranties, the XC60 also compares respectably, offering:
— 48-month/50,000 mile overall warranty and powertrain warranties 
— Complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 30,000 miles
— If you opt for a plug-in hybrid, the hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles


BOTTOM LINE

The 2025 Volvo XC60 offers an attractive and understated design, roomy interior, plus strong Google-based tech and excellent safety features.

While it’s not the most powerful in its class, it’s a solid luxury SUV from a trusted brand in Volvo that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu



Additional Info

  • Vehicle: 2025 Volvo XC60
  • Price as tested: $68,245 (starts around $48K)
  • Best feature: Roomy interior, upscale design, strong tech and safety features   
  • Rating: 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle?: Luxury SUV buyers looking for a solid midsize family ride
Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

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