What’s Changed in the Last 5 Years of Volvo’s XC60 Luxury SUV?
The current generation of the Volvo XC60 luxury SUV arrived on American shores for the 2018 model year. This new generation improved on the previous model, with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach to vehicle design. For generations, this has worked well for Volvo. Considering the 2023 Volvo XC60 and 2018 versions are in the same generation, do we expect many differences? Let’s find out.
What changed about the 2018 Volvo XC60?
It might be the first model year of the latest generation, but the 2018 Volvo XC60 built upon the strengths of the previous model. Although this version is essentially an all-new AWD Volvo SUV, it retained a strong build and good looks while adding some new luxurious features to bring this new luxury SUV forward into the modern age.
How is the 2023 Volvo XC60 different from the 2018 model?
The latest model year of this compact Volvo SUV brings a few changes. Volvo renamed the trims to Core, Plus, Ultimate, and Polestar Engineered. Along with the renamed trims, the features list is shuffled, and the PHEV version now comes with 36 miles of all-electric driving, a significant upgrade over the previous 19 miles of EV driving.
The key changes for the Volvo XC60 over the current generation are:
- 2019: Synthetic leather upholstery, FWD, and drive modes added to standard features, more standard features in the upper trims, heated front seats standard in AWD versions
- 2020: Polestar Engineered model arrived, T8 PHEV powertrain received an additional two miles of all-electric range
- 2021: T8 PHEV renamed Recharge, shuffled features, more standard safety features
- 2022: Refreshed exterior styling, B5 and B6 engines replace T5 and T6 models, infotainment system receives upgrades
Overall, the current generation of the Volvo XC60 hasn’t changed much dung the five years in the market.
The powertrains display the greatest differences in this Volvo luxury SUV
The 2018 XC60 used the T5, T6, and T8 powertrains, which were forward-thinking and advanced for the time. All three began with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, with the T5 adding supercharging and the T8 adding a PHEV motor and supercharging.
The T5 powertrain delivered 250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, and 22city/28 hwy mpg. The T6 model improved upon this to offer 316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and 21 city/27 hwy mpg. The T8 system brought us to 400 horsepower and 472 lb-t of torque while offering a short all-electric driving range.
The B5, B6, and powertrains, added in 2022, use a similar theme, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the foundation of each system. B5 and B6 models include a mild hybrid system, while the B8, used in the Recharge, includes a PHEV electric motor.
In the base B5 system, we see 247 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, and 23 city/30 hwy mpg in FWD models, while AWD versions return 23 city/29 hwy mpg. The B6 system increases power to 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The B6 powertrain is only offered in AWD and returns 21 city/27 hwy mpg.
The Recharge T8 powertrain is the most powerful Volvo XC60. It offers 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque while allowing 36 miles of all-electric driving.
Is the Volvo XC60 a good SUV?
Over the past five years, this Volvo SUV has evolved to meet the desires of the current model year. Still, the 2023 Volvo XC60 retains the attractive styling and bold features found in the 2018 version. The XC60 feels energetic and brings advanced features across all five model years of the current generation.
If you want to learn more about the similarities and changes of this Volvo XC60 luxury SUV, check out this video below:
