2025 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid – Premium Efficiency

Plug-in Hybrids, SUVs
February 9, 2025
Dan Gunay

The 2025 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid continues to refine the Swedish automaker’s formula for luxury, and safety in an efficient package. It offers a compelling blend of performance and eco-conscious driving with an updated powertrain that delivers a usable all-electric range, a premium interior packed with cutting-edge tech, and Volvo’s signature Scandinavian design language. The big question is whether the XC60 Plug-in hybrid still stands out against tough competition like the Lexus RX 500h and the BMW X5 xDrive50e. Let’s find out.

Since its first debut back in 2008, the Volvo XC60 has firmly established itself in the luxury compact SUV market, appealing to consumers seeking a blend of safety, Scandinavian design, practicality and overall everyday usability. It has been the brand’s top-selling model globally. Just like all other entries, the XC60 has seen significant updates since its initial release. The current generation, which was unveiled in 2017, introduced the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform sharing its platform and aligning it with Volvo’s larger models like the XC90. The XC60 underwent a notable facelift in 2021 with refreshed styling and more powertrain options.

Our tester has both advancements with its updated looks and the plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Despite the design changes, the XC60 PHEV maintains Volvo’s signature Scandinavian design language, clean yet elegant and sophisticated. The exterior features a minimalist yet bold aesthetic, with smooth lines, a well-proportioned stance and a refined front fascia. The signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights remain a standout design element, flanking a subtly updated grille that gives the SUV a modern, yet instantly recognizable Volvo identity.

A few distinguishing design elements set the XC60 Plug-in hybrid apart from the non-hybrid version. The XC60 PHEV has no difference from the side compared to the non-hybrid version, except for the charging port in the left front fender. There are also a lot of aerodynamic tweaks to make the XC60 PHEV more efficient. However, the rear end is mostly unchanged. It still has the same vertical LED taillights, that extend from the lower bumper up to the roofline, remaining a defining feature of the XC60 PHEV.

Just like the exterior, the XC60 PHEV delivers a refined and distinctly Scandinavian design language, combining luxury with modern technology in a minimalist look, yet functional. The dashboard follows Volvo’s signature aesthetic, featuring a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen with built-in GoogleOS infotainment software. The infotainment system was criticized for not having smartphone integration and only relying on Bluetooth connection in its first versions, but Volvo responded quickly and updated it with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You don’t have to use it as it allows you to use your Google account with full integration, but it’s still there.

The floating center console is accented with premium materials and houses a compact crystal gear shifter on higher trims. Volvo’s approach to interior design keeps things intuitive and clutter-free, and not many manufacturers can achieve the balance Volvo has been offering. The build quality is where the XC60 PHEV truly shines. The soft-touch dashboard with real wood inlays makes the XC60 look and feel premium. The attention to detail is evident in the precision stitching, and seamless integration of luxury elements throughout the interior.

Just as expected from a luxury entry, the XC60 offers really good seat adjustment options, along with the massage feature for the front seat occupants. The Nappa leather feels very premium, but Volvo also offers a leather-free interior option for eco-conscious buyers, and that sets the brand apart from the others. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and offer a decent amount of space even for taller adults. Overall, it gives you the living room experience with a good blend of diversity, build quality, low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels with great audio quality in the interior.

Practicality remains a strong suit with almost no compromises with the plug-in hybrid version. Despite the hybrid battery, it still offers a generous cargo space of 22.4 cubic feet (634 litres) behind the rear seats. It can go up to 63.3 cubic feet (1792 litres) when folded, keeping it competitive in the luxury compact SUV segment. The rear seats can recline slightly for additional comfort, with four-zone climate control which ensures a personalized temperature range for all occupants. The only gripe I had was the lack of sunshades for the rear seat occupants, which should have been included in a family-oriented crossover.

The Powertrain

The 2025 Volvo XC60 Plug-in hybrid comes with one of the most complicated powertrains available in the market, for a good reason. At its core, the T8 drivetrain has the 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with the electric motors that deliver a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables the XC60 PHEV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, offering the most powerful plug-in hybrid setup in its class.

The T8 drivetrain is paired with an 8-speed torque-converted automatic transmission that prioritizes smooth gear transitions. The all-wheel-drive system is standard, but the gas engine drives the front wheels and relies on electric motors to send the power to the rear wheels. The transition is relatively seamless, and the electric motors have a decent amount of torque just to operate alone even at higher speeds on a highway.

The XC60 PHEV is equipped with a 19-kWh battery pack with an estimated all-electric range of 35 miles (60 kilometres), which is more than enough for most daily commutes with zero exhaust emissions. It is not easy to get that mileage during winter time, but even if you run out of battery, the XC60 PHEV switches automatically to regular hybrid mode for optimal fuel efficiency. Without the electric power, the internal combustion engine can push 312 horsepower without any assistance, but the fuel economy figures would take a massive hit if you run out of electric juice.

The battery pack can be charged for around 3 hours using a Level 2 charger. I wish there was an option for Level 3 – DC Charging, which would have increased the electric range during longer trips. However, it should not be a deal breaker for a plug-in hybrid vehicle, as you should not have any range anxiety issues. If you don’t have a Level 2 charging at home, the XC60 can still be charged overnight with the regular power outlet in around 12 hours.

Driving the XC60 Plug-in hybrid is an effortless experience, offering a nice balance of power and refined comfort. The powerband is seamless but responsive thanks to the electric motors. When the gas engine is shut down, it elevates the overall refinement with lower noise, vibration and harshness levels. The tire and wind noises are quite minimal even at higher speeds. When both electric motors and gas engine work together, the transition is quite smooth and they offer tons of roll-on power, making city driving and highway merging a stress-free experience.

On the road, the XC60 Plug-in hybrid offers a composed ride quality, thanks to the well-tuned air suspension. Even though the air suspension takes the refinement a step further, it cannot absorb the small road imperfections as well as you would expect from a traditional air suspension system. The eAWD system works efficiently while ensuring consistent grip in all conditions. You can manually choose the eAWD mode, and EV modes depending on the driving condition. The ride height can be adjusted for inclement weather or light-duty off-roading, making the XC60 an even more versatile choice against the competition.

The plug-in hybrid version of the XC60 stands out in its class by offering an exceptional balance of power, efficiency, and everyday usability. With class-leading horsepower and torque figures, it is the right choice for people looking for the best straight-line acceleration. It also offers a longer pure EV range than most rivals, it delivers strong performance without the usual compromises of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Volvo has managed to integrate its hybrid system seamlessly, ensuring buyers get both the benefits of electrification and the refinement of a traditional luxury SUV.

Engine	2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged inline-4 & 2 AC motors
Transmission & Drivetrain	8-speed automatic & eAWD
Max power (combined)	455 hp
Max torque (combined)	523 lb-ft
0-100 km/h	4.6 sec
Curb Weight	4751 lbs – 2155 kg
Fuel Economy (observed)	36.2 MPG – 6.5 L/100 km
Price (starting at)	$63,539 CAD
Website:	www.volvocars.com/en-ca/