2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Review

Intro

The Volvo XC60 is one of the best-selling models in the Swedish brand's lineup, and for good reason. It's a handsome and versatile SUV that appeals to a wide range of buyers. The XC60 Recharge is the plug-in hybrid version, which adds an electric motor and a battery pack to the standard gas engine. This allows the XC60 Recharge to run on electricity alone for short trips, or use both power sources for longer journeys.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge benefits from some updates that were introduced in 2022, such as a longer electric range (up from 30 to 55 km), more power (up from 400 to 455 horsepower), and a new infotainment system that uses Google's software and services. The 2023 model also gets a new trim naming structure, with Core, Plus, and Ultimate replacing the previous Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trims.

The XC60 Recharge competes with other plug-in hybrid SUVs in the luxury segment, such as the Audi Q5 e-tron, the BMW X3 xDrive30e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e. Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had one week to find out how the 2023 XC60 Recharge competes with the rest.

Exterior

The XC60 Recharge has a sleek and sophisticated exterior that reflects Volvo's minimalist design philosophy. The front end features a simple grille with a large Volvo logo, flanked by LED headlights with Thor's Hammer daytime running lights. The side profile is clean and elegant, with subtle creases and tasty chrome accents. The rear end has vertical LED taillights that wrap around the tailgate, and a dual exhaust system integrated into the bumper.

The XC60 Recharge comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, but you can opt for larger 20- or 21-inch wheels with different designs. If you want a sportier look, the Plus trim adds black exterior trim elements and a gloss black roof. If you want a more luxurious look, you can go for the Ultimate trim, which adds chrome exterior trim elements and silver roof rails.

Interior

The XC60 Recharge has a spacious and comfortable interior that showcases Volvo's attention to detail and quality. The cabin is filled with premium materials, such as leather surfaces, wood inlays, and metal trims. The dashboard is dominated by a 9-inch touchscreen that runs the Google-powered infotainment system. The center console has a crystal gear lever from Orrefors, a Swedish glassmaker. The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch digital display that shows various driving information real-time.

The XC60 Recharge can seat up to five passengers in two rows of seats. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation available on the Ultimate trim. The rear seats are roomy and can recline. Rear seat heating is available on the Ultimate trim.

The XC60 Recharge offers various interior color schemes and upholstery options. You can choose from black or blonde leather seats on the Core trim; black or slate leather seats with contrast stitching on the Plus trim; or black or maroon brown Nappa leather seats on the Ultimate trim. You can also opt for wool-blend seats on any trim level for a more sustainable and cozy interior.

Infotainment

The XC60 Recharge comes with a new infotainment system that uses Google's software and services. This means that you get access to Google Maps for navigation; Google Assistant for voice control; Google Play for apps; and Google Automotive Services for over-the-air updates and cloud connectivity. You can also use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to connect your smartphone to the system.

The infotainment system is controlled by a 9-inch touchscreen that has a portrait orientation. The touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, but it can also be distracting to use while driving. Some physical buttons are available for climate control and audio functions, but the car can benefit from more physical buttons. The system comes standard with a 10-speaker sound system, but you can upgrade to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system or a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system for better sound quality.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The XC60 Recharge is one of the safest SUVs on the road, thanks to a strong structure and advanced safety technologies. The XC60 Recharge earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The comprehensive suite of driver assistance include:

• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
• Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous driving mode
• Parking sensors and rearview camera
• Head-up display and surround-view camera (Ultimate trim only)

Driving

The XC60 Recharge is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, paired with an electric motor and a 18.8-kWh battery pack. The combined output is 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC60 Recharge can accelerate from zero to 100km/hr in about five seconds, which is quick for its class. The electric motor provides instant torque and smooth acceleration, while the gas engine kicks in when more power is needed. The XC60 Recharge can also run on electricity alone for up to 55km, which is enough for most daily commutes. The battery can be recharged in about three hours using a 240-volt outlet, or in about seven hours using a standard 120-volt outlet.

The XC60 Recharge has three driving modes: Hybrid, Pure, and Power. Hybrid mode is the default mode, which uses both the gas engine and the electric motor for optimal efficiency. Pure mode uses only the electric motor for zero-emission driving. Power mode uses both the gas engine and the electric motor for maximum performance.

The XC60 Recharge is not the most sporty SUV, but it handles well for its size and weight. The steering is precise and well-weighted, but not very communicative. The suspension is firm and composed, but not harsh or uncomfortable. The brakes are strong and smooth, but they can feel a bit sticky at low speeds due to the regenerative braking system. 

The XC60 Recharge has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 9.4L/100km combined when using both the gas engine and the electric motor, or 4.1L/100kme when using only the electric motor. These are good numbers for a plug-in hybrid SUV, but they really depend on how often you charge the battery and how you drive.

Cargo Space & Storage

The XC60 Recharge has a generous amount of cargo space and storage for its class. The cargo area has 730L of space behind the rear seats, which can fit several suitcases. The rear seats can fold down in a 40/20/40 split, expanding the cargo space to 1790L. This is more than what most rivals offer, such as the Audi Q5 e-tron, the BMW X3 xDrive30e, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e.

The XC60 Recharge also has plenty of storage spaces for small items throughout the cabin. There are large door pockets, a glove box, a center console bin, a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and seatback pockets. There's also a small storage compartment under the cargo floor, where you can store the charging cable or other items.

Conclusion

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge is a stylish and efficient plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a lot of value and versatility. It has a sleek and sophisticated exterior, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a powerful and economical drivetrain. It also has an intuitive infotainment system that uses Google's software and services, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features that enhance safety and driving convenience.

The XC60 Recharge is not perfect, though. It's not particularly engaging to drive, compared to some rivals. It's also quite expensive, especially if you opt for the higher trims or more options. Finally, the touchscreen can be difficult to use while driving.

But if you're looking for a compact luxury SUV that combines an elegant exterior, an upscale interior, and impressive fuel efficiency, the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge should still be on your top of the list.