2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Review and Test Drive
This stylish SUV proves that performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive.
Perry Stern
It's hard to get excited about driving a Volvo hybrid — at least, that's what I thought before spending a week with a 2024 XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Volvo has a reputation for being the safe choice with a range of safety innovations, and hybrids are typically more about fuel efficiency than performance, so combining those two attributes doesn't promise much excitement. The 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge SUV boasts plenty of expected safety features, and after just a few minutes behind the steering wheel, I realized it also supplies unexpected thrills.
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury crossover SUV that slots between the smaller XC40 and larger XC90 in the company's lineup. In addition to the XC60 Recharge, you can choose the XC60 B5 model equipped with a turbocharged mild-hybrid drivetrain. Base prices range from the high $40,000s (B5) to the high $50,000s (Recharge).
The second-generation XC60 arrived in 2018 and received a significant refresh in 2022. Capital One published a 2022 Volvo XC60 B6 model review with a turbocharged and supercharged hybrid drivetrain that Volvo has discontinued for the 2024 model year.
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What's Different About the 2024 XC60 Recharge?
The XC60 B5 and Recharge models look almost identical from the outside. The only noticeable difference is the Recharge's charging port on the left front fender. However, you'll notice these two XC60s are different once you begin to drive.
The XC60 Recharge has a PHEV powertrain that teams a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 312 horsepower with a 143-hp electric motor for a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the XC60 B5, the Recharge's powertrain delivers more than 200 additional horses for considerably quicker acceleration.
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Not only does the Recharge boast a significant power boost, but its 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery also allows it to cruise more efficiently with an epa-estimated 36 miles of electric-only driving. This SUV features a unique all-wheel-drive system, with the gas engine driving the front wheels and the electric motor powering the rear wheels. That means when you're driving in pure electric mode, the XC60 is rear-wheel drive.
For the 2024 model year, XC60 Ultimate trims are available with a new Black Edition package, and my test vehicle had this upgrade. Painted in Onyx Black, the XC60 Black Edition has an almost sinister look with all-black exterior trim and 21-inch high-gloss black wheels.
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2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Power and Efficiency
To conduct this 2024 XC60 Recharge review, Volvo provided me with a 2024 XC60 Recharge Ultimate Black Edition specification. My test vehicle's options included active chassis with air suspension, massaging front seats, a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, and a Climate package. These upgrades brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $76,695, including the $1,195 destination charge.
Volvo has produced some high-performance models over the years, such as the P1800 and 850R, so the XC60 Recharge is in good company. This is not a typical staid Volvo. The response to input from your right foot is quick, acceleration is strong, and Volvo says this crossover will reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, which is entirely believable.
Taking an entrance ramp onto Interstate 94 near Detroit, the Volvo rapidly reached the legal limit, pushing me back in the seat and emitting a pleasing growl from the exhaust. To say I was surprised by the Volvo's performance would be an understatement.
Once I reached 70 mph, I selected Pure mode, and the internal-combustion engine (ICE) shut off as the XC60 continued to cruise on electric power only. The XC60 is quiet, comfortable, and composed at highway speeds, and I drove the remaining 20 miles to my destination without burning any fuel.
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I plugged the XC60 Recharge into a household-style 110-volt power outlet at home. According to Volvo, a full charge from empty is possible in three hours with a Level 2 charger, so I knew my solution would take longer. Ultimately, the Volvo took about 15 hours to reach a full charge.
When complete, the trip computer indicated 34 miles of electric range, slightly less than the EPA estimate of 36 miles. It traveled 35 miles before exhausting the battery, so the estimated range is on point.
With a full charge, I drove the XC60 Recharge around town and found that in Pure mode, the Volvo has adequate acceleration with enough power to get around without needing to call the engine into action. The engine will stay off unless you put the accelerator to the floor, so the XC60's full power is always available in a situation that requires moving quickly.
Upon reaching my favorite local driving roads, I selected Hybrid mode for the full level of performance. With plenty of power on tap, the XC60 Recharge is great fun to drive. Steering is direct with good feedback, and the Volvo feels stable with excellent grip when pushed hard into the corners. The brakes are strong and linear, allowing for a confident drive.
When the battery reaches its minimum state of charge, the Volvo drives like a regular hybrid, blending power from the ICE and electric motor and running on electric power only when possible. The EPA says the 2024 XC60 Recharge will get 28 mpg in city, highway combined driving when driven as a hybrid. On my testing route, driven in Hybrid mode, the trip computer indicated 29 mpg, beating the EPA estimates and impressive for a 455-hp crossover SUV with AWD.
Perry Stern
2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Advanced Technology and Comfort
With Volvo's reputation for building safe cars, it's no surprise that the XC60 Recharge is available with an extensive list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist technology.
I engaged the Pilot Assist System while cruising at 70 mph on I-94, and the system worked seamlessly. Using adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, Pilot Assist provides steering input to keep the XC60 in its lane while maintaining a set distance from the car ahead.
In traffic, Pilot Assist will slow to a stop and continue moving when the vehicle ahead moves forward. While this sounds like a hands-free system, it is not. The driver's hands must be on the steering wheel for this system to operate.
Beyond the ADAS, the XC60 features a Google-based infotainment system with a 9.0-inch vertical touchscreen display. The system uses the popular Google Maps as its native navigation system, and the installation is specific to the XC60 Recharge with its PHEV powertrain. In addition to being able to find the closest gas stations, the map also provides routing information to the nearest EV charger.
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Google Assistant is the infotainment system's voice interface, one of the best natural voice systems available. While you can give it direct commands, it also responds to "I'm cold" or "I need coffee" by raising the cabin temperature and providing nearby options for getting that caffeine fix.
As with an Android phone, the infotainment system can download additional apps from the Google Play store, such as Spotify music streaming or Waze navigation. Logging into the system with your Google account can personalize Google Maps and other apps. A wired version of Apple CarPlay is standard for those who prefer the iPhone interface. Surprisingly, Android Auto is not available.
The XC60's spacious cabin features comfortable seats offering excellent support. The test vehicle's front seats were heated and ventilated, and the optional massaging function worked quite well. Rear-seat passengers will find good legroom and headroom with nicely padded seats for a comfortable ride. The outboard cushions also offer heating.
Perry Stern
2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Competitors
With its powerful and efficient turbocharged PHEV drivetrain, the 2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge is a rarity, delivering outstanding performance and efficiency.
However, the Volvo is not the only compact PHEV SUV you can buy. You can cross-shop this Volvo with the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e, Lexus NX 450h+, or Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring. In addition, Mercedes-Benz is adding a PHEV version of its GLC to the mix.
Nevertheless, thanks to its attractive design, comfortable cabin, impressive performance, useful electric-only range, appealing features, and advanced safety systems, the aging Volvo XC60 Recharge is holding its own in what appears to be a growing segment.
Volvo provided the vehicle for this 2024 XC60 Recharge review.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Perry SternI have loved cars and trucks since childhood, and that fascination with anything that drives is just as strong today. As a teenager, I knew I wanted to become an automotive journalist, and during the past three decades, I have driven, written about, and photographed all manner of automobiles ranging from affordable econocars to exotic supercars. With the idea that there is a perfect car, truck, or SUV for everyone, my goal is to help consumers determine the right one for their wants and needs.
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