Used Volvo XC60 2017-present review

The first-gen Volvo XC60 was an immensely popular large SUV. In fact, it stayed in production for more than nine years and actually sold more in its last year on sale than it had in any year before. Why? Well, it certainly helped that the model echoed the upmarket feel of its larger, seven-seat sibling, the Volvo XC90.

Not wanting to ruin the successful formula of that 2008-2017 Volvo XC60, this second-generation version retained the mini-me feel of the XC90. It even sits on the same platform and uses the same engines as the XC90. However, it’s longer, wider and lower than that first XC60 and it oozes class inside and out.

Engines & Performance: Under its elegant bonnet, there’s a good choice of engines: the range starts with a 188bhp D4 diesel and a 188bhp 2.0 T4 petrol model. Add in a 251bhp T5 turbo four-cylinder petrol model and a 307bhp T6 petrol, before rolling in a 232bhp D5 diesel and culminating with a 387bhp and a 400bhp-plus T8 plug-in petrol-electric hybrids. There are front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options.

An update in 2019 introduced a range of petrol and diesel mild hybrid engines, designated with a B. The B5P is a 248bhp petrol, the 2.0 B4D a 194bhp diesel and the B5D a 232bhp diesel. There's also a powerful 298bhp B6P petrol.

Ride & Handling: On the road, the XC60 gets along well with any of its engine options, although the gearbox can initially seem a little hesitant. The diesels offer plenty of low-down grunt, while the mild hybrids in either form offer plenty of punch. The hybrid versions are real flyers, with acceleration times to rival any sports car’s. The petrol options are notably smoother than the diesels, but you’ll pay for that extra refinement when you go to refuel the car.

Where the car doesn’t fare so well is in corners taken quickly, where, despite light and accurate steering, the XC60 doesn’t feel as eager to turn in as an Audi Q5 does. That said, grip levels are high and the handling is generally safe and predictable.

As far as its ride goes, it’s pretty good on the standard steel suspension, smothering smaller urban bumps well. However, it can get caught out by larger potholes and speed humps, and does feel a little fidgety next to one or two of its closest rivals. On the optional air suspension, the ride is much better, cushioning the occupants on nearly every surface except harsh broken irregularities and deep potholes. But this is an expensive option and one that, if taken up, could add to the cost of your used car.

Interior & Practicality: The XC60 has a lovely interior of rare plushness and style. The driving position is superb, thanks to plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and the comfortable and supportive driver’s seat. Visibility is excellent, while the dashboard design, and its surrounding areas, is smart, logical and bereft of buttons, since most have been replaced by the iPad-style 9.0in touchscreen that dominates the central portion of the dash. This looks great, but swiping and pressing some of the smaller icons can be frustrating.

When it comes to interior quality, Volvo can now count itself among the best in the business. That the XC60 is as classy and elegant inside as the more expensive XC90 is seriously impressive. The liberal use of woods and metal, especially on range-topping Inscription trim, lends the interior a light and airy feel. There’s plenty of space both front and rear, and the boot is a good size and shape, even if in terms of outright capacity it’s a little down on the volumes offered by some of its rivals.

On top of that, Volvo hasn't forgotten about its roots, because the XC60 has some of the most advanced safety features in the class. It scored the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP’s safety tests, with a brilliant 98% adult occupant safety score and 95% for safety assists.

Trims & Equipment: There are three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Entry-level Momentum trim gets all the essentials: climate control, keyless start, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers and heated leather seats. R-Design is more popular, mainly because you get sportier styling, bigger wheels and tinted windows. You also get sports suspension, which does result in a slightly firmer ride than the standard car, but it brings tidier handling, too. Range-topping Inscription trim has an even more upmarket interior and fully electric seats.

A Pro pack can be added to each trim and brings different luxuries depending on the trim, including – among other goodies – an electric driver’s seat, a heated windscreen and LED foglights.

Interested in buying a used Volvo XC60? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You’re going to need around £15,000 to get into an XC60 of this generation. For that money, you’ll get a 2017/2018 car with 70,000-100,000+ miles on its clock.

Spend around £20,000 on a good 2019/'20 model, rising to around £25,000 for 2022 cars. Nearly new examples currently go for around £38,000. You'll pay a slight premium in all cases for the hybrid cars.

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MPG: On paper, the most economical XC60 is the T8 390 hybrid. Its claimed average fuel consumption is 134.5mpg according to the older NEDC test, and corresponding CO2 output is a low 49g/km. If you travel a longish distance, you won’t get anywhere near that figure, but in theory this is one fast and thrifty SUV. The D4 is the most popular option and this records a claimed figure of 54.3mpg under the older NEDC test, and 47.9mpg under the newer and more realistic WLTP tests, while the T5, with four-wheel drive, records a best average claim of 39.2mpg under the NEDC test.

The 2.0 diesel mild hybrid, known as the B4D, claims an official 46.3mpg under the newer WLTP tests, which is identical to the figure claimed for the B5D version.

Road tax: All XC60s of this generation will be registered after the road tax changes of April 2017, so the annual tax will be the flat rate, and boosted by a supplement charged to cars costing more than £40,000. The current rates are £190 per year for all petrol and diesel cars, £180 per year for all hybrid cars, and £410 per year for the luxury car tax.

Servicing: When your XC60 needs a service, the prices are reasonable compared with its German rivals and you can opt for a number of servicing plans that let you spread the cost and pay by direct debit.

Reliability

As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported that the Volvo XC60 (2017-present) has a generally good, though not flawless, reliability record, with differences across petrol, hybrid, and diesel models. Diesel models were particularly prone to issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and turbochargers, leading to costly repairs. Hybrid owners noted battery and charging system issues, with some experiencing reduced electric range over time. Across all variants, there were electrical faults like malfunctioning infotainment systems and sensor failures.

Experiences with Volvo dealerships varied. Some praised the professional and prompt service, with issues resolved under warranty. However, others faced long wait times for parts and appointments, and high costs for out-of-warranty repairs.

Discover more about used Volvo XC60 reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

The best seller is the 2.0 D4 diesel, and this is the one we’d seek out. It’s punchy enough, reasonably economical and relatively refined. Momentum trim has all that you would need, if not actually want, so we’d keep it simple and try to find one of those at a reasonable price.

Our favourite Volvo XC60: 2.0 D4 Momentum

The Audi Q5 is one of our favourite large SUVs. It’s superbly refined, with a classy and practical interior. It’s good to drive, too, and rides well.

The BMW X3 is also good to drive, with a smart interior, rewarding handling, a superb infotainment system and a smooth auto gearbox.

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Interested in buying a used Volvo XC60? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.