The XC60 gets refreshed for 2026 along with its non-plug-in sibling, and they both get the same upgrades including a new sleeker grille design that takes after the XC90 design, slightly darker taillights, new wheel options, new Nordico synthetic leather alternative, a larger and quicker infotainment system, and new exterior colors.

The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid is a fast SUV that reaches 60 miles per hour in only 4.5 seconds thanks to its powerful 2.0L engine paired with the electric motor, with the electric motor powering the rear wheels. There is also a starter/generator motor between the transmission and the engine that charges the battery and generates more torque when it is required. The SUV comes in five different trims: the T8 Core, T8 Plus, T8 Ultra, T8 Ultra black edition, and T8 Polestar Engineered.

Core trims are appropriately equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, 120V/240V charge cable, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, body-color matched bumpers, Volvo cars app with remote service, Apple CarPlay, road sign information, Bluetooth, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, an 11.2-inch infotainment screen, laminated panoramic sunroof, 2-zone automatic climate control, amongst other features.

The Plus trim adds the option to get the Harman Kardon sound system and 20-inch alloy wheels but comes standard with upgraded 19-inch alloy wheels. Other standard features include interior high-level illumination, pilot assist; driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control, air purifier, laminated glass and HomeLink, 360-degree camera, and front, side and rear park assist.

The Ultra trim turns the dial up even more and adds many more standard features like 20-inch wheels, the Harman Kardon upgraded sound system, a tailored dashboard and upgraded crystal geartronic shifter. Upholstery gets revamped with passenger memory settings, 4-way power lumbar support for both front seats, front seats power-cushion extension, power adjustable side support, and ventilated front seats. Other upgrades include a graphical head-up display, and 4-zone automatic climate control.

The Ultra black edition gets 21-inch black alloy wheels, and a black front grille with blacked out logos.

The performance-oriented Polestar Engineered trim is the ultimate iteration of the XC60 plug-in hybrid, with an even more upgraded Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, 21-inch Polestar engineered alloy wheels, adjustable Ohlins dampers, Akebono brakes with gold calipers, gold colored seat belts, and a lower center of gravity.

Safety features are extensive and include advanced features collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and animal detection, front, side and curtain airbags with driver knee airbag, whiplash injury protection system for the front seats, collision avoidance, and lane keeping assist.

The XC60 competes with the Audi Q5 PHEV, Lexus RX Hybrid, and while these SUVs also have very luxurious interiors and are well designed, the XC60 plug-in hybrid stands out by adding impressive safety features and a 2.0L engine that puts out a beefy 455 horsepower and earth-turning 523 pound-feet of torque. The SUV is also able to drive purely on its electric charge for 35 miles.

Responsive infotainment system; safety; interior room; accessible price; luxurious interior materials; comfortable interior; plug-in hybrid powertrain; impressive power output; all-wheel drive drivetrain