2025 Volvo XC60: When you think of Scandinavian design meeting cutting-edge automotive technology, the 2025 Volvo XC60 immediately comes to mind. This midsize luxury SUV continues to embody everything that makes Volvo special while embracing modern innovations that today’s drivers demand. Let’s dive deep into what makes this Swedish masterpiece a standout choice in the competitive luxury SUV segment.
A Design Philosophy That Speaks Volumes
The 2025 XC60 doesn’t shout for attention—it commands it through understated elegance. Shared its larger XC90 sibling, the signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights help the XC60 retain its recognizable Volvo heritage. An elegantly-raked windshield and bold upright grille give the XC60 a confident stance. This design language perfectly captures the essence of modern Scandinavian aesthetics where every line serves a purpose, and beauty emerges from functionality.
The interior continues this philosophy with what can only be described as a sanctuary of tranquility. A collection of premium, natural materials gives the interior of the XC60 a distinctively Swedish appearance. From hand-stitched leather accents to the use of reclaimed driftwood on the dashboard, each aspect of the XC60 interior has been carefully crafted. It’s this attention to detail that transforms a simple commute into a moment of zen-like calm.
Performance That Balances Power and Efficiency
Traditional Powertrains
The standard XC60 comes equipped with what Volvo calls the B5 powertrain—a sophisticated system that proves you don’t need complexity to achieve excellence. The base nonhybrid B5 utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system making 247 horsepower. The B5 comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This mild hybrid system provides that extra boost when you need it most, whether merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines.
The Electrified Excellence: Plug-in Hybrid
For those seeking the ultimate in both performance and efficiency, the T8 plug-in hybrid variant transforms the XC60 into something truly special. Boasting a legitimate 35 miles of electric range on a full charge, a respectable EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined in hybrid mode, and a whopping 455 horsepower, this electrified Volvo is an SUV of many talents. The acceleration figures speak for themselves—our test drivers managed a 4.2-second 60-mph time—pretty darn quick for a compact luxury SUV of any stripe.
Technology That Enhances Rather Than Overwhelms
Modern vehicles often struggle with technology integration, but Volvo takes a refreshingly human-centered approach. All trims feature Google Built-In, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The integration of Google services means your navigation, voice commands, and favorite apps work seamlessly without the learning curve often associated with proprietary systems.
The massive 9-inch center-mounted touchscreen serves as the command center for vehicle functions, media, and navigation, but it’s designed with intuitive logic that feels natural rather than overwhelming. This thoughtful approach extends to practical features like the motion-activated tailgate, which proves invaluable when your hands are full of groceries or sporting equipment.
Comprehensive Trim Level Breakdown
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP* | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $47,050 | Panoramic moonroof, 18″ wheels, synthetic leather, safety suite |
| Plus | $51,700 | 19″ wheels, 360° camera, Pilot Assist, Harman Kardon audio |
| Ultra | $57,000 | Nappa leather, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio, HUD |
| Black Edition | $58,100 | Ultra features + all-black styling, 21″ black wheels |
*Prices exclude $1,295 destination fee
Plug-in Hybrid Pricing Structure
| PHEV Trim | Starting MSRP* | Total System Power |
|---|---|---|
| Core T8 | $58,050 | 455 hp |
| Plus T8 | $62,600 | 455 hp |
| Ultra T8 | $67,850 | 455 hp |
| Polestar Engineered | $75,250 | 455 hp + performance tuning |
*Prices exclude $1,295 destination fee
Safety: Where Volvo Continues to Lead
Safety has always been Volvo’s calling card, and the 2025 XC60 upholds this tradition magnificently. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2025 Volvo XC60 an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in the frontal crash and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test.
The comprehensive suite of safety technologies comes standard across all trims, including driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The available Pilot Assist system represents Volvo’s commitment to making driving both safer and less stressful, particularly during long highway journeys.
The Value Proposition: More Than Meets the Eye
While the XC60 competes directly with vehicles like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, it offers something these competitors often don’t: genuine value beyond the sticker price. Three years of scheduled maintenance is a convenience that Volvo buyers won’t need to pay for separately, either. This comprehensive maintenance package, combined with Volvo’s reputation for reliability, makes the ownership experience remarkably stress-free.
What Sets the 2025 Model Apart
The 2025 model year brings subtle but meaningful refinements. Refreshed just last year, the XC60 carries over to 2025 virtually unchanged aside from some minor trim name shuffling. Last year’s Ultimate trim is now called Ultra, and Volvo has stopped using the name Recharge to denote its plug-in hybrid models. Sometimes, the best updates are the ones that don’t try to fix what isn’t broken.
The Driving Experience: Comfort Over Drama
Quiet, comfortable, and confident, the 2025 Volvo XC60 offers a stylish alternative to usual players in the luxury SUV segment. This isn’t a vehicle designed to set lap records or overwhelm you with aggressive styling. Instead, it excels at making every journey—whether it’s the school run or a cross-country adventure—feel refined and purposeful.
The ride quality prioritizes passenger comfort, though some may find it firmer than expected. The steering provides confidence-inspiring feedback without being overly sporty, perfectly matching the XC60’s personality as a vehicle designed for real-world luxury rather than track-day heroics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the 2025 XC60 compare to the previous model year? A: The 2025 XC60 carries over virtually unchanged from 2024, with the main difference being the renaming of the Ultimate trim to Ultra and dropping the “Recharge” designation for plug-in hybrid models.
Q: What’s the real-world electric range of the plug-in hybrid? A: The T8 plug-in hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 35 miles of all-electric range, which is excellent for daily commuting and local driving.
Q: Is the maintenance really free for three years? A: Yes, Volvo includes complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for the first three years, which is a significant value add compared to most competitors.
Q: Which trim level offers the best value? A: Most experts recommend the Plus trim as it provides the best balance of features and price, adding essential technologies like Pilot Assist and the 360-degree camera system.
