2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Review: Subtle Spark

The Volvo XC60 Recharge finds a happy medium between overly cushy and too stiff, which makes it comfortable in most situations. The Nappa leather seats are contoured well and offer excellent adjustability for both driver and passenger, as well as heating and ventilation on the Ultimate model. A touch of extra cushioning wouldn’t hurt, but that’s a small complaint.

In EV mode, the XC60 cruises with a tomb-like silence, and the sound deadening does an excellent job of keeping wind, tire, and highway noise out of the cabin. Even when the gas engine kicks on, the sound is never particularly intrusive or obvious. There’s plenty of passenger room, too, in the front and second row, with above-average cargo space either with the back seat up or folded.

Every XC60 has the same vertically oriented 9.0-inch touchscreen with an Android infotainment interface. That includes things like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But you do still have to plug in for either of those.

The touch response is quick and the home screen is neatly arranged, but certain features require digging deeper into the screen. Adjusting the fan speed and cabin temperature requires two touches at the base of the screen, for example.

The Ultimate trim adds a lovely, customizable 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display for basic features. This trim also includes a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system that projects crystal-clear sound.

Volvo’s advanced Pilot Assist safety suite comes standard on every trim outside of the base Core model. Pilot Assist comes with stop-and-go traffic assist technology, lane-keep and lane centering, and adaptive cruise control. It works well enough on the highway but still feels a step behind some of the more modern systems; there was some ping-ponging in the lane and aggressive braking.

Although it is far more fuel efficient than any other non-hybrid crossover in the class, the XC60 Recharge’s 25 mpg combined and 57 MPGe make it just okay against other plug-ins. Plus, Volvo recommends premium fuel only for this powertrain (though that’s also true of its key rival from Audi).

The Ultimate trim is the fanciest XC60 Recharge (not counting the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered), and as the name suggests, you ultimately will have to pay for that upscale treatment. The Ultimate costs $68,245 with destination included, which is nearly $10,000 more than a base Recharge. And loaded to the brim, this tester costs $74,690.

Unless you really, truly need a premium audio system and a head-up display, save yourself the $5,500 and go for the mid-range Plus trim. That version of the XC60 Recharge still has Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, and most of the features you’ll want and need.