As we all know, plug-in hybrids are a bit of the rage right now, especially with people who have a daily commute that is fewer miles than the electric range of a plug-in hybrid. I also see these as a nice bridge between full gas and making the leap to all-electric. I have a wonderful example of this for review this week, the redesigned 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 All-wheel drive plug-in five passenger hybrid SUV. The performance aspect was an incredibly nice surprise. Generally, you think exceptional interiors, of course safety, but not performance, in a Volvo. This is definitely not your father’s Volvo. My review vehicle is the top-of-the-line Ultra and comes well-equipped with a lot of standard equipment including all-wheel drive.
Exterior
The exterior looks are fantastic. The side picture of the XC60 is reminiscent of a BMW or perhaps a Benz.
21” diamond-cut wheels look amazing, very un-Volvo like. It has big functional air vents in the front to feed the turbocharger, the Volvo signature grill, a sculpted hood, rear spoiler, and everything is colored in Platinum Grey with virtually no chrome. I’ve had compliments on it all week. 
Performance
Under the hood is where it gets really interesting. There sits a 2.0-liter Turbocharged inline 4-cylinder putting out 312-horses, but wait! There’s more! The 2.0 works in combination with 2 two electrics motors that drive power to the rear wheels. Together the end result is 455-horses and an astounding 523 pound-feet of torque. The power plant is hooked to an 8-speed automatic tranny with shift paddles.
This is a plug-in hybrid, so you have choices when you choose your drive modes from the screen on center dash. You can choose hybrid, power (my fav!), pure mode which preferences the electric motors and the 18.8 kWh battery, off-road, and constant all-wheel drive in case you decide to go off-roading. Volvo says the electric range is 35 miles, but I actually got 36 miles out of it. If you have a daily commute of less than 35 miles or so, you’ll never need to visit a gas station again. If you want to go longer distances, total range on gas and battery is 560 miles.
Interior
Moving to the interior, it strikes you as luxurious the minute you open a door. Heavily-stitched and bolstered Nappa leather power, heated, and cooled seats look terrific and are so comfortable, plus they will massage you.
There are lumbar supports and a thigh extender for those on the tall side. A terrific and colorful gauge cluster sits in front of you, and displays pertinent information, plus a large map of where you are and heading. Look up and you’ll see a bright head-up display in the windshield that shows you your speed and recognizes traffic signs, including the speed limit.
Center dash is a new-for-2026 Google-powered 11.2” touchscreen that operates the optional B&O premium sound system, with a large round speaker that sits on top of the dash, navigation, the Bluetooth for your cell phone, the car status, and the air conditioning. You can change the settings which includes drive modes, the safety systems, and a lot of other functions. The home screen at the bottom will let you access a host of apps including Apple CarPlay, the Google Assistant, air quality in the cabin, and a digital owner’s manual. There is also a terrific rearview camera with cross-traffic alert.
If I have a complaint about the screen setup, there is too much info hidden in the screen. There is a volume knob for the sound system, which I appreciate, but you have to go into screens to find out how many miles your vehicle has on it. That’s bothersome, but not a deal killer for me.
The center console houses a beautiful crystal gear shifter, a knob to start and turn off the vehicle, a couple of cup holders, the electronic parking brake, a button to turn off the start/stop system, and a couple of USB ports. Everything inside the driver and passenger area is neat, clean, luxurious, and well laid out. You can look up and see a massive panoramic moon roof with a power sliding cover that comes standard on the Ultra.
Backseat leg and head room is plentiful. Rear occupants get heated seats, a couple of USBs, air vents, and a fold down armrest with cup holders. The second row is equally as comfortable as the front seats are. Cargo area is very large and accessed by a power liftgate.
There is a 12-volt power outlet in the back, you can lower the whole vehicle for ease of loading, and a storage area underneath that houses the charging cord. If you fold down the rear seat, you can get 63-cubic feet of cargo and if you leave the seat up, you get 17-cubic feet of cargo.
Standard Features
Standard features include a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Google built-in infotainment with the 11.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, power front seats with memory, keyless entry with push-button start, LED headlights with automatic high beams, a hands-free power tailgate, and leather upholstery.
Safety Front
On the safety front, it comes loaded with advanced safety tech including automated emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist/large-animal detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, Blind Spot Information System with steer-assist and rear cross-traffic alert, 360° camera, Pilot Assist adaptive cruise with lane centering, rear collision mitigation, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, whiplash protection (WHIPS), side impact and curtain airbags, and Volvo’s sculpted high strength safety cage with City Safety collision-avoidance.
Options
Options include the climate package for $750, Active air suspension $1,800, the beautiful 21” wheels for $800, the amazing B&W stereo for $3200, and front massaging seats for $600.
Ride and Drive
The XC60 drives and handles great, much like a European sport SUV. You can change the chassis settings for many of your preferences. For instance, I like firm steering, but if you like it lighter, you can change that.
Acceleration is insane when the hybrid batteries are charged, and even good when you are running on gas only. Fuel economy is rated at 63 MPG-e when there is hybrid battery power, and 28 MPG combined once the hybrid battery is depleted. The XC60 will tow 3,500 pounds.
Charging
The 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 Plugin Hybrid’s onboard charger allows a full charge from empty in roughly 5 hours on a standard 240-volt Level 2 charger like I have at home and about 10 hours on a 120volt (household) outlet.
Verdict
MSRP as equipped is $79,395 as equipped and super loaded and by today’s standards, it is actually a good value and it is an exceptional luxury, fuel-efficient SUV that is a real joy to drive.
2026 Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-In Hybrid
- What I liked most: The looks, luxurious interior, amazing acceleration, and fuel economy.
- What I would change: How about some fog lights in front and display the odometer on the driver gauges.
- MSRP: Base price $68,950 and as equipped $78,865 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 63 MPG-e with hybrid power, 28 MPG overall on combination.
- Odometer reading when tested: 600 miles.
- Weight: 4,664 curb weight pounds. 5,850 pound GVWR.
- Official Color: Platinum Grey.
- Spare Tire: Repair kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.4” long/78.7” wide with mirrors folded in/65.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.8 gallons with the filler on the passenger side and charging port on the left front driver’s fender.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
- 2026 XC60 Ultra in a few words: A great combination of luxury, safety, and fuel economy in a very attractive package.
- Final Assembly Location: Torslanda, Sweden, but will be in South Carolina by the end of 2026.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 3-years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, and hybrid battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles (extended to 10 years or 150,000 miles in California).
- Manufacturers website: Volvo
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