The XC60 is one of Volvo’s most popular models and the Swedish brand has given it a bit of a refresh for 2022 so it can keep up with the competition.
Now in its second generation, first introduced in 2018, this year’s model received styling enhancements as well as the introduction of a mild hybrid powertrain. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available.
The automaker has also proceeded to upgrade the XC60’s various array of sensors and cameras that are part of the driver assistance features of the SUV.
Our tester was a 2022 Volvo XC60 B6 AWD featuring the mild hybrid setup. It has a starting price of $62,450, but options pushed the final price to $75,650.
One such option is very useful in Canada. The Climate Package ($1,000) adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, as well as headlight cleaners. The Advanced Package ($2,900) adds more useful items like heads up display, pilot assist semi-autonomous driving, 360-degree camera and more.
Other additions included massaging front seats ($1,300), a Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system ($3,750), four-corner air suspension ($2,350), a set of 20-inch 5-Y spoke graphite diamond cut alloy wheels ($1,000) and metallic paint ($900).
Powertrain: The names of the engines under the hood of the X60 have changed for 2022 to B5 and B6 (from T5 and T6).
And as mentioned, they now offer a mild-hybrid setup. The system provides a boost during acceleration, and self-charges an onboard battery thanks to regenerative braking. The system also is part of the start/stop setup on the XC60.
The tester was fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant and it delivers really good numbers at 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine also has electric supercharger to help it achieve the increased power numbers vs the B5 (247 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque).
The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive setup.
The experience behind the wheel with this powertrain is good but there are some more enjoyable competitors out there.
Volvo says the XC60 has a combined fuel economy average of 9.9 litres of premium fuel per 100 kilometres. I could do no better than 11.8 L/100, which is not all that great considering the mild hybrid added for 2022.
Exterior: The changes to the design of the XC60 are quite understated, included a refined front grille and bumper, and new wheel designs.
The optional 20-inch 5-Y spoke graphite diamond cut alloy wheels are very stylish and worth the extra outlay of cash.
The daytime running light design is also pretty elegant and blends in nicely with the centre grille. The side panels are nicely sculpted in the lower third.
At the rear, large L-shaped vertical taillights lead the eyes toward the centre of the lift gate, where the brand’s name is spelled out in large letters.
If you are looking for a paint colour that will make you stand out, Volvo might not be the brand for you. Our tester was called Silver Dawn, and most other colours are quite subdued on this model.
Interior: The XC60 cabin is a very nice place to be, especially with the blond ventilated nappa leather seating, which gives it an airy and luxurious feel. The light colour continuous throughout the dash and cabin, broken up by some “driftwood” accent pieces.
It also features a tailored leather steering wheel and a crystal gear shift lever, which has an odd quick that you need to click it twice to properly select the gear you wish to be in. A little awkward to get used to at first.
The panoramic sunroof allows the cabin to be bathed in natural light, although the soft-touch controls to activate the roof are a little tricky at times.
The centre screen is a vertically oriented 9.0-inch setup, while a larger 12.3-inch screen gives the XC60 a digital gauge display.
Rear passengers get their own ventilation controls and plenty of leg room. Cargo space is ok but not great. I had to lower the seats to get items in that would normally have fit in some other SUVs.
Infotainment: Volvo replaced the infotainment system with an Android-based one and, well, I was not that impressed with it.
I found it cumbersome and confusing to understand, and even after a week with it, I never fully grasped its full functionality. Perhaps this is a user error situation, but the over-complexity of some simple tasks – like changing the ventilation settings – is a little frustrating.
Volvo says the new system offers more personalization and delivers navigation via Google Maps, so hopefully that is true of owners who get to input those personal preferences.
I will give kudos to Volvo for having the optional Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system, which delivers fantastic audio quality and allows you to select the ideal audio setup for the music you are listening to.
The wireless phone charging is also an appreciated feature.
Drive: Out on the road, the XC60 accelerates very smoothly as power moves nicely through the 8-speed transmission.
It handles well around corners, and the steering feel is quite good. That feeling is probably enhanced thanks to the optional air suspension on our tester, which gives extra cushion on rougher pavement.
The cabin is a nice and quiet environment out on the road, with very minimal intrusion of road and wind noise.
Conclusion: The XC60 is a very elegant design, inside and out. However, there are a few flies in the ointment, especially in terms of the infotainment system and its functionality.
The SUV is, however, does deliver a very good driving performance, as well as a very comfortable experience for the occupants.
2022 Volvo XC60 B6 AWD
Price as tested: $75,650.00
Freight: $2,015.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre Turbo 4-cylinder/ 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 295 horsepower/ 310 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (71 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.9L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.8 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lincoln Nautilus, Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
Links: Volvo Canada