2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid Review: Ticks All The Right Boxes
The 2019 XC60 Hybrid is the latest compact luxury crossover SUV offering from Volvo, adding a touch of electrification to the standard XC60 in the form of a plug-in system. Power comes from a gas/electric powertrain that delivers 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Volvo once again impresses with its handsome exterior styling and an interior that is timelessly beautiful and crafted to perfection. On the road, however, the XC60 Hybrid can't hide its weight and shows it through sharp bends; but, with all that low down power, it's an absolute treat to drive around town. With the recently announced Audi Q5 PHEV only going on sale for 2020, the XC60 T8 only goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid for semi-electric honors in the compact luxury realm.
XC60 Hybrid Exterior
There is no doubt that the XC60 is a handsome SUV, especially from the front, where it proudly displays its signature Volvo grille in gloss black. Standard exterior features on the base model include a panoramic moonroof, bright chrome window surrounds, and 19-inch double-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels. Thor's Hammer LED daytime running lights are standard on all three trims, but the R-Design gets more aggressive front and rear styling to complement Mjolnir.
Dimensions
The 2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid measures 184.6 inches in length, stands 65.3 inches off the ground with 8.5 inches of ground clearance, and is 83.3 inches wide including the mirrors. The car rolls on a 112.8-inch wheelbase. Curb weight comes in at 4,638 pounds, almost 400 pounds lighter than the bigger XC90 Hybrid but 439 lbs heavier than the regular XC60 T6 AWD.
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
184.6 in | 112.8 in | 65.3 in | 74.9 in | 65.1 in | 65.2 in | 4,638.0 lbs |
XC60 Hybrid Performance
Engine and Transmission
Unlike the T5 models who make use of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the T8 (sharing its gas engine with the T6) makes use of a turbo and supercharged 2.0-liter four-pot that produces 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in non-hybrid form. The XC60 Hybrid produces three horsepower less, but adds an electric motor on the rear axle and one sandwiched between the engine and gearbox, which together push the total outputs up to 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission to all four wheels (combustion to the front axle and electric to the rear axle), which allows the XC60 Hybrid to sprint to sixty in only 4.9 seconds; that's as fast as a Porsche Boxster. There's power everywhere in the range, making it an absolute pleasure to drive around town, and in all-electric mode it'll effortlessly cruise around, nearing highway speeds without much fuss.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The XC60 in normal gas-driven guise is not exactly a featherweight, but the Hybrid adds even more weight, which doesn't bode well for its handling capabilities. Nevertheless, Volvo has employed a few tactics to hide the weight: speculative on-center steering coupled with quick response times from the light steering rack fools the driver into thinking that the XC60 is lighter than it is - but keep plowing into a corner and the front and rear end start to lose communication. Selecting sport or dynamic mode stiffens things up a tad, but comes at the cost of road comfort. The larger wheel options might look good, but upsets the XC60 over low-speed bumps. It's best to leave the XC60 in its subdued comfort modes, where it'll comfortably waft along, particularly in Pure EV mode, where there's no powertrain noise and the superb insulation keeps outside noises at bay.
XC60 Hybrid Gas Mileage
The whole reason for buying a hybrid, besides it being better for the environment, apparently, is to save on gas, right? Well, the 2019 XC60 gets that right and then some. According to Volvo, the XC60 is able to drive on pure battery power for 17 miles, which is more than enough to get you to your local Whole Foods and back. While the manufacturer doesn't provide exact city and highway consumption figures, they do quote an electric figure of 59 MPGe, and a hybrid figure of 26 mpg (combined) which in theory will give the XC60 Hybrid a maximum range of around 350 miles from its 13.2-gallon fuel tank and a full charge. Charging up the batteries on the 2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid will take between 3 and 7 hours depending on the charging system in use.
XC60 Hybrid Interior
Seating and Interior Space
The compact luxury crossover SUV from Volvo offers good interior space and will comfortably fit five average-sized adults. Those seated in the front enjoy 41.5 inches of legroom and 38 inches of headroom. In the back, things also look good: back seat passengers get 38 inches of legroom and a matching 38 inches of headroom. Seat comfort is exceptional, as is the visibility all around. On R-Design models, the R-Design seats are particularly supportive and ergonomic, and despite the fact that the XC60 T8 isn't the most athletic, they're a welcome addition to the overall package.
XC60 Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
It's in the cargo space category that we start to see significant differences between the XC60 and its larger sibling, the XC90. Behind the second row of seats, the XC60 manages to offer 21.1 cubic feet of space, compared to the 15.8 cubes offered behind the third row of the XC90. Behind the first row, the XC60 Hybrid opens up 49.3 ft³ of space, which is more than enough for a small active family who likes to pack for camping trips or days out to the beach.
Small-item storage in the front of the car is decent: you get premium-feel door pockets that are large enough to keep most personal items, and the average-sized center console features two USB ports and enough space for a couple of phones. In the rear, there are two smaller door pockets and armrest bins.
Features
In base form, the 2019 XC60 Hybrid offers a standard panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, rear park assist, as well as interior features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory function, and two-zone automatic climate control. R-Design models get keyless entry and a hands-free tailgate, a Nappa leather-covered gear shifter and sports steering wheel with rear-mounted shift paddles, and illuminated door handles; but, most importantly, R-Design models benefit from a sport-tuned chassis for improved road holding. Inscription trim cars add numerous infotainment upgrades, exclusive interior material trimmings, a power passenger seat, as well as a rear center armrest with cupholders and extra storage. All models come standard with Volvo's IntelliSafe package of driver-assist features which includes lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, road-sign recognition, and forward-collision warning.
Infotainment
The infotainment system in the 2019 XC60 Hybrid is one of the best in its class, which is no wonder, considering the fact that Volvo keeps close ties with the likes of Google. The nine-inch Sensus Connect infotainment display looks crisp and is quick to respond to inputs. Standard features include Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as integrated voice and steering wheel controls, and a ten-speaker sound system. R-Design and Inscription models come with a 12.2-inch driver display screen, up from the eight-inch version on the base model. The optional Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker sound system is one of the best audio systems we've tested in a long time, and it looks as good as it sounds thanks to finely crafted stainless steel panels and yellow speaker cones.
XC60 Hybrid Problems and Reliability
The 2019 XC60 model range has been recalled four times for issues ranging from a malfunctioning GPS system to seizing tailgate arms and failing charge capacitors that posed a potential fire risk. Volvo backs the XC60 Hybrid with a basic four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes 12 years of corrosion cover, four years/50,000 miles of drivetrain cover as well as an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on all hybrid and electrical parts, a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan, and four years of roadside assistance cover.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
XC60 Hybrid Safety
Volvo is renowned for building safe cars, and the 2019 XC60 Hybrid is no different. The IIHS awarded the XC60 with a Top Safety Pick award, while the NHTSA hasn't yet tested the car. All XC60 models come standard with Volvo's IntelliSafe
collision avoidance package which includes lane keep assist, driver attention assist, road sign recognition, road to off-road mitigation as well as oncoming traffic warning. Advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system are also available, while a ten airbag system, ABS, and traction control are standard.
Verdict: Is The 2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid A Good SUV?
The Volvo XC60 in non-hybrid form is already a brilliant crossover SUV: the handsome exterior is followed up by a gorgeous and refined interior, and the whole package gets moved along by a turbocharged power plant that offers strong performance. The Hybrid version gets the more potent twincharged engine and combined with the 87-hp electric hybrid system pushes those numbers up to 400 hp and a stump-pulling 472 lb-ft of torque. Starting at $54,595, the Hybrid version of Volvo's luxury compact crossover demands a $13,095 premium over the base model XC60, but we believe the added performance and all-electric driving mode is well worth the extra cost. Inside, the Volvo shows off a clean design and quality materials, and there are enough tech and safety features to push it close to the top of the class. The XC60 has had a few minor recalls for 2019, but there's nothing major to worry about, and Volvo backs it with a very competitive warranty for extra peace of mind. If you're in the market for a hybrid luxury compact crossover, then this is the one to get.
What's the Price of the 2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid?
The Hybrid range of Volvo's XC60 range starts with the T8 Momentum eAWD Plug-In Hybrid that goes for an MSRP of $53,700. The Volvo XC90 Hybrid base model starts at $67,000 by comparison. Stepping up to the sporty R-Design will set you back $60,550, and the Inscription model goes for $61,050. These prices do not include a destination fee of $995. Fully loaded, the XC60 Hybrid Inscription's asking price will creep into the $80,000 range.
What Volvo XC60 Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
The beautifully styled XC60 is a pleasure to live with, even in the base form where it gets standard leather seats, LED headlights, a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio and a full suite of active safety systems such as lane-keep assist. The further you climb up the trim ladder, the more premium features get added, such as a Harman Kardon sound system in the R-Design, or Driftwood inlays and other luxury interior materials on the Inscription; but, the most important piece of the puzzle, the hybrid system, remains the same. For that reason, we'd go for the base model, but we'd spec it with the optional advanced package for $2,500, which throws a bunch of cool features such as rear cross-traffic assist, Sensus Navigation and Harman Kardon Premium sound into the mix.
2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid Comparisons
2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Plug-in Hybrid
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic Plug-In-Hybrid starts with an MSRP of $50,650, which is $3,050 cheaper than the entry-level T8 Momentum. Power is supplied by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and plug-in hybrid system which offers 315 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo is the obvious winner in terms of power, and the GLC can only muster 25 mpg (combined) against the Volvo's 26 mpg. Exterior dimensions are very similar: the GLC sits as high as the XC60 and is marginally narrower at its widest point, but rolls on a slightly longer wheelbase of 113.1 inches. The Volvo offers superior interior space, but can't match the Benz in terms of cargo space. The GLC 350e Hybrid is an athletic performer and matches the Volvo in terms of refinement, on the road and inside the cabin, but the Volvo outclasses the German in terms of tech features and infotainment ease of use. Go with the Merc if you need the extra space.
2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid vs Volvo XC90 Hybrid
The XC90 is Volvo's midsize luxury SUV offering and makes space for seven people; two more than what the XC60 is capable of offering. The larger XC90 makes use of the same gas and electric powertrain that delivers 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but with a heavier curb weight, the XC90 suffers slight acceleration and fuel consumption penalties. The XC90 might offer more seating, but it takes a penalty in the legroom department, although it offers slightly more headroom in the front and rear. Cargo space is where the XC90 dominates over the smaller XC60, which will be appreciated by larger families. The same beautifully crafted interior and high tech features are present in the XC90, as are all the safety features and class-competitive warranty. Starting at $67,000 for the T8 Momentum, you'll pay a premium for the extra space, but that's exactly the choice you'll have to make: if you need the extra space, the choice is simple - if not, the cheaper XC60 does everything else the same, if not better.