2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Review: Suave Yet Sensible

Taking its electrification mission seriously, Volvo provides a lineup of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars in the US, with PHEV models identified by the 'Recharge' name. The 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV is the Swedish automaker's luxury compact crossover that's become known for its handsome good looks, stunning interior, and impressive T8 powertrain. The 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder hybridized motor makes 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, which is good enough for a five-second sprint to 60 mph. That's plenty of power for the compact 5-door SUV, and the Polestar Engineered version gives you an extra 15 hp and enhanced driving dynamics if you want just a bit more, although even the base model XC60 SUV offers compliant and poised handling. It's all about driving serenity, so Volvo kits the XC60 SUV out for those who seek driving pleasure and prioritize safety. The XC60 Recharge is a genuine rival to the likes of the BMW X3 Hybrid and the Audi Q5 Hybrid, and with its sophisticated approach to capable-yet-efficient SUVs, it's far from being a performance car - and we think this is a good thing.

XC60 Recharge Exterior

Dimensions

XC60 Recharge Performance

Engine and Transmission

Beneath the sleek hood of the 2021 XC60 Recharge is Volvo's familiar T8 powertrain - a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that's been turbocharged and supercharged and augmented with a single electric motor. The powertrain churns out 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque in standard guise with the Polestar Engineered version dialing that up to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard across all models.

In both states of tune, the powertrain is more than adequate for daily driving. Take-offs and merging on the highway are fuss-free and, unless you have your heart set on a performance SUV, most will be satisfied with the performance overall. Various drive modes are available and the XC60 Recharge has 19 miles of all-electric range available for short stints between charges.

XC60 Recharge Interior

XC60 Recharge Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge A Good SUV?

In our review of the regular XC60, we laud Volvo for creating a class-leading luxury SUV that boasts a pleasant driving experience, a contemporary and commodious interior, and plenty of first-rate features. The XC60 Recharge adds to these qualities with amped-up performance and significantly improved fuel efficiency, as well as the ability to travel up to 19-miles on electricity alone.

Compared to the competition, the XC60 Recharge dominates in terms of power, with its 400-hp motor leading over the BMW X3 Hybrid's 288 hp and the Audi Q5 Hybrid's 362 hp. The BMW and Audi are perhaps more entertaining cars to drive with their sportier handling characteristics. As hybrids, the Volvo, BMW, and Audi all offer very similar electric ranges, with the XC60 Recharge and X3 Hybrid managing the best gas mileage at 57 MPGe and 60 MPGe, respectively.

In the segment, however, fuel economy is not the only thing that matters, and while the XC60 takes on a serene and refined driving experience and balances that with efficiency, as a family vehicle, safety is also important. A superb safety rating from the NHTSA is paired with an esteemed Top Safety Pick+ award attained from the IIHS's review of the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge.

If we had to nit-pick, we'd highlight the price of the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge SUV which is slightly higher than many rivals. Despite the fact that Volvo has tried to make its PHEV lineup more accessible by means of a base Inscription Expression trim - and decreasing prices overall for this model year - the XC60 PHEV Recharge is still a few thousand dollars more than BMW and Q5 equals. For that cost, you do get more power, top-notch safety, and a lush cabin. You can't go wrong with the XC60 Recharge.

What Volvo XC60 Recharge Model Should I Buy?

Volvo brought plenty of value into the 2021 XC60 Recharge line with the new Inscription Expression model and we're compelled to recommend it considering the standard specifications and features it comes with at its price of $53,500. It boasts chrome exterior tidbits, bight aluminum roof rails, dual integrated tailpipes, and a panoramic moonroof. Some standout features include power-adjustable front seats with heating, premium leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The nine-inch infotainment touchscreen comes installed with full smartphone integration and is paired with a ten-speaker audio layout. Of course, Volvo also ensures that even its entry-spec XC60 Recharge is kitted out with plenty of driver-assists and safety systems, including blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, lane keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, traffic sign recognition, and cruise control.