2021 Volvo XC60 Exterior and Dimensions

The midsize XC60 is a little sportier in appearance than we are used to from the stately Volvo SUV lineup of the past - but we love it. This is especially true if you opt for the R-Design trim, which relies on darker exterior accents to give it a more imposing visage. Base models ride on 18-inch alloys. The 19-inch wheels on the R-Design and Inscription are a little more impressive, but you can opt for some 20-inch variants if you want to. There are 21-inch wheels on the Polestar Engineered model, which is also set apart by gold brake calipers and bespoke exterior badging.

Standard exterior fittings include Volvo's signature Thor's Hammer LED headlights with matching LED daytime running lights. These frame the large hexagonal grille, which hosts the Volvo emblem on a diagonal metal bar. The grille, mirror caps, roof rails, and air intakes are all framed in black on the R-design, while the Inscription relies on chrome grille and air intake accents to give it a more premium appeal. A panoramic power sunroof comes standard even on the base trim, and the upper trims sport dual integrated tailpipes, which are black chrome-tipped on Polestar Engineered PHEV models.

The XC60 has very respectable dimensions for a midsize SUV, with an overall length of 184.6 inches and a 112.8-inch wheelbase. It matches most of its European competitors in this regard, but it feels a little on the broad side when cruising the parking lots. With the mirrors out, it still needs in excess of 83.3 inches of space to fit, while folding them reduces this to 78.7 inches. It stands tall, though, at 65.3 inches, which means it offers a superior view of the road over and around smaller sedans or coupes. With only 8.5 inches of ground clearance, it can mount a curb or two, but it definitely isn't designed to venture too far off the asphalt.

Curb weight varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration you choose, starting at around 4,010 pounds for the lightest variants with gas engines, and topping out around 4,760 lbs for the heftiest, thanks to all the hybrid components in PHEV models.