The 2022 Volvo XC60 serves as the intermediate offering among the Swedish automaker’s three SUV models, sitting between the entry-level XC40 and midsize XC90. Like all Volvo models, the XC60 crossover offers a blend of minimalist design and state-of-the-art driver-assistance and safety technologies, all in an eco-friendly package. Factor in a comfortable cabin and a wide variety of powertrain options and it's no wonder the XC60 is Volvo's best-selling model worldwide.
As the brand's highest-volume seller, the XC60 plays a vital role for Volvo. Considering this, it's a bit surprising that Volvo didn't make any substantial changes to the SUV from when it launched the redesigned 2018 XC60 until the 2022 model year—four years later. Perhaps the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame for some of that. Still, four years is a long time in the auto industry, especially when you compete in a market segment such as compact premium SUVs, whose ranks include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT4, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, among others.
Alas, the 2022 model year brings a handful of updates to keep the XC60 competitive against its well-established rivals. Changes for 2022 include refreshed exterior styling, new exterior colors and new wheel designs, the addition of 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain options, a next-generation infotainment system featuring the Android operating system, and a new sensor system for onboard automated driving-assistance systems. Combined with the handful of minor, incremental changes Volvo made to the XC60 from 2019-2021, collectively, the updates for 2022 amount to a mid-cycle refresh.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the (non-Recharge) 2022 Volvo XC60 with the 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain. This driving impression review focuses on the Extended Range version of the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model introduced mid-year. It is the newest and most potent version of the 2022 XC60 currently available. I spent a week driving it in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.
The 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV comes in Inscription Expression, R-Design, Inscription, and Polestar Engineered versions. Pricing for the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge lineup ranges from $55,345 for the base Inscription Expression trim level to $71,095 for the top Polestar Engineered Extended Range version, including the $1,095 destination charge.
The test vehicle was a 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge Inscription Extended Range model wearing Silver Dawn metallic paint (a $695 option). The interior featured light gray tailored wool blend upholstery. Options included a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system ($3,200), Advanced package ($2,050), air suspension ($1,800), 20-inch 5-multi-spoke Black Diamond cut alloy wheels ($800), Climate package ($750), and a power-operated liftgate ($200). Altogether, the test vehicle's price was $72,840, including the $1,095 destination charge.
All versions of the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge are currently on sale, including the new Extended Range model.
Photo: Jeff Youngs
The current, second-generation Volvo XC60 is a handsome SUV with clean lines. While Volvo updated the front and rear fascias, reworked the grille, and introduced new wheel designs and paint colors for 2022, the XC60's exterior retains its familiar look, complete with the signature Thor's Hammer headlight design. I liked nearly everything about the XC60's exterior design, save for one item. If the air intake opening in the lower fascia gets much more prominent, Volvo designers may need an intervention, lest the XC60 end up looking like a Lexus NX with its giant spindle grille. Nobody wants to see that happen.
Climb inside and the XC60 treats you to one of the nicest interiors in the compact premium SUV class. It's not just the look of the materials that gets your attention, but how they feel—everything is premium both to the eye and to the touch. One example of this is the handcrafted crystal gear shifter. Not only is it eye-catching, but the smooth, glassy surface also fits your hand perfectly. Also, while somewhat monochromatic, the dash and door panel colors and textures flow together seamlessly, blending in perfect harmony. For all the positives, I never really did get used to twisting the engine start/stop knob to turn the vehicle on or off. I still prefer the more common push button for this activity.
The Volvo XC60 treats front-row occupants to some of the most comfortable seats on the market. Rather than Nappa leather, my test vehicle had the tailored wool blend seat upholstery. At first, I was taken aback by the light gray color (the only color available) and disappointed that the SUV didn't have leather seats. After all, a $72,000 luxury SUV should have leather seats, right? Despite my initial misgivings, I quickly discovered that not only are the blended wool seats more eco-friendly, but they're just as durable and comfortable as those covered in cowhide. They're also better for hot, sunny climes, such as Nashville in August. Not once did I burn my legs after getting in the XC60 after it soaked in the sun, nor did I have to pre-condition the cabin to cool the seats.
The XC60 treats those in the back with equal comfort. Head- and legroom are ample, and the seats are supportive. Volvo equipped my test vehicle with heated rear seats, part of the $750 Climate package. We didn't need them in August, but in the winter, they would be most welcome. There's also plenty of cargo space—22.4 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, 63.3 with the second row folded. The XC60's cargo area efficiently handled a three-piece set of rolling suitcases—one small, one medium, one large—with plenty of room to spare.
Photo: Jeff Youngs
The 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge comes standard with a 9-inch touchscreen that is the gateway to a new Android Auto-based infotainment system, replacing the automaker's venerable Sensus system. One of the biggest gripes XC60 owners had with the Sensus system is that it lacked Apple CarPlay, so it was a bit puzzling that Volvo did not include that feature when it launched a redesigned infotainment system for the 2022 model year. Don't get me wrong. You can certainly inform and entertain yourself with the Android-based system, which comes with Google built-in and its popular Maps, Play, and Assistant apps. But considering the popularity of the iPhone and Apple CarPlay, it seems like a questionable product planning decision on Volvo's part.
As if Volvo read my mind, in late July—during my seven-day loan—the automaker rolled out Apple CarPlay capability via an over-the-air software update for all XC60s equipped with Google built-in. Installing the update was relatively easy. Simply confirm you want to install the update on the vehicle's touchscreen, lock the doors, and step away. Make sure to grab anything you need out of the car before doing so, however, because you can't access your vehicle while the software is updating. The update took approximately 90 minutes, after which I enjoyed using CarPlay for the duration of my loan.
As you would expect of a vehicle costing north of $72,000, the XC60 Recharge's optional 15-speaker, 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system impressed. The immersive sound experience was accompanied by crisp, clear surround sound delivered to your preferences. The system lets you choose from four acoustic settings or "room modes": studio, individual stage, concert hall, or jazz club. My personal favorite was concert hall because if you closed your eyes and just listened, it was as if you were at the venue, live and in person.
Another thing I liked about the XC60's tech setup was the convenient location of the wireless phone charger, right next to the crystal gear shifter, in plain view and within easy reach. The only thing I didn't appreciate about the tech in the XC60 was that it only offered the newer (smaller) USB Type-C ports and no Type-A ports. Admittedly, USB-C ports are the future, but all C's and no A's reminded me a little too much of my high school report card.
On the safety front, Volvos are well known for offering the latest advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and achieving top crash-test safety scores. While I (fortunately) can't personally vouch for the XC60's crashworthiness, I can confirm that the forward-collision warning (FCW) system works.
As one of the few safety-related ADAS you can actually test without destroying the vehicle, part of my testing routine involves coming up on the car ahead as it slows and prepares to make a turn. Rather than slowing, I maintain my speed and path. I intentionally cover the brake but don't depress the pedal until the FCW system light flashes (ideally before the vehicle brakes automatically). During my test, as I quickly approached the test subject, the XC60 did, indeed, flash a warning on the driver information center screen, at which point I quickly applied the brakes. Clearly, had I not applied the brakes, the system would have intervened.
I can also attest to the effectiveness of the XC60's rear automatic braking capabilities. In one instance, I slowly backed out of a parking space at a convenience store adjacent to some gas pumps. Through the reversing camera, I had a clear view of everything behind me, and nothing seemed to pose a threat. However, the Volvo perceived a threat, abruptly applying the brakes and bringing the SUV to an abrupt halt. It was so abrupt, in fact, it felt like I had indeed hit another vehicle. Alas, once I collected myself, it was evident that the coast was clear. Either something (or someone) zipped behind me as I was backing, or the system is too sensitive.
Photo: Jeff Youngs
Clearly, Volvo doesn't place the same emphasis on sporty driving dynamics as its fellow European rivals, namely Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Instead, Volvo focuses on design, safety, comfort, and understated luxury. That's not to say the XC60 Recharge can't get out of its own way. On the contrary. It is deceptively quick—much quicker than the base XC60 with its 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain. The difference-maker is the Recharge's plug-in hybrid powertrain, which endows the XC60 with the accelerative benefits only full-size electric motors can provide.
The standard XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid works with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine driving the front wheels in conjunction with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels—effectively giving the vehicle all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. The combined output is a healthy 400 horsepower, and the SUV provides 19 miles of all-electric range. The XC60 Recharge Extended Range model that I drove employs the same basic setup but has a larger, 18.8-kWh battery that bumps overall power output to 455 hp and boosts all-electric range to 35 miles. Indeed, the XC60 Recharge is fast, but the Extended Range model with its larger battery is even faster.
In a rear-drive car, 455 hp might be cause for concern. But in the XC60 Recharge Extended Range with electronic AWD (eAWD in Volvo-speak), off-the-line acceleration and handling at speed are surefooted and inspire confidence. Thanks to the relatively low profile (for a crossover SUV) and the low center of gravity due to the placement of the battery beneath the vehicle's floor, body lean in the corners is minimal, further aiding the XC60's impressive handling. Adding to the fun, one-pedal driving allows you to recharge the battery as you go through regenerative braking. If you're not used to it, one-pedal driving can be a bit unnerving. You must avoid the urge to press the brake pedal when coming to a stop and let the vehicle do the work for you.
In terms of fuel economy, I averaged 25.5 mpg during my week with the XC60 Recharge Extended Range. That’s a little short of the EPA’s 28-mpg combined city/highway rating, but not surprising considering most of my travels were around town.
For all the good stuff, one odd thing did happen during my time with the XC60 Recharge. On a couple of occasions, just after shifting the SUV into Park using the small rotary dial next to the gear shifter, the vehicle seemed to lurch forward ever so slightly. I don't recall if my foot was on the brake or not when this occurred, but it was an odd sensation either way. After all, if the car is in Park on flat ground, there should be no movement at all. Odd, but not overly concerning.
The 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge offers everything you need and most of what you'd want in a compact premium SUV. The exterior styling is distinctive and attractive, the interior has an understated elegance with quality materials, it possesses surprisingly good driving dynamics, and it has an impeccable safety reputation. Thanks to a mid-year update, it now also has Apple CarPlay. As Volvo strives to become one of the first automakers to go carbon neutral, models like the XC60 Recharge will be critical to its success. If the automaker can continue its current momentum, the future looks bright.
Jeff Youngs has more than 25 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with JD Power in both marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent nearly six years with General Motors as a media relations pro. As a freelance automotive journalist, his work has appeared on JDPower.com, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, and iSeeCars.
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