The 2026 Volvo XC60: Enhanced Tech, Tidy Styling, and a Familiar Feel
The second-generation XC60, originally launched back in 2017, remains a formidable nameplate for Volvo. For the 2026 model year, the Swedish automaker’s midsize luxury SUV undergoes subtle design changes, while placing bigger emphasis on technology. Though the improvements may not overhaul the formula, they aim to keep modern drivers satisfied by upgrading core elements—such as infotainment, interior materials, and seating comfort—without rewriting what fans already appreciate.
Minimal Exterior Updates
Volvo has elected not to tinker too heavily with the essence of current XC60 styling. At first glance, one will notice a reworked air intake up front, reminiscent of the look seen on its larger sibling, the XC90. The revised grille features the brand’s latest iron mark, and the rear light clusters feature darker accents. Buyers can now opt for new wheel designs and experiment with additional paint finishes, including the deep Forest Lake, shimmering Aurora Silver, and—for the first time on this SUV—Mulberry Red. These tweaks maintain the model’s recognizable aesthetic while adding a sprinkle of freshness.
A Larger Screen Inside
Inside, the 2026 Volvo XC60 keeps five-passenger seating on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) spa platform but now incorporates a noticeably bigger central touchscreen. The 11.2-inch display is positioned as a freestanding panel, which may strike some as a bit unconventional in how it juts out from the dash. Despite that, the updated layout promises more user-friendly controls and enhanced visibility. Alongside new upholstery options—like Quilted Nordico and Navy Herringbone Weave—the cabin also benefits from improved cupholders, more flexible storage, and smoother wireless phone charging. Volvo’s trademark focus on comfort remains, as the brand strives to deliver a quieter cabin and supportive seating for long-distance drives.
Faster Infotainment with Built-In Google
The XC60 now employs a next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform that claims double the processing speed and significantly faster graphics performance compared to its predecessor. This setup continues Volvo’s relationship with Google, offering integrated applications such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. Over-the-air software updates also come standard, letting the vehicle receive new features without the need to visit a dealership. The upgraded display itself boasts a 21% increase in pixel density, bringing a crisper look to navigation, entertainment, and climate controls.
Powertrain Choices and Expected Performance
While the 2026 XC60 doesn’t usher in an all-new engine lineup, it retains flexible powertrain options that include mild hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. Key choices likely mirror those found in previous iterations, such as the B5 and B6 mild-hybrid setups and the T8 plug-in hybrid (dubbed “Twin Engine”), which typically delivers around 400 horsepower and an estimated pure electric range of 40-plus miles. Volvo’s decision to maintain a limited top speed (around 112 mph) stands, as does the availability of front- or all-wheel drive on select variants. In terms of acceleration, buyers can expect 0–60 mph times ranging from the low-to-mid six-second range for the mild hybrids to well under five seconds for the T8 plug-in hybrid. Expect pricing to start near the mid-$40,000 mark on entry-level mild-hybrid models, climbing beyond $65,000 for top-spec plug-in trims.
Refined Cabin Comfort and Premium Audio
Long drives in the 2026 Volvo XC60 should prove accommodating thanks to additional acoustic insulation and Volvo’s longstanding seat design philosophy, which aims for strong lumbar support. Those seeking an even more hushed ride can select laminated windows and an available air suspension option. A built-in air purification system enhances in-car air quality, aligning with Volvo’s safety-first mindset. Meanwhile, the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity system remains a highlight for music enthusiasts, sporting a newly styled speaker mesh and delivering rich audio reproduction throughout the cabin.
An Evolution of Familiar Strengths
With its modest cosmetic changes, bigger touchscreen, and improved infotainment performance, the 2026 XC60 stays true to Volvo’s practical and comfort-focused approach. Even though some may question the large display’s protruding design, the SUV’s updated cabin and technology improvements serve to enhance daily usability. Combined with a driving experience that remains quiet and composed for longer journeys, this mild refresh shows Volvo’s commitment to honing the XC60’s qualities without straying too far from the unique balance it’s known for in the competitive midsize luxury SUV category.
-Ed
2026 Volvo XC60
