Overview
Sometimes, a vehicle’s powertrain can make all the difference. The gas-powered Volvo XC60 (reviewed separately) is an adequate, but unexciting luxury SUV. The XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, however, has nearly double the power, which makes it much more appealing.
The 2025 XC60 Plug-In Hybrid (previously called the XC60 Recharge is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s turbocharged, supercharged, and paired with an electric motor that puts combined power at an eye-watering 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.
More than just an increase in power, the Plug-In Hybrid provides an EPA-estimated 36 miles on electric-only range. Recharging the XC60’s battery will take about eight hours on a standard 110-volt plug, or five hours on a 220-volt plug. For shoppers who live close to work and have somewhere to plug in, that could mean a gas-free daily commute.
There are some drawbacks with the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, such as a firm ride and limited cargo space behind the second row of seats. Also, the 9-inch infotainment screen is a bit small by current luxury standards, and its Google-based menu structure is slightly difficult to use. But those drawbacks aren’t enough to prevent us from recommending the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid.
If you’re wondering about the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid’s rivals, there aren’t many. The user interface in the Lexus NX 450+ is slightly more user-friendly, and the Lincoln Corsair offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but only on its most expensive trim level.
