Volvo slightly refreshed its best-selling XC60 and XC90 crossovers for 2023 with new engines and, in particular, plug-in hybrid power. The XC60 and XC90 are very similar to each other with elegant Swedish interiors, powerful engines and styling. The big difference is in the interior space, but is it worth more than $10,000 for two extra seats in the XC90?
What SUV does Volvo make?
Today, Volvo makes various SUVs and crossovers. The C40 and XC40 are the smallest, the XC60 is midsize, while the XC90 or the electric EX90 are the largest. They come in various versions with gasoline, hybrid, electric or plug-in hybrid engines. The 40 and 60-series seat five comfortably, but the 90-series SUVs seat seven. However, the XC60 and XC90 are very similar, with the same engines, interiors and similar options.
Unlike others who refuse to build wagons, Volvo is proud to build three, the V60, V60 Cross Country and V90 Cross Country.
The interiors of the XC60 and XC90 are Swedish minimalist chic
Volvo interiors have taken a big step forward with their new cabs in recent years. When the XC60 launched in 2016, it had a version of Volvo’s floating center console and funky gauges that looked dated even then. Today’s XC60 has a modern interior that is simple, but not boring. The seats are beautifully sculpted, the large center screen is easy to see, and those fancy gauges are gone, replaced by a digital gauge cluster that’s configurable. car and driver he calls the interior “a masterpiece.”
From the front seats it would be hard to tell the difference between the XC90 and the XC60. Well, until you get in the back. The XC90 is about 11 inches longer, and that’s enough to add a third row. Unfortunately, second-row passengers are punished with an inch less legroom in the XC90 than in the XC60. The third row is wide for two people, but is reserved for smaller adults with just 32 inches of legroom. Although the XC90 is larger, it only has two more cubic feet of luggage than the XC60, with a total of 65 cubic feet of space when the seats are folded.
Which Volvo XC60 or XC90 engine is better?
The two SUVs have the same engines, based on B5 mid-level B6 and T8 plug-in hybrid versions. The B5 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid that makes 247 horsepower. The B6 has the same engine as the B5, but Volvo added a supercharger for added power and makes 295 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid version is called the T8 and again uses the same 2.0-liter engine, but adds an electric boost to 455 horsepower.
Both come in PHEV Recharge versions
The PHEV versions look the same as the regular XC60 and XC90, except both have a battery that can be charged for added electric range. The XC60 Recharge’s range is 35 miles and it gets 63 MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent, on battery. The XC90 also gets 35 miles and gets 66 MPGe. Both have the same 455 combined horsepower figure. All Recharge versions of the cars also offer one-pedal drive.
How much do the XC60 and XC90 cost?
The XC60 starts at $43,450. The XC90 starts at $56,000. The extra space is nice, and taking seven people is sometimes a necessity. If you’re ready for the new electric versions, check out Volvo’s corporate brother Polestar for its hot SUVs. But if you don’t need the extra seats and a little more cargo space, the XC60 gets our vote.