The T8 PHEV offers 58 km of all-electric driving
Infotainment screen grows from 9.0 to 11.2 inches with a new Google-based interface
Combined output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft rockets it to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds

Strengths

• Understated yet elegant styling
• Supremely smooth ride quality
• Surprising performance

Weaknesses

• 58 km of EV range falls short for a luxury PHEV
• Touchscreen interface can frustrate
• Price climbs quickly with options

The Volvo XC60 first landed in Canada back in 2009, when luxury SUVs were gaining traction but hadn’t yet overtaken every segment. At the time, players like BMW’s X3 were already in the game, and Mercedes-Benz had just joined the fray with the GLK. Volvo saw an opening and ran with it and they weren’t wrong.

Fifteen years later, the XC60 stands as the best-selling vehicle in Volvo history, with 2.7 million units sold globally. Yes, it’s even surpassed the legendary 240, which graced our roads for over two decades in sedan and wagon form.

The XC60 has evolved slowly, and deliberately so. The second generation debuted in 2018 and is still available in 2026. Fortunately, it receives subtle updates this year to help keep it feeling fresh.

We tested the 2026 T8 PHEV, now entering its fifth year as the plug-in hybrid variant.

The Lineup

The 2026 XC60 lineup remains unchanged, starting with the mild-hybrid B5, followed by the T8 PHEV, and topping out with the Polestar Engineered model, which also happens to come with a charging cable.

Since we drove the T8, that’s where we’ll focus. Updates for 2026 are largely cosmetic and tech-related across the board, rather than mechanical.

Styling Updates

As with most mid-cycle refreshes, the design tweaks are meant to align the XC60 with Volvo’s latest design language, particularly the larger XC90.

The front grille now sports a new pattern inspired by its big sibling, while the taillights get a darker inner treatment, enhancing their signature look. Chrome is out; black accents are in.

Wheel sizes range from 18 to 22 inches, all with new designs. As for exterior colours, there are eight muted shades to choose from. While tasteful, none really pop, which we feel is a missed opportunity to bring more personality to the lineup.

Interior & Tech

Inside, the minimalist Scandinavian approach continues: clean lines, very few buttons, and tech everywhere. The touchscreen grows to 11.2 inches, up from 9 inches, but now sits “floating” rather than being integrated.

The system is Android-based and heavily Google-infused. While full of functionality, it demands frequent eye-diversion from the road. Basic tasks like climate control should’ve remained on physical knobs or switches. Sadly, here, all of it is buried in menus. Apple CarPlay is onboard, but Android Auto is still missing (we’re told it’s coming soon).

Elsewhere, the wireless phone charger is improved, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, now featuring 15 speakers, benefits from enhanced cabin insulation. Passengers seated in the comfortable second row benefit from solid head- and legroom.

Powertrain & Efficiency

The 2026 Volvo XC60 T8’s 18.8-kWh battery (14.7 usable) enables 58 km of electric range. In today’s luxury EV world, that’s quite underwhelming. A minimum of 80–120 km seems like a fair new standard. Volvo should do better.

Still, different drive modes allow you to prioritize electric power in urban zones. Switching between hybrid and EV happens seamlessly, which is worth praising. Volvo claims a combined hybrid consumption of 8.5 L/100 km, both in city and highway driving.

Under the hood, a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder steps in once the battery runs dry. With the electric motor working in tandem, the total system output is 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, split between 312 hp from the gas engine and 143 hp from the rear electric motor. In electric-only mode, the XC60 is rear-wheel drive.

An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power to all four wheels, and acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes just 4.8 seconds. This makes for a seriously quick SUV; however, even if few buyers will regularly exploit it, it’s a nice-to-have.

Driving Impressions

Driving the 2026 XC60 T8 is pleasantly uneventful, in the best possible way. It’s not chasing BMW X3 M40i or Mercedes-AMG GLC thrills, but its ride comfort is world-class, especially with the optional air suspension and adaptive dampers.

The XC60 delivers balance and predictability. Its chassis is rigid enough to surprise you in tighter corners, yet the priority remains calm, composed motoring. You’ll know within the first few kilometres whether this SUV fits your vibe. No ambiguity there.

Final Thoughts

For 2026, the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV quietly continues its journey with thoughtful, if not groundbreaking, updates. It doesn’t try to wow you, but it likely won’t let you down either. Real changes, if any, will have to wait until the next generation arrives.

That said, long-term ownership requires a bit of caution. Volvo’s tech reliability track record is mixed, so a lease might be the smarter entry point into XC60 life. Take your time, get to know it. You may just find it reflects your own sense of calm capability.