In the crowded field of compact SUVs, the Volvo XC60 stands out with its aesthetically pleasing Scandinavian design, luxury amenities, and powerful plug-in hybrid variant. If you’re interested in getting this model for yourself, you have some choices to make. While this model is hardly the most customizable option out there, it does come in a variety of trim levels, has two available powertrains, and gives you some other ways to customize along the way. In this guide, we’ll look over your options for the 2026 model year and let you know what each one has to offer so you can make your XC60 your own.
Two Powertrain Options
Perhaps the most significant decision is whether to opt for the mild hybrid (MHEV) or the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The former is the more affordable of the two by a long shot. The mild hybrid XC60 has a starting MSRP of $50,995, while the XC60 PHEV has a starting MSRP of $62,445. That $11,500 difference is certainly significant, so is the PHEV powertrain worth it?
To answer that, we’ll have to get into the numbers. The first stat to look at is power: how much oomph does each option bring to the table? The mild hybrid powertrain produces 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to go from 0-60 mph in a Volvo-estimated 6.5 seconds. That’s about par for the course with other luxury compact SUVs in the 2026 model year, neither disappointing nor particularly impressive for a base engine. However, the PHEV setup handily blows it out of the water with 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. While daily drivers might not care about this difference, driving enthusiasts will definitely want to keep it in mind.
What might matter more to a wide range of drivers is fuel economy. On this count, the mild hybrid powertrain is below average, with a rating of 26 MPG combined. Since all-wheel drive comes standard on the XC60, that’s not bad, but it’s not impressively efficient either. Opt for the plug-in hybrid, and even if you never charge it, you’ll get an estimated 28 MPG combined. But of course, the whole point of this kind of setup is to plug the SUV in to power the battery directly. When you do that, you unlock the XC60’s top fuel economy rating of 63 MPGe. You’ll also have an estimated 35 miles of all-electric range, allowing you to essentially use the XC60 as an EV if you have a short commute or just use it to run errands around town.
A Variety of Trims
Depending on how you count them, the 2026 XC60 either comes with seven trim levels or four. That’s because the three main trims (Core, Plus, and Ultra) are available with either the mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain (the top-tier Polestar Engineered trim is exclusive to the PHEV). While there are some differences beyond simply the powertrain (for example, the PHEV has a power outlet in the cargo compartment across all trims while the mild hybrid reserves this feature for the Ultra), the PHEV and mild hybrid versions of the same trims largely have the same features, so for simplicity, we’ll be combining them here.
The XC60 Core may be the entry-level trim, but since this is a luxury model, it still comes standard with a fair amount of desirable features, including heated front seats. Those seats include a power-adjustable passenger seat and a power-adjustable driver seat with memory, so you can save your preferred settings and return to them after giving your partner a turn to drive or getting valet parking. A panoramic roof brings in plenty of natural light.
When it comes to tech, all trims use the same 11.2-inch infotainment screen, which is new for 2026. That’s a good size compared to the competition, and it runs some fairly up-to-date Google-based software, allowing you to make voice commands through Google Assistant. The suite of driver assist features includes road sign information, slippery road alert, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist.
Upgrade to the XC60 Plus and you’ll get a variety of extra features. Ambient lighting and an air purifier give the cabin a more premium look and feel. Tech upgrades include a 360º camera, Pilot Assist, and side park assist. You’ll also get larger 19-inch wheels with unique styling and a stainless steel tailgate scuff plate.
The XC60 Ultra gives the cabin some upgrades that cover at least three out of the five senses (no comment regarding smell and taste). Looks are gussied up with a natural driftwood decor and an Orrefors crystal gear selector knob. A head-up display will also show vital information on the windshield. On the hearing front, music and other audio entertainment come through a Harman Kardon premium sound system featuring 14 hi-fi speakers throughout the cabin. As for feel, you’re treated to ventilated front seats trimmed with Nappa leather, power side bolsters, and four-way lumbar support.
The Polestar Engineered PHEV trim includes all of the Ultra features as well as some exclusive high-performance touches. The star attraction is the Polestar-engineered chassis, which improves ride quality and handling with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, and 21-inch forged wheels. On top of that, you’ll also get heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and headlamp cleaners to keep your lights shining bright. Of course, there are also plenty of styling touches to signify that this is a top-tier trim, including a unique front grille design, special emblems, and a sportier interior.
Optional Climate Package
If you get cold winters where you live and want to get some of those extra amenities without upgrading all the way up to the Polestar Engineered trim, you can consider the Climate Package. This allows you to add the heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and headlamp cleaners to a lower trim level for an additional $750.
Style Choices
In addition to a variety of exterior paint colors, the XC60 gives you a few different ways to customize your style. The Black Edition, available on both the mild hybrid and the PHEV, adds glossy black accents to the exterior, including the grille, wheels, and more.
On the inside, there are multiple available materials and colorways. On the Core and Plus trims, you will find Volvo’s sustainable Nordico leatherette in a dark charcoal gray. If you customize your order, you can switch to a light brown Cardamom leatherette at no additional cost for those who want a lighter look.
Opt for the Plus trim, and you will have Nappa leather in black or light grey, with the option of upgrading to a premium herringbone weave textile in a rich navy blue. The PHEV-only Polestar Engineered trim comes exclusively with a charcoal Nappa leather and textile combo with Swedish yellow seatbelts that really pop.
The 2026 XC60 Has a Solid Variety of Options
While it might not have an endless list of trims compared to the more popular compact SUVs, the XC60’s limited trim lineup is pretty par for the course when it comes to luxury models. Since they don’t have bare-bones entry-level options that are missing amenities like heated seats and advanced tech, they don’t need to offer so many options. However, with the available powertrains and styling choices added into the mix, this Volvo SUV actually has a fair amount of customization available, allowing you to make it your own.
