Skip to main content
Price Range: Less Than
$28,855
$154,765
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
11
126
Top Searches:
Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2024 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Ultimate Dark Theme

Vehicle Type: Midsize suv Plug-In Hybrid
90
 overall score
Category Ranking: 8

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $66,950
Price as Tested: $74,690

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity/premium
Fuel Capacity (gal): 18.8
120V Charge Time: 2.8 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 7 miles per hour
EPA City mpg28
EPA Highway mpg28
EPA Combined mpg: 28
EPA Combined MPGe: 63
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 35

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

The XC60, Volvo's midsize luxury SUV and a perennial best-seller, was last redesigned in 2018; the Recharge version has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The Recharge's hybrid drivetrain (445 hp total) delivers strong power and plenty of low-end torque, and its all-electric range is a useful 35 miles. It delivers a comfortable ride, but the suspension is tuned on the firm side and the steering provides minimal feedback. The cabin affords good room for front passengers and a decent amount of cargo space. All-wheel drive is standard on all Recharge trim levels. This being a Volvo, fit and finish are good inside and out, and a full suite of advanced safety features is standard. The top 2 trim levels have additional advanced safety features: side parking sensors and enhanced lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. Our test vehicle came equipped with adaptive LED headlights with auto high beams. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is provided for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. On the downside, the Recharge's infotainment system is unintuitive and its menus are difficult to navigate. Some of our reviewers liked the interior's minimalist aesthetic; others found it too plain and stark for a luxury car. Finally, the center console is too small to be really useful.

For more information on AAA Car Guide licensing:

Click Here
Want to buy this car?

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong power, plenty of torque
  • Usable EV range: 35 miles
  • Good fit and finish inside and out
  • Lots of advanced safety features

Cons

  • Infotainment system – operation of the controls, overall unintuitive
  • Typical Volvo minimalist interior design
  • Suspension is on the stiffer side
  • Minimal steering feedback

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2023
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4677.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 185.4 / 74.9 / 65.2
Wheelbase (in): 112.8
Number of air bags: 8
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Continental Cross Contact
Front and rear tire size: 255/45 R20
Max towing capacity (lbs): 3,500
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 2.0L I4 turbo
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 312 @ 6,000
Electric motor horsepower: 143
Combined system horsepower: 455

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

8.70

Fuel Efficiency:

7.95

EPA Emissions Score:

7.00

Acceleration:

8.18

Braking:

8.72
Handling: 6.68
Quality and Drivability: 8.00

Ride Quality:

7.46

Interior Size:

4.01

Easy of Entry and Exit:

7.01

Visibility:

7.91

Interior Noise:

6.04

Cargo Capacity:

2.63
Car Search Results:
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige.
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Midsize SUV
More Details
Midsize suv Electric 98/83 $74,350 99
 out of 130
2023 IIHS Top safety pick.
2023 Kia EV6 GT.
2023 Kia EV6 GT
More Details
Midsize suv Electric 85/74 $62,865 99
 out of 130
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Pickup
More Details
Pickup Electric 78/63 $86,229 100
 out of 130
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60.
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Large
More Details
Large Electric 85/89 $151,995 100
 out of 130
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Large SUV & Overall
More Details
Large suv Electric 79/74 $138,580 104
 out of 130