2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge - Review by Mark Fulmer

The XC60 Hybrid Becomes Both Extended and More Powerful

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

While this years edition of the XC60 has a variety of trims of all-wheel drive powertrains, at the top of the stack is the Recharge T8 with increased power and range. With its reputation for safety and reliability, this Volvo is a sturdy and solid drive, a good match for changing weather patterns and rowdy drivers populating the byways.

With 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque , the hybrid system's improved performance is due to doubling the horsepower of the electric engine and a refined power allotment system in both its Pure and Hybrid driving modes. For those who find relevance in 0-60 stats will find that 4.5 seconds is pretty darn good, but this driver was more impressed with the ever-available 523 lb-ft of torque. With a fully charged battery you can get around 60 MPGe and with the gas engine only the EPA estimate is 28 mpg.

The interior’s popular minimalistic style makes for a clean uncluttered look. The tall infotainment monitor is integrated with Google, so you do not have to do everything with finger tapping the screen because you can use Google’s voice commands and below the screen is a nice big volume knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both compatible.

The highly-adjustable front seats sported an attractive new wool fabric and are as comfortable as they are good looking. The amount of lumbar support is also adjustable.
Front Seat Dimensions
Front head room 38.0 in.
Front leg room 41.5 in.
Front shoulder room 58.2 in.
Front hip room 56.4 in.

The rear seats are roomy and have heating. They are split-folding and have a pass-through in the center arm rest.
Rear Seat Dimensions
Rear head room 38.0 in.
Rear leg room 38.0 in.
Rear shoulder room 56.3 in.
Rear hip room 55.4 in.

Cargo capacity, all seats in place 29.7 cu.ft.

Maximum cargo capacity 63.3 cu.ft.

The panoramic roof makes for good star gazing in the mountains.

Safety systems include:
Blind spot and lane departure warnings
accident avoidance system
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Stability control
Traction control
4-wheel ABS
Emergency braking preparation
Emergency braking assist
Tire pressure monitoring
Dusk sensing headlamps
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Engine immobilizer

Be sure to notice as you test drive the XC60 how flat it remains in the curves thanks to its front and rear stabilizer bars and air cushioned suspension. It's steady and ready.