Drive with us: Volvo XC60 B5 AWD Mild Hybrid R-Design Review

Join us as we take a closer look at the Volvo XC60 – is it still one of the best hybrid family SUVs?

Meet the Volvo XC60; sitting slap bang in the middle of Volvo's SUV lineup, it slots neatly between the compact XC40 and the sizeable XC90.

When you hear 'Volvo', you think safety, Scandinavian style and quality.

The XC60 is no exception.

It's refined, understated and built to last — and it competes with some serious heavyweights in the premium SUV class: The Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Those rivals have recently entered entirely new generations, and the XC60 is starting to show its age by comparison.

A 2025 facelift brought a new grille, updated infotainment and revised trim levels to keep it competitive

But does the XC60 still justify its premium price tag? Let's find out.

What we drove:

• Model: Volvo XC60 R-Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto
• Fuel type: Mild Hybrid Petrol
• Engine: 2.0-litre B5 250PS AWD MHEV Geartronic Auto Start/Stop
• 0-62mph: 6.9 seconds 
• Colour: Onyx Black

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Understated elegance

The Volvo XC60 may not be the most exuberant looking car in its class, but it's mature and refined. No drama. It commands respect rather than attention.

Clean, uncluttered lines are quintessentially Scandinavian, and our Onyx Black test car only added to the premium feel.

Compared to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio or Lexus NX, it could be accused of lacking character. But for many buyers, that restraint is precisely the point.

The 2025 facelift modernised the front end, with a new criss-cross grille taking centre stage alongside the revised Volvo logo.

The smoked rear lights give the updated model a darker, more purposeful look — a subtle but effective change that adds a welcome edge to what was already a handsome car.

Quality without compromise

Step inside and it's instantly clear that this is a high quality car. Excellent build quality, clever use of high-quality materials and a minimalist feel makes the cabin feel genuinely special.

Everything is positioned perfectly and well within reach of the driver. The driving position gives you plenty of headroom, everyday storage is generous throughout, and the Charcoal Nappa leather and graphic textiles create a classy, composed space that feels a cut above its rivals.

In fact, the interior genuinely feels like it belongs in a car from the class above; and that's no accident. Much of it was lifted straight from the XC90.

In the back, the boot comes in at 483 litres, which falls short of rivals but is more than enough for family life.

The 2025 facelift brought a new 11.2-inch touchscreen that sits proud of the fascia and runs on Google Automotive — Google Maps and Google Assistant are built in, making it one of the more intuitive systems in the class.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still wired only though, which feels like a notable omission at this price point; particularly given there's a wireless charger sitting right beneath the screen.

On the other hand, the interior continues to resist the touchscreen-and-gloss-black-plastic trend that's sweeping through rivals.

Real wood, real metal, real glass. It makes a difference.

Effortless by nature

The Volvo XC60 is one seriously smooth operator — and it feels like one of the most assured drives on the market for a car of this size.

It's in its element when cruising on the motorway: Efficient, comfortable and remarkably easy to drive. And despite its size, it never feels too big (something that can't always be said for rivals in this class).

Around town it's a slightly different story. The ride can feel a little unsettled over rougher surfaces, and the engine gets a touch noisy at slower speeds. Once you get going though, it settles down beautifully.

It's not the most exciting drive in class; the BMW X3 and Alfa Romeo Stelvio are more dynamic if it's thrills you're after.

But 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds does the job nicely, and the mild hybrid system returns a combined figure of around 31-36mpg. Respectable for a car of this size and performance level.

For those wanting proper electric running, the T6 PHEV is worth serious consideration — the facelifted model offers up to 50 miles of electric range (WLTP Comb), making it a particularly compelling option for business drivers.

What's good, and what's not

The Volvo XC60 is a great car, but nothing is perfect. So where does it shine, and where does it fall short?

The good bits:

• One of the most assured, refined drives in its class
• Charcoal Nappa leather and real wood, metal and glass throughout
• Understated Scandinavian styling that ages gracefully
• Fantastic visibility — rare in an SUV of this size
• Generous everyday storage throughout the cabin

The not-so-good bits:

• Engine can be a little noisy at slower speeds
• Ride can feel unsettled over rougher surfaces around town
• Boot at 483 litres falls short of rivals — Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC all offer more
• Mild hybrid B5 returns only around 31-36mpg — not particularly frugal

What's the verdict?

The XC60 may be showing its age slightly, but it remains a compelling choice. Interior quality is hard to match at this price point, you can't argue with pure Scandi style and reliability, and the drive is effortless — it fits the premium family SUV brief perfectly.

The 2025 facelift keeps it competitive in an ever-changing automotive landscape, and if extra range and fuel economy are a priority, the PHEV variant is definitely the one to go for.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Volvo XC60:

1. Interior quality that genuinely feels from the class above
2. One of the most assured, refined drives in its class
3. Understated Scandinavian styling that turns heads without trying
4. Strong safety credentials — five-star Euro NCAP rating
5. 2025 facelift brought significantly improved tech and a sharper look

Would we recommend leasing a Volvo XC60?

Absolutely. The Volvo XC60 is ideal for families and business drivers alike. The PHEV brings better fuel economy and lower running costs into the mix too — what's not to love?