2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 featured subtle styling updates that enhanced its sporty appearance. The new front fascia included "air blades" on either side of the grille, while a redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes. New wheel designs were introduced across all models, and the front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, such as the XC90 and S90. Inside, the interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 offered a more refined and luxurious experience. The Recharge model, with its Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme, featured a stylish design with 20-inch wheels and Thunder Grey paint. The interior showcased classic Scandinavian minimalism, with black leather seats, wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added to the opulent feel. While the overall theme was aging gracefully, the XC60 maintained its reputation as a style and design leader.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid, with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre engine, produced 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 hp and 423 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack provided an estimated 58 km of electric driving range. The XC60 Recharge offered multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD. In Power mode, the SUV delivered impressive performance, reaching 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The updated electric motor and torque-vectoring effect in Hybrid mode enhanced the driving experience. The XC60 Recharge achieved a fuel economy of 4.3 L/100 km on a 105-km evaluation route, showcasing its efficiency.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, at 597 litres and 1,396 litres, respectively. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered outstanding comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness. The XC60 Recharge provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,792 litres with them folded. The power liftgate and air suspension made loading easier, and a ski pass-through panel allowed for carrying skis with four passengers.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system featured Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with both Android and iPhone users. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a Google Built-in infotainment system with four years of complimentary access to Google services. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Wi-Fi access. The 9-inch touchscreen, though small, offered excellent graphics and an intuitive interface. The voice-recognition system impressed, handling various requests effectively. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality, though the Harman Kardon system included in the Ultimate package was also satisfactory.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The driver assistance system, available as an option, combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, synonymous with safety, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and lane-centring capability. The system excelled on highways, providing smooth and accurate performance. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top safety ratings from the IIHS, and the XC60 Recharge was expected to perform similarly.