Michael Satterfield
The 2024 Volvo XC60, with its blend of Scandinavian style and cutting-edge technology, continues to be a top contender in the luxury SUV market. This year’s XC60, with its updated powertrains and enhanced interior features, is a surefire bet for Texans looking to cruise in comfort and safety while making a stylish statement.
Volvo’s design philosophy shines through the XC60’s sleek, minimalist lines and upscale interior, reflecting that signature Swedish elegance. Inside, you’re greeted by high-quality materials—think leather, wood, and metal accents—that create a refined, sophisticated environment. Those long Texas drives are comfortable with seats known for their ergonomic design. The layout is intuitive, featuring a large central touchscreen that seamlessly integrates Google services like Maps and Assistant.
Storage might not be as expansive as what you’ll find in some rivals like the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the XC60 makes up for it with thoughtful touches. The rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, ensuring your passengers always ride comfortably. Built-in booster seats for the little ones make the XC60 a prime choice for family outings.
For 2024, the XC60 offers two main powertrains. The base B5 model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup ensures smooth acceleration and an estimated 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway, perfect for city commutes and open-road adventures alike.
For those craving more power, the Recharge model pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a robust 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds and offers an all-electric range of up to 36 miles—ideal for short trips around town. While not adding extra horsepower, the Polestar Engineered variant features performance upgrades like Ohlins dampers and bigger brakes, making it the most exhilarating choice for those winding Texas Hill Country roads.
Regarding comfort, the XC60 is a true road warrior, especially on those long Texas highways. The suspension is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, though larger wheels might slightly compromise ride quality on rougher terrain. The B5 model offers a refined, quiet drive, though it might feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded.
The Recharge model stands out with its electric motor, offering quick acceleration and the convenience of electric-only driving for many daily needs. However, the heavier battery pack means slightly less cargo space than the B5 model.
Volvo’s commitment to safety remains rock-solid. The XC60 has advanced safety features, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system. Higher trims add perks like a 360-degree camera system and Pilot Assist. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving mode combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capabilities, making those long drives across the Lone Star State feel effortless.
Another highlight is the infotainment system, which is fully integrated with Google services. It’s intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and straightforward navigation, and supports over-the-air updates to keep your software current.
With tons of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,430 liters with folded seats, the XC60 offers decent room for your gear. Though slightly less than some competitors, its flat floor and handy storage nets add practicality. Rear seat comfort is a standout, with plenty of space for adults and kids. Rear climate controls and multiple USB-C ports ensure everyone stays comfortable and entertained on those long Texas trips.
The 2024 XC60 is available in several trims: Core, Plus, and Ultimate for the B5 model and an additional Polestar Engineered trim for the Recharge model. Prices start at around $47,845 for the base B5 Core and can exceed $76,545 for the fully loaded Recharge Polestar Engineered. Each trim offers a range of standard and optional features, allowing you to customize your XC60 to suit your needs and budget.
While it might not be the sportiest SUV on the market, the 2024 Volvo XC60 provides a refined, relaxing ride, perfect for family trips and long-distance travel across Texas. The plug-in hybrid Recharge model adds a layer of versatility with its powerful performance and electric driving capability, catering to those seeking a greener option without compromising on luxury or convenience.
