The XC60 is available with a standard 3.2L inline 6-cylinder engine or 3.0L turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. A moonroof and all-wheel drive are both optional.

The 3.2L is rated at 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A sport-oriented R-Design model gets a 3.0L turbocharged engine that is a bit more powerful, making 300 horses and 325 pound-feet or torque that starts at a low 1500 rpm.

Power for both engines is routed through a Geartronic 6-speed automatic transmission, which also features a manual mode. All-wheel drive XC60s get a Haldex transaxle with Instant Traction, which constantly monitors the speed of the wheels, driver's throttle input, engine torque, engine speed and brakes to automatically direct power away from slipping wheels to those with traction.

Standard equipment throughout the lineup includes front and rear fog lamps, heated mirrors, satellite radio, power front seats, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry. Safety enhancements include 4-wheel antilock brakes, a host of airbags, tire pressure monitoring, day-time running lights and integrated turn signal mirrors. Standard safety equipment includes Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Ready Alert Braking systems and Volvo's City Safety system, which utilizes an infrared sensor to automatically apply the brakes at slow speeds when an imminent collision is detected.

The standard Roll Stability Control uses a gyroscope to determine the vehicle's leaning angle and automatically activates pre-tensioners on all seatbelts and inflates a protective curtain when a rollover is detected. Hill descent control is also standard, utilizing the XC60's brake system to automatically control wheel speed while descending steep grades. An optional Collision Avoidance Package adds Volvo's lane departure warning system and a blind spot warning system.

Another significant Volvo safety system, City Safety uses radar sensors to detect imminent collisions and applies the brakes if necessary to avoid or mitigate a potential crash.

Popular options include a 650-watt Dolby surround audio system includes a navigation system and a rear-parking assist camera. The Technology package comes with adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning. Climate package includes heated front seats, headlamp cleaners and an interior air quality system. Blind spot information system, which Volvo calls BLIS and xenon HID headlamps are also optional.

Editors' First Take

2021 Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge long-term update: Family haulin'

Steven Ewing May 6, 2021

After beginning its year-long test in New York with Editor-in-Chief Tim Stevens, our long-term Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge made its way to the Midwest. But not for long.

Following video producer Nick Miotke's trek from New York to Detroit in our plug-in hybrid XC60, we lent the Volvo out to automotive editor and friend-of-Roadshow Seyth Miersma, for a different kind of perspective. The XC60 is very much geared toward young couples with growing families, and since none of us really fit that description, we thought it best to get a second opinion about how this stylish Swede handles family life.

"After months of working from my home office in my basement, the light, airy and stylish confines of this XC60 are a welcome change of pace," Miersma notes. "The gray plaid-and-cream leather of Volvo's City Weave interior treatment is fresh, drawing praise from everyone who gets in the car."