Used Volvo XC60 for sale: everything you need to know
The Volvo XC60 slots between the smaller XC40 and larger XC90 in the Swedish maker’s SUV range, and in many ways is very similar to its siblings, from its unique sense of style and classy cabin, to comprehensive equipment levels and a wide range of safety tech.
The second-generation model covered here launched in 2017 and enjoyed a facelift in 2021, and at the time of writing is still on sale as a brand new car - so there’s a constant stream of XC60s hitting the used market at more affordable prices than you might expect. Below we’ve covered the XC60 in more detail, including information on its engines and trim levels.
Should you buy a Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 ticks quite a few boxes for mid-size luxury SUV buyers. It’s got a recognisable and respected badge, plenty of equipment, a spacious and practical cabin, and being a Volvo, a fantastic reputation and record for safety - something that’s sure to be towards the top of any family buyer’s wishlist.
It’s fair to say the XC60 isn’t outstanding in any one area - there are SUVs that are more fun to drive, others that are more comfortable, and others still that are quicker or have better fuel efficiency. But it’s not really deficient in any area either, and the comprehensive equipment tallies of even lower-spec versions, plus the welcoming feel-good ambience of the XC60’s cabin, are both two of Volvo's stronger suits.
Engine choice is among a selection of petrol and diesel units, plus a pair of plug-in hybrids. The latter are either quick or seriously quick, depending on the model you opt for, but as ever with plug-in hybrids, you’ll need to charge them regularly to make the most of the claimed economy figures - and tax and insurance may wipe out some of your fuel savings too.
The XC60’s actually a car that’s at its best further down the range as a result, which isn’t unusual for cars in this class - rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC are excellent in their most basic form too, and anything beyond that largely falls into the category of ‘nice’ rather than ‘essential’. The three German models are all excellent cars, while others to consider are the sporty Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the luxurious and reliable Lexus NX, and the classy Jaguar F-Pace.
What’s the best used Volvo XC60 model to buy?
While diesel is falling out of favour in the new car sales charts, it still has plenty of value in cars like the XC60 - so it’s the D4 and D5, and the B4D engines that we’d suggest searching for, with plenty of grunt but also impressive refinement and economy. As for trim levels, there’s not much need to look beyond the entry-level Momentum or Core models, depending on the age of the car you’re looking at - they’re already equipped like luxury cars, with everything from LED headlights to heated leather seats.
Used Volvo XC60 fuel economy and performance
- Volvo XC60 T5: The petrol range initially started with the 2-litre turbocharged T5, making 254PS and getting from 0-62mph in a brisk 6.4 seconds. Average economy is quoted at 39.2mpg.
- Volvo XC60 D4: The 2-litre diesel-powered D4 makes 190PS, and promises up to 55.4mpg combined.
- Volvo XC60 D5: Essentially the same diesel engine with more power, the 235PS D5 gets from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, and is only slightly less economical than the D4, at 51.4mpg.
- Volvo XC60 B4P: Volvo’s naming scheme changed later down the line, and 197PS 2-litre petrol was introduced as the B4P. It’s front-wheel drive, gets from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, and returns 37.1mpg combined.
- Volvo XC60 B5P AWD: Effectively replacing the older T5, the B5P gets 250PS, standard all-wheel drive, and a 6.9-second 0-62mph time. Combined economy is 35.7mpg.
- Volvo XC60 B4D AWD: A replacement for the older D4, the 2-litre B4D makes 197PS. 0-62mph comes up in 8.3 seconds, while average fuel economy is 44.1mpg.
- Volvo XC60 T6 plug-in hybrid AWD: The first of two plug-in hybrids produces 350PS from its petrol and electric motor combination, for 0-62mph in only 5.7 seconds. Economy is high too thanks to a 48-mile EV range.
- Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid AWD: The T8 really does make plenty of power, at 455PS - sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, but still offering up a 48-mile electric range.
What used Volvo XC60 trim levels are available?
- The Volvo XC60 Momentum was the entry point at launch in 2017, and comes with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- The Volvo XC60 Inscription adds Nappa leather, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, different 19-inch alloys, chrome exterior details, and rear footwell and side step illumination.
- The Volvo XC60 R-Design gets yet another 19-inch wheel design, plus sports suspension, sports seats trimmed in leather and Nubuck, a high gloss black front grille, and silver matt and high gloss exterior detailing.
- The Volvo XC60 Core is the later entry-level model and comes with a power tailgate, leather upholstery and heated front seats, along with familiar features like touchscreen infotainment with sat-nav.
- The Volvo XC60 Plus steps up to larger alloy wheels, a more powerful audio system, PM2.5 air filtration, an extended driver assistance package with Pilot Assist, and four-zone climate control.
- The Volvo XC60 Ultimate tops the range with Nappa leather heated front seats (or wool in the plug-in models), air suspension with adaptive dampers, even larger alloy wheels, a more powerful stereo and a head-up display.
Used Volvo XC60 dimensions and boot size
The Volvo XC60’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,708mm
- Width: 1,999mm (with door mirrors folded)
- Height: 1,658mm
- Ground clearance: 216mm
The Volvo XC60’s boot space is:
- 468 litres
- 1,395 litres with rear seats folded
Used Volvo XC60 road tax
Like many premium vehicles, XC60s that cost more than £40,000 brand new, which is quite a large proportion of the range, get hit with a VED surcharge that currently lifts their annual tax bill to £600, or £590 for the plug-in versions. Those that cost under £40,000 new drop down to £190 per year. The surcharge disappears after the first six years on the road (one year of CO2-based tax, five years of a flat rate with a surcharge).
How much is it to insure a Volvo XC60?
The most affordable XC60s to insure - early D4 diesels in Momentum trim - start off with a group 31 rating, and this rises to a heady group 44 for the most powerful and expensive XC60s, which are the T8 plug-in hybrids. These numbers aren’t unusual for cars in this class, though only dedicated performance models from the likes of BMW or Audi sit in higher insurance groups than those T8s.
