Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV (2026) Review

The Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV has received a modest facelift, with the focus on tech and design in an effort to stay relevant. Here’s our assessment.

We like: Powertrain refinement, straight-line performance, infotainment system upgrades, premium fittings and cabin space.

We don’t like: Pricey in comparison to rivals, not a thrilling drive.

FAST FACTS

• Model: 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Plus Bright
• Price: R1 460 800 (before options)
• Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol + electric motor plug-in hybrid
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Power / Torque: 340 kW/709 Nm
• Claimed fuel consumption: 1.6 L/100 km
• 0-100 kph: 4.8 sec (claimed)

Where does the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV fit in?

Around since 2017, the Volvo XC60 is the Swedish brand’s best-selling vehicle and it has received yet another update. Volvo’s tweaked it again because of a delayed ban on internal-combustion engines; plus it needs to fill the gap until the EX60 is widely available.

As far as rivals are concerned, the Swede faces direct competition in the form of the locally assembled BMW X3 and Lexus NX. Other premium offerings like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are not offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains in our market at the time of writing.

See how they compare: Volvo XC60 T8 versus BMW X3 & Lexus NX

If you’re wanting to try out one of the latest Chinese offerings, R1 million gets you a top-of-the-line Chery Tiggo 9 Pro or an Omoda C9 plug-in hybrid.

How the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

If ever there was a vehicle which embodied the term “facelift”, it’s the 2026 Volvo XC60 T8; one of the biggest changes is the new grille. The cabin receives an ergonomic upgrade, with an updated and repositioned infotainment screen and there are some new materials. The plug-in hybrid powertrain has been carried over from the predecessor.

In terms of packaging and options, our test vehicle rode on the standard 19-inch wheels (21-inch units are available, but mind the potholes, yeah?). The Denim Blue exterior paint is R5 000, while the Cardamom interior comes in at R33 900.

Climb inside and the cabin screams Scandinavia! with light wood inlays on the dashboard and a minimalist approach. Build quality looks and feels premium, but if you dislike the Nordic look and feel, Volvo does offer darker cabin materials. The crystal gear knob from Orrefors is a lovely, premium touch.

The biggest tech change comes in the form of a new 11.2-inch portrait-orientated screen. It looks a little like an afterthought, but perhaps we were spoilt by the predecessor’s screen which sat flush with the rest of the dashboard.

Under the skin of this syetm, there’s a new processor and the latest iteration of Google Automotive has introduced upgrades such as wireless Android Auto. Over-the-air updates are standard.

There are very few physical buttons, with climate control functionality incorporated into the touchscreen system. The setup has full Google services, so things like Google Assistant, Maps and the Play Store are present, but if you use an iPhone, don’t stress as Apple CarPlay is included.

Standard features at this price point are comprehensive, with items such as a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, heated steering wheel, USB ports, quality audio system, and wireless phone charging as standard. Let’s not forget the high-tech assisted driving and safety tech like Pilot Assist, either.

With one of the largest wheelbases in the segment, both rear passenger space and boot space is on the more generous side.

Ride, Handling & Comfort

Driving the XC60 has always been a relaxing pleasure and this latest model is no different. While many manufacturers lean towards sportier handling and dynamics, Volvo prefers to focus on its conservative and restrained Scandinavian roots to deliver a calm and comfortable driving experience.

Usually, the marketing vehicles from car manufacturers are loaded to the hilt in terms of options, the largest wheels and so on. Interestingly, this Denim Blue unit rode on the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Customers are able to spec higher wheels, but prior testing has shown these to negatively impact the ride. We’d always recommend a smaller wheel with a plumper tyre for optimum road absorption and subsequent comfort.

The XC60 T8 comes with air suspension which provides two benefits: ride quality; and the ability to adjust the ride height. While lowering the car for a sportier experience sounds good, the reality is you’ll appreciate being able to increase the ground clearance when tar turns to gravel. You can stiffen the suspension setup, too, as well as the steering feel, which is a good thing as the default feel is uncomfortably light. A biggish family SUV should feel like one!

Performance & Efficiency

It’s pretty remarkable for a conservative and safety-orientated brand such as Volvo to have such a potent performer in its portfolio. Yes, the XC60 T8 will attempt to sway you with its efficiency and eco credentials, but when you look at its powertrain outputs and subsequent performance, you’ll quickly realise this is a very brisk family SUV. Quickest in class, as a matter of fact.

From a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric assist comes a combined outputs of 340 kW and 709 Nm, comfortably outgunning its nearest PHEV rivals. Volvo claims 4.8 seconds to 100 kph and with our timing equipment locked in, it delivered a 4.92-second dash and effortlessly beat 13 seconds over the quarter mile. As a reminder, Volvo mandates an electronic top speed limiter at 180 kph for safety purposes.

Is it hands-on and involving? Not quite in the same league as its X3 rival from Munich. While the 8-speed gearbox is clinically quick to shift, we would have appreciated some gearshift paddles on the steering for additional engagement. That said, we can’t see too many Volvo clientele stretching the T8s legs too often.

For those interested in the technical aspects of this potent plug-in hybrid, the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and delivers 107 kW and 309 Nm. Thanks to its 19 kWh battery, Volvo claims an electric range of up to 81 km, and our testing period showed the vehicle came very close to that. Of course, this depends on driving style and which mode you’re in.

The economy claim of 1.6 L/100 km is a bit far-fetched in the real-world, but rest assured, this is still a frugal vehicle. After a week of driving both in gridlocked traffic and triple-digit speeds on the open road, as well as daily charging at our Cars.co.za AC box, our final consumption figure sat comfortably under 7.0 L/100 km. It is worth mentioning that if you run the vehicle’s battery right down, the petrol consumption increases dramatically.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Price & Aftersales support

Every XC60 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. On the PHEV derivatives, the hybrid battery is covered for 8 years/160 000 km. Five years of unlimited roadside assistance is also included. 

Verdict

In 2026, Volvo finds itself in a tricky position. Globally, demand for battery-electric vehicles has dropped and brands like Volvo that focused mainly on electric-only powertrains suddenly found themselves in a precarious position. Many brands, like Volvo, have reversed course and are rethinking future approaches. In the meantime, what do they sell?

This XC60 facelift is the result of such industry turmoil. However, given its popularity and long list of positives, it makes perfect commercial sense for Volvo to introduce some minor enhancements and keep it on sale. The XC60 may lack the dynamic talents of some of its rivals, but at its core, it is still one of the best, classiest premium family SUVs.

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