The Volvo XC60 is one of Volvo’s best-selling midsize luxury SUVs. For the 2026 model year, this SUV receives a series of meaningful updates that make it more modern and more attractive in the eyes of today’s buyers. With a starting price of around 51,000 USD in the U.S. for the base B5 model, the 2026 Volvo XC60 offers a lot of value in design, technology and driving performance. In this 2026 Volvo XC60 Review, we will walk through the 10 most worthwhile upgrades on this model and break down each strong point in detail so you can see why these are features you really should not ignore.

Related Articles: Is the 2026 Toyota Hike Cruze 6x6 Camper Real or Not?

10 most worthwhile upgrades on the 2026 Volvo XC60

1. Refined, more modern exterior

The 2026 Volvo XC60 gets a subtle but effective exterior refresh that makes the overall look more modern and more premium. The most noticeable change is the redesigned grille with a new diagonal pattern and a prominent Volvo logo, inspired by the larger XC90. The front bumper is reshaped with sharper air intakes, and the taillights are slightly darkened to create a more high-end appearance. Volvo also adds new alloy wheel designs with sportier styles and expands the exterior color palette with shades such as Forest Lake, Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red. These tweaks may seem small on paper, but together they give the 2026 Volvo XC60 a fresher presence and help it stand out more in traffic and in the showroom.

Related Articles: Comparing the 2026 Corvette ZR1 vs Z06 and E-Ray: Who Is the Real Dominator?

2. Black Edition with a bolder personality

If you want your XC60 to look truly unique and sporty, the Black Edition package on the 2026 Volvo XC60 is well worth a look. In this special trim, many exterior details are finished in glossy black, from the grille and Volvo emblem up front to the 21-inch alloy wheels. The all-black treatment and dark accents give the 2026 Volvo XC60 Black Edition a strong, stealthy and very distinctive character. Inside the cabin, the Black Edition also offers an exclusive dark gray leather upholstery option that feels premium and matches the overall exterior theme. For buyers who love a more aggressive look and want their luxury SUV to have a more personal style, this visual upgrade is definitely a “worth the money” option.

Related Articles: 2026 Toyota Stout Review: Exterior, Interior, and Features Assessment

3. More luxurious interior with new sustainable materials

Inside the cabin, Volvo steps up the luxury feel of the 2026 Volvo XC60 by using higher-end and more sustainable materials. New trims are available with Quilted Nordico, a premium animal-free synthetic leather, and a Navy Herringbone Weave fabric, bringing a fresh, modern and eco-conscious vibe to the interior. These materials are soft to the touch, visually attractive and reflect Volvo’s commitment to sustainability. Decorative inlays have also been updated to pair harmoniously with the new leather and fabric, creating a cabin space in the 2026 Volvo XC60 that looks and feels truly upscale and well thought out.

4. Comfortable, flexible and practical space

The Volvo XC60 has long been known for comfort and usability, and the 2026 version continues to build on that strength. The SUV offers five spacious seats, with front seats that provide excellent body support and long-distance comfort, a traditional Volvo hallmark. The cabin is quieter thanks to improved sound insulation and optional laminated glass that helps filter out wind and road noise. The rear bench folds in a 60/40 split, expanding cargo capacity from around 600 liters with all five seats up to nearly 1,550 liters with the rear seats folded, which is more than enough for family trips or large shopping runs. The 2026 Volvo XC60 also includes many cleverly designed storage spaces, such as a larger center console bin, redesigned cupholders and bigger door pockets so everyday items stay organized and easy to reach. If you want an even smoother ride, you can opt for the available air suspension, which helps the XC60 glide comfortably over rough roads like a true luxury SUV.

5. New 11.2-inch central touchscreen

One of the most valuable upgrades on the 2026 Volvo XC60 is the new infotainment system. The central touchscreen is enlarged from 9 inches to 11.2 inches and mounted in a tablet-style position on the dash, making it easier to see and operate. Resolution and pixel density are both increased, delivering much sharper image quality. More importantly, Volvo equips the system with a new Snapdragon Cockpit processor, which makes it roughly twice as fast in general tasks and up to ten times faster in graphics processing compared to before. As a result, swiping and tapping on the 2026 Volvo XC60’s screen feels very smooth and responsive, with practically no lag, which is exactly what you would expect in a modern luxury vehicle. The system still integrates Google services (Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play), has a user-friendly interface and supports over-the-air software updates so features can continue to improve over time.

Related Articles: 2026 Honda Prelude Review: Not Just Showroom Pretty, A One Week Real World Test

6. Smart, user-friendly convenience tech

Even though it uses a larger central screen, the 2026 Volvo XC60 is still designed to be practical and safe for daily driving. The new user interface is intuitive and focuses on showing the right information at the right time so the driver can quickly read it without distraction. The infotainment system supports Google Assistant voice control, which makes it easy to set navigation, call contacts or adjust settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Volvo also wisely keeps a few physical controls, such as a volume knob and a quick-access camera button for the 360-degree view, so you do not have to hunt through menus for common actions. The 2026 Volvo XC60 also features an improved wireless phone charging pad in the center console that charges more efficiently and more reliably than before. Altogether, the convenience tech in this SUV proves that Volvo truly puts the user experience first, blending advanced technology with everyday ease of use.

7. Top-level safety for the class

You cannot talk about Volvo without talking about safety, and the 2026 Volvo XC60 remains one of the safest SUVs in its segment. Standard driver-assistance features include City Safety automatic emergency braking (with detection for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles crossing ahead), lane keeping aid, BLIS blind spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system for easier parking. The Pilot Assist system allows the XC60 2026 to automatically maintain speed and lane position on highways, reducing fatigue and increasing long-distance safety. The SUV uses a body structure engineered to absorb impact efficiently and is equipped with a full airbag system around the cabin to protect occupants in the event of a collision. There is also an advanced air filtration system that helps remove fine dust and pollutants, keeping the air inside the 2026 Volvo XC60 clean and healthier to breathe. Overall, this is a vehicle that lets you and your family feel very secure on every journey.

Related Articles: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Review: S, SE, or XSE - which trim makes the most sense for urban America?

8. Fuel-efficient mild hybrid powertrain

Under the hood, every gas-powered 2026 Volvo XC60 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The base B5 variant produces 247 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The mild hybrid system assists with smoother acceleration and, more importantly, helps improve fuel efficiency. In mixed driving, the 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD uses around 9 liters per 100 km, which is roughly 26 mpg, a very respectable figure for a five-seat luxury SUV. This means you can use the XC60 as an everyday vehicle without worrying that fuel costs will spiral out of control, while still enjoying strong and confident performance for passing, merging and highway cruising.

9. Strong performance from the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid

In addition to the mild hybrid engine, Volvo also offers the 2026 Volvo XC60 in a powerful T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid variant. This setup pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (around 312 horsepower) with a strong rear-mounted electric motor, for a combined output of about 455 horsepower and over 700 Nm of torque. With that much power, the XC60 T8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 4.5 seconds, which is in sports-car territory. The battery pack of about 18 kWh allows the SUV to travel around 55 km on pure electric power, which is ideal for daily urban commutes without using any gasoline at all. When running as a plug-in hybrid with both gas and electric drive, the 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 delivers extremely impressive fuel economy, on the order of 3.7 liters per 100 km (around 63 MPGe) according to U.S. standards. In other words, the XC60 T8 Recharge is not only the strongest member of the lineup, it is also among the most efficient, making it a smart choice for buyers who want exciting performance and care about efficiency and emissions at the same time.

10. Strong value and ownership experience

Another major reason why the 2026 Volvo XC60 is a “worth the money” choice is its after-sales support and overall cost of ownership. In the U.S., the vehicle comes with a 4-year or 50,000-mile warranty, and especially, complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. That means during the first three years of ownership, you will not have to pay for routine maintenance items, which is a rare and valuable perk in the luxury segment and can save you a notable amount of money. On top of that, Volvo has a solid reputation for durability and solid build quality, so the 2026 Volvo XC60 promises to be a reliable long-term companion. The modern upgrades and features on the 2026 Volvo XC60 not only improve the driving experience but also support stronger resale value down the road. Overall, for the money you invest, you get a lot of tangible and intangible value from this midsize luxury SUV.

Related Articles: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Review: Is it still worth buying in the all-electric era?

How to keep the 2026 Volvo XC60 looking like new?

To keep your 2026 Volvo XC60 looking shiny and fresh, protecting it from harsh environmental factors is extremely important. One of the simplest yet most effective solutions is to use a quality car cover whenever the vehicle is parked for long periods or not in use. US Car Cover offers high-grade covers that are tailored specifically to fit the Volvo XC60. These multi-layer, breathable, water-resistant fabrics help protect the vehicle from sun, rain, dust, bird droppings and tree sap. With proper coverage, the paint on your 2026 Volvo XC60 is shielded from UV fading and light scratches, and the interior is less likely to suffer heat damage from prolonged sun exposure. Regularly using a car cover also helps you reduce cleaning time, since the vehicle will not get dirty as quickly and you will not need to wash it as often. In short, investing in a high-quality cover from US Car Cover is a simple, smart way to preserve the look and long-term value of your Volvo XC60.

With the 10 valuable upgrades above, the 2026 Volvo XC60 continues to reinforce its position in the midsize luxury SUV segment. The improvements in design, technology and performance allow this model to meet a wide range of needs, from being a safe and comfortable family vehicle to a refined daily commuter that is also efficient, and even a genuinely powerful machine for those who love to drive (with the T8 variant). In many ways, the 2026 Volvo XC60 is a well-balanced blend of luxury and practicality, of performance and efficiency. If you are looking for a well-rounded five-seat premium SUV, the 2026 Volvo XC60 with these “worth every dollar” upgrades absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your shopping list.