2025 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Polestar Engineered Plug-In: The Brand’s Performance Oriented Midsize Hybrid

Highlight: Google built-in is standard on the XC60 T8 Recharge.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $77,345 (Base Model Core Dark): $59,195

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; AWD; a tire repair kit; a blind spot information system; automatic braking after a collision; a lane departure warning system; a lane keeping aid; oncoming lane mitigation; run-off road mitigation and run-off road protection; a hill start assist system; a hill descent control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Core AWD): 18-inch alloy wheels; 8-speed automatic transmission; a panoramic moonroof with power sunshade; keyless entry system with illuminated door handles; a power operated tailgate; rear park assist cameras; rear park assist; 12v charging luggage area; a two-zone automatic climate control system; heated front seats; power folding rear head rests; and leather-like seats

Standard Equipment Test Model (Polestar Engineered): 21-inch alloy wheels; Nappa leather front seats; leatherette rear seats; charcoal headliner; a heads up display system; a 360 degree surround view camera; park assist (front, rear and side); unique Polestar engineered chassis and suspension; a 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins premium sound; glossy black integrated roof rails; a high gloss black mesh grille and lower outer grille; high gloss black window trim, mirror caps, and grill frame; a tailored dashboard; a rain-sensing windshield wipers; drive mode setting; power folding rear head restraints; retractable side view mirrors; a heated steering wheel; power fronts seats with memory for driver/passenger; cushion extension front seats; heated rear seats;  gear shifter; a sport tailored steering wheel; a co-pilot assist steering system;  whiplash injury protection system front seats; and headliner cleaners

Options: 22-inch forged alloy wheels and summer tires

Non Plug-In Trims:

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 290-watt a Harman Kardon 11-speaker audio system with and AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years/48,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years/48,000 miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Standard Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/455-horsepower

Fuel: 63MPGe/28 MPG

Electric Driving Range: 36 miles

Total Driving Range: 560 miles (according to fueleconomy.gov)

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

What’s New: With the exception of Volvo dropping the Recharge name to plug-in, the model is essentially a carryover for 2025.

Why (Test Model):

A stylish design

A 560 mile drive range

Level two charger takes 5 hours to charge

Electric vehicle driving range is 36 miles

Google Built-In

Polestar engineered vehicle enhances the firmness and driving experience

A co-pilot assist steering system

A premium 15-speaker audio system

A high-level of safety of driving aids

Leather front seats available

22-inch wheels available

Front seat ventilation

Rear heated seats

A headliner cleaner

A heated steering wheel

A heads up display

Contour front seats

But:

The Polestar engineered model is only available as a plug-in model

Limited rear legroom

One must get familiarized with operating the infotainment system

Verdict:  For buyers seeking a stylish midsize SUV with a tuned suspension system and a plug-in application, the XC60 Polestar Engineered might be the way to go.

The cozy XC60 enhances the look and drivability of the Polestar Engineered SUV by its 21-inch black forged wheels; colored seat belts and Brembo brakes, a heads up display system, a co-pilot assist system and a panoramic roof.

And the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered Plug-In offers more horsepower than the Lexus RX Plug-In, Mazda CX-70 Plug-In and Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In. Moreover, the electric driving range of the Volvo and the Lexus are about the same, while the Jeep and Mazda are significantly less.  

Furthermore, both the Jeep and Volvo are designed for tackling dirt roads and climbing hills.  Yet, for those not too concerned about off-road driving and/or electric range, the Mazda could fit the bill, especially if one is factoring in value pricing based on features. However, for those seeking a sophisticated design, horsepower, a European driving experience and electric driving range, the Volvo takes the lead.

Near Competition: 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In

Near Non Competition: 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In and Mazda CX-70 Plug-In