2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge

In our last review of the Volvo XC60 Recharge, we praised it for offering a well-rounded package without any obvious flaws, and as we renew the acquaintance, we stand by that opinion. Even after five years on the market, it still looks stylish and premium, comes with top safety scores, and is comfortable and spacious. Premium-brand PHEV compact SUVs aren't all that common, and the two most obvious rivals to the Volvo are the Audi Q5 Hybrid and Lincoln Corsair Hybrid. The Volvo beats both handily in all-electric driving range with 36 miles and has generally done enough otherwise to remain the best choice in this market segment. Now, the subtly tweaked new Volvo XC60 Recharge SUV is here with a realigned trim structure and a bit of a feature shuffling. A best-in-class 455 horsepower proves that Volvo has not been resting on its laurels, and even though the by-now-familiar Volvo XC60 Recharge is far from new, continuous improvements mean it's still our top choice.

With a $57,400 MSRP, the price of the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Core is $3,150 higher than last year's base standard-range Inscription. Next comes the Plus at $61,650, then the Ultimate at $67,150, and finally the Polestar Engineered at $74,350. The Core comes with the Bright exterior theme and the Polestar Engineered with the Dark theme. You have a choice of either on the Plus and Ultimate, but it won't cost you any extra either way. These prices don't include Volvo's $1,095 destination fee.

The XC60 Recharge doesn't get in its own way, and with 455 horsepower on tap, it launches with vigor and reaches 60 mph in a scant 4.5 seconds, so it's properly quick. The performance is delivered smoothly, and the PHEV system is well-calibrated and seamless, offering proper one-pedal driving this year and an impressive 36 miles of electric range. It's certainly much quicker and more refined than the Corsair Hybrid. That said, it's not a fun car to throw around, and it doesn't provide anything close to the Porsche Macan's type of driver feedback, fast responses, or cornering grip. Still, it's perfectly competent and will corner quickly if called upon, but with little soul or enthusiasm. Ride quality is generally decent but can become a bit choppy on broken surfaces, especially on the larger wheels. It mostly manages to keep the whole plot on an even keel and the passengers unflustered enough, even if it's not the softest riding of cars in this class. The Polestar Engineered takes things too far and rides too stiffly. You can get a properly soft ride with the optional air suspension, but that's only available on the Ultimate.

The 2023 iteration of the XC60 Recharge is the best yet, and with its 455-hp powertrain and 36-mile electric range, it beats all comers in this class in terms of performance and EV usability, even the excellent Audi Q5 Hybrid. Add to that looks that are still fresh and stylish after five years and excellent safety credentials, and it's easy to recommend the car. The new Google-based infotainment system needs further refinement to make it easier to use, and it's not the softest-riding SUV in its class, but these are comparatively minor flaws in an overall excellent package.

The Plus trim is the sweet spot in the lineup. For around $4k more than the Core, you get several desirable features, such as leather upholstery and wood interior trim. It rides on bigger 19-inch wheels, but they are still of a sensible size and don't hurt the ride much, which cannot be said of the higher trims' 20- and 21-inch wheels. It adds the Core's missing driver assists, namely a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control, along with the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system. The Ultimate's Harman Kardon audio system would have been nice, but you can always add that for only $800 and still come away almost $5k under the Ultimate's price. Besides the extra money the Ultimate asks, you have to add the air suspension to calm the ride on its 20-inch wheels. The Polestar Engineered is simply too expensive and compromises far too much in ride quality. That makes the Plus the perfect XC60 Recharge.