The 2022 Volvo XC60 represents a significant evolution for the Swedish luxury brand’s best-selling SUV, blending Scandinavian design with cutting-edge safety and powertrain technology. This model year solidified the XC60’s position as a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize intelligent engineering, minimalist aesthetics, and a calm yet engaging driving experience. It moves beyond being just a pretty face, delivering substantial updates that enhance everyday usability and long-term value.
Design and Exterior Refinements
Volvo’s design language for 2022 is defined by the Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and the distinctive Slim Blazing Blaze grille, creating a bold yet elegant front fascia. The updated XC60 features new wheel designs and an enhanced rear diffuser that subtly improves aerodynamics without compromising its accessible, five-door form. Available in a spectrum of sophisticated colors, the exterior paint quality is exceptional, with deep metallic finishes that resist fading and minor scratches, maintaining its showroom glow far better than many competitors in the premium segment.
Interior Quality and Technology
Step inside, and the focus on craftsmanship becomes immediately apparent. The cabin is a sanctuary of sustainable luxury, featuring premium materials such as fine Nappa leather, recycled plastics, and soft-touch surfaces that feel substantial and well-draped. The new 9-inch vertical center screen dominates the dashboard, running the latest version of Google’s Android Automotive OS, which provides a faster, more intuitive, and genuinely useful interface compared to the previous system. This seamless integration extends to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which now connect directly through the native Google interface rather than a separate mode.
Driver-focused cockpit with easy reach of all controls.
Massage front seats with multi-zone climate control.
Panoramic sunroof for an expansive, airy feel.
Advanced Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system option.
Heated steering wheel and steering wheel paddles.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and powering the front wheels. The T5 model produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing more than enough acceleration for highway merging and passing with composed confidence. The engine note is refined, not intrusive, allowing for a serene cabin environment. For those seeking more authority, the T6 Polestar Engineered version delivers an impressive 316 horsepower, transforming the XC60 into a genuine performance SUV with sharper throttle response and a more aggressive chassis setup.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is the bedrock of the Volvo brand, and the 2022 XC60 is loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems as standard. The City Safety suite includes automatic emergency braking for pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, as well as adaptive cruise control that can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume moving in traffic. The Pilot Assist system provides confident semi-autonomous highway driving, keeping the car centered in the lane and maintaining a set following distance. These systems work in harmony to reduce driver fatigue and provide a crucial layer of protection in an increasingly distracted driving environment.
