Volvo shoppers now have an important choice to make in the midsize luxury SUV segment: the all-new, fully electric Volvo EX60 or the established Volvo XC60.
The two SUVs occupy a similar place in Volvo's lineup, but they approach everyday driving very differently. The EX60 represents Volvo's newest generation of fully electric vehicles, while the XC60 continues to offer the flexibility of both a B5 mild-hybrid gasoline powertrain and a T8 plug-in hybrid.
So which one makes more sense for you?
The answer depends on how you drive, where you charge, how often you travel, and whether you're ready to make the move to a fully electric vehicle.
Here's a closer look at the Volvo EX60 vs. XC60 to help you decide.
Volvo EX60 vs. XC60 at a Glance
| Volvo EX60 | Volvo XC60 B5 | Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Fully electric | Mild-hybrid gasoline | Plug-in hybrid gas/electric |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Drivetrain | RWD or AWD | AWD | AWD |
| EPA Range/Economy | Up to 330 miles on P10 AWD | 26 MPG combined | Up to 35 miles electric; 28 MPG combined after battery depletion |
| Maximum Horsepower | Up to 503 hp P10 AWD | 247 hp | 455 hp |
| 0–60 MPH | As quick as 4.4 sec. P10 AWD | 6.5 sec. | 4.5 sec. |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 64.3 cu. ft. | 63.3 cu. ft. | 63.3 cu. ft. |
| Fuel Required | Electricity | Gasoline | Electricity + gasoline |
| Home Charging Recommended | Yes | No | Yes, to maximize EV driving |
Specifications shown are based on current U.S.-market information from Volvo Cars and may vary by configuration.
The Biggest Difference: Fully Electric vs. Gas or Plug-In Hybrid
The most important difference between the EX60 and XC60 is what's underneath them.
The Volvo EX60 is fully electric. There is no gasoline engine, no gas tank and no traditional oil changes. Charge it at home or at a public charging station and drive entirely on electricity.
The Volvo XC60 B5 uses Volvo's mild-hybrid gasoline powertrain. You simply fill it with gas and drive it much like a traditional vehicle. The hybrid system assists the gasoline engine but does not need to be plugged in.
The XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid sits between the two. It can travel up to an EPA-estimated 35 miles using electric power, after which its gasoline engine allows you to continue driving without stopping to recharge. Volvo estimates a combined gas-and-electric driving range of up to approximately 560 miles when starting with a full battery and fuel tank.
For many shoppers, that makes the XC60 Recharge-style plug-in hybrid concept an appealing transition between gasoline and full EV ownership.
Volvo EX60 Electric Range
Range has historically been one of the biggest questions surrounding electric vehicles, and the EX60 represents a substantial advancement for Volvo.
The 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 AWD has an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles when equipped with 20-inch wheels. Volvo says this gives the P10 AWD the longest EPA-rated electric range of any Volvo sold in the United States to date.
Additional EX60 powertrains include:
- EX60 P6 RWD: EPA-estimated range up to 307 miles
- EX60 P10 AWD: EPA-estimated range up to 330 miles
- EX60 P12 AWD: Volvo-estimated range up to 400 miles, with final EPA figures still to come
The P10 AWD is expected to be the first version delivered to U.S. customers, with the P6 and P12 following in 2027.
For drivers with convenient home charging, that amount of range should make the EX60 practical for far more than commuting.
How Quickly Can the EX60 Charge?
The EX60 uses an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing it to accept extremely high charging speeds when connected to a compatible DC fast charger.
Volvo estimates that the EX60 can charge from approximately 10% to 80% in as little as 16 minutes under optimal conditions, depending on the powertrain and charging station.
That's particularly important for New England drivers who regularly travel between Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine and destinations farther from home.
For everyday ownership, however, most EV drivers will likely do the majority of their charging overnight at home rather than relying on public fast chargers.
Think of it more like charging your phone: plug in when you get home and start the next morning with the range you need.
What About the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid?
The XC60 T8 offers a different approach.
Its 35-mile EPA-estimated electric range can cover many typical commutes, school runs and errands without using much gasoline at all. But when the battery's electric range is depleted, the XC60 simply continues operating using its gasoline engine.
That makes the XC60 T8 especially interesting for someone who wants to:
- Drive electrically around town
- Charge at home
- Reduce gasoline consumption
- Take long road trips without planning charging stops
- Transition toward an EV without going fully electric yet
For some households, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid provides an excellent balance.
EX60 vs. XC60 Performance
Don't assume the electric EX60 is simply about efficiency.
The EX60 P10 AWD produces up to 503 horsepower and can accelerate from 0–60 MPH in approximately 4.4 seconds. The upcoming P12 AWD is expected to be even quicker, reaching 60 MPH in approximately 3.8 seconds.
The XC60 offers impressive performance of its own.
The B5 mild hybrid produces 247 horsepower and reaches 60 MPH in approximately 6.5 seconds.
The XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid is considerably more powerful, producing up to 455 horsepower and reaching 60 MPH in approximately 4.5 seconds.
Both the EX60 P10 and XC60 T8 therefore offer sports-car-like acceleration in a practical five-passenger luxury SUV.
Cargo Space: EX60 vs. XC60
Despite their different platforms, cargo capacity is remarkably close.
The XC60 offers up to 63.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded.
The EX60 offers up to approximately 64.3 cubic feet, plus a small 2.1-cubic-foot front storage compartment, commonly called a frunk.
The EX60 is also slightly longer overall:
EX60: approximately 189.1 inches long
XC60: approximately 185.4 inches long
Both remain true midsize SUVs and are substantially easier to maneuver and park than a larger three-row vehicle such as the XC90 or EX90.
Which Is Less Expensive to Operate?
This depends heavily on how and where you drive.
EX60
Charging an EV at home can generally provide a lower energy cost per mile than fueling a comparable gasoline luxury SUV, particularly when most charging occurs at residential electricity rates.
EVs also eliminate a number of traditional gasoline-vehicle maintenance items, including engine oil changes and components associated with a conventional internal-combustion powertrain.
However, actual savings depend on your local electricity rates, gasoline prices, mileage, charging habits and the cost of installing home charging equipment if needed.
XC60 B5
The B5 is the simplest option for drivers who aren't interested in plugging in.
The current XC60 B5 is rated at approximately 23 MPG city, 30 MPG highway and 26 MPG combined.
You retain the convenience of filling up at any gas station and don't have to change your driving routine.
XC60 T8
The T8 can potentially offer the best of both worlds for the right driver.
If your normal daily mileage fits inside its approximately 35-mile electric range and you charge regularly, you may complete a significant percentage of your everyday driving without gasoline.
For longer trips, the gas engine removes the need to find a charging station.
New England Winters: EX60 or XC60?
Cold weather is another consideration for drivers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
All vehicles experience some efficiency loss during very cold weather, but temperature can have a more noticeable effect on an EV's available driving range.
The EX60 includes technology designed to help manage this, including battery preconditioning. When navigating to a fast charger, the vehicle can prepare the battery to help optimize charging performance.
For drivers who regularly travel long distances in winter without predictable charging opportunities, the XC60 B5 or T8 may still offer additional flexibility.
For drivers who primarily charge at home and have predictable daily driving habits, the EX60 may fit easily into everyday New England life.
Which Volvo Is Better for Road Trips?
There isn't one answer for everyone.
Choose the XC60 B5 if:
You want the easiest possible long-distance travel experience and prefer stopping for gasoline rather than charging.
Choose the XC60 T8 if:
You want electric driving around town but still want a gasoline engine available for long-distance travel.
Choose the EX60 if:
You're comfortable planning occasional charging stops and want to drive entirely on electricity.
With the P10 AWD offering up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range and the ability to fast-charge from roughly 10% to 80% in around 16 minutes under optimal conditions, long-distance EV travel should be significantly easier than it was with earlier generations of electric vehicles.
Who Should Buy a Volvo EX60?
The EX60 may be the better match if you:
- Want a fully electric luxury SUV
- Can charge at home
- Want the newest generation of Volvo technology
- Prefer instant electric acceleration
- Want to eliminate trips to the gas station
- Drive primarily within a predictable daily radius
- Want more than 300 miles of available EV range
- Are ready to transition completely away from gasoline
The EX60 could be particularly compelling for households that already have another gasoline or hybrid vehicle available for occasional long-distance travel.
Who Should Buy a Volvo XC60 B5?
The XC60 B5 may make more sense if you:
- Don't have convenient home charging
- Live in an apartment or condominium where charging is difficult
- Frequently drive long distances
- Prefer the familiarity of gasoline
- Don't want to plan trips around charging
- Want a proven Volvo midsize SUV that's available today
For many shoppers, simplicity will remain the XC60 B5's biggest advantage.
Who Should Buy a Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid?
The XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid may be the sweet spot if you:
- Want to experience electric driving
- Can charge at home
- Have a relatively short daily commute
- Frequently take longer road trips
- Want AWD and strong performance
- Aren't quite ready to own a fully electric vehicle
With 455 horsepower, approximately 35 miles of electric range and a gasoline engine available whenever needed, the XC60 T8 remains one of the most versatile vehicles in Volvo's lineup.
EX60 vs. XC60: Which One Should You Choose?
For the first time, Volvo shoppers can choose between three genuinely different approaches within essentially the same midsize SUV category.
The XC60 B5 provides traditional gasoline convenience with mild-hybrid efficiency.
The XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid provides everyday electric capability backed by the flexibility of a gasoline engine.
And the EX60 represents the next generation: a purpose-built fully electric Volvo with long range, extremely fast charging and some of the most advanced technology Volvo has introduced.
There isn't a universally correct choice.
The best Volvo is the one that fits the way you actually drive.
Compare the Volvo EX60 and XC60 at Steingold Volvo Cars
If you're shopping for a Volvo EX60 or XC60 in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or anywhere in New England, the team at Steingold Volvo Cars in Pawtucket, Rhode Island can help you compare your options.
We can walk you through the differences between the XC60 B5, XC60 Plug-in Hybrid and all-new EX60, discuss incoming inventory and availability, and help determine which powertrain makes the most sense for your driving habits.
We also assist Volvo customers nationwide and have extensive experience helping customers with special orders and Volvo Overseas Delivery.
Steingold Volvo Cars
766 Broadway
Pawtucket, RI 02861
Whether you're ready for a fully electric Volvo or still deciding between electric, plug-in hybrid and gasoline ownership, we're happy to help you find the right vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Volvo EX60 vs. XC60
Is the Volvo EX60 replacing the XC60?
No. The EX60 is Volvo's fully electric midsize SUV, while the XC60 continues as a separate model offering mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Is the EX60 bigger than the XC60?
Slightly. The EX60 is approximately 189.1 inches long compared with approximately 185.4 inches for the XC60. Both are five-passenger midsize luxury SUVs.
How far can the Volvo EX60 travel on a charge?
The EX60 P10 AWD has an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles with 20-inch wheels. The P6 is rated up to 307 miles, while Volvo currently estimates as much as 400 miles for the upcoming P12 AWD pending final EPA figures.
How far can the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid drive on electricity?
The XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid provides up to approximately 35 miles of EPA-estimated electric range before transitioning to gasoline operation.
Does the EX60 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The EX60 P10 and P12 are AWD models. The P6 uses rear-wheel drive.
Which is faster, the EX60 or XC60?
It depends on the powertrain. The EX60 P10 AWD can reach 60 MPH in approximately 4.4 seconds, while the XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid takes approximately 4.5 seconds. The upcoming EX60 P12 AWD is expected to reach 60 MPH in approximately 3.8 seconds.
When will the Volvo EX60 be available?
Volvo expects U.S. customer deliveries of the EX60 P10 AWD to begin in fall 2026, with the P6 and P12 variants expected to follow in 2027.
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