The Volvo XC60 may be getting older, but it’s showing no signs of slowing down—both in sales and on the road. Despite entering its seventh model year in the U.S., the second-generation XC60 remains a cornerstone of Volvo’s lineup, nearly overtaking the flagship XC90 in sales through early 2024. Rather than rushing to overhaul its popular luxury crossover, Volvo is opting for a well-timed refresh for the 2026 model year, blending subtle design updates with meaningful tech improvements.
Visually, the 2026 XC60 plays it safe, leaning into the familiar Scandinavian aesthetic that has resonated with buyers for years. The updates align it more closely with the recently refreshed XC90, which debuted its design tweaks last September. Up front, the XC60 gets a slightly revised grille, while the rear sports darker-tinted taillights for a sleeker, more modern appearance. New wheel designs give buyers more ways to customize their XC60, and Volvo is introducing fresh color choices, including Forest Lake, Aurora Silver, and the striking Mulberry Red—a first-time option for the model.
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While the exterior changes are understated, the interior technology takes a more notable leap forward. The refreshed XC60 debuts a larger 11.2-inch infotainment display, now protruding above the dash in a portrait-style orientation. This system is powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, enabling a claimed twice-as-fast performance compared to the outgoing infotainment unit. Volvo’s software is still rooted in its Android-based system, offering seamless access to Google apps and services, but over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure the experience remains cutting-edge long after you drive off the lot.
The audio system also receives a minor update, with a refined speaker grille design that enhances the XC60’s upscale, minimalist interior.
For now, Volvo has not announced any changes under the hood. That means the familiar powertrain lineup carries over for U.S. customers:
Both powertrains are expected to deliver the same smooth, composed driving experience that the XC60 is known for, with the Recharge variant offering an appealing blend of efficiency and performance.
While exact pricing for the 2026 model is still under wraps, it’s unlikely to stray far from the current model’s starting price of $48,345. Expect the refreshed XC60 to begin arriving at Volvo dealerships later this year, giving buyers an updated take on one of the brand’s most well-rounded SUVs.
The XC60’s refresh comes at a time when the luxury SUV segment is more competitive than ever. Rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC continue to push the envelope with tech, hybrid options, and performance variants. However, Volvo’s commitment to understated Scandinavian design, cutting-edge safety, and an increasingly refined plug-in hybrid system has allowed the XC60 to carve out a loyal following.
This update should be enough to keep the XC60 in the conversation for buyers seeking a premium crossover that prioritizes comfort, technology, and efficiency—without shouting for attention.
As we continue to cover Volvo’s evolution here at Automotive Addicts, it’s clear the Swedish brand is playing the long game. With electrification on the horizon and models like the fully electric EX90 making headlines, the XC60’s refresh serves as a reminder that Volvo isn’t abandoning its core lineup. Instead, it’s fine-tuning the formula that made the XC60 a hit in the first place.
