2022 Volvo XC60 B6 AWD Review

If you’re curious, we do have used Volvo SUVs for sale – take a look at them here. All our vehicles come with a 7 day return policy before arriving at your door with a complete inspection.

XC60 Key Features:

• Minimalist interior
• Refined powertrain
• Outsider appeal

Direct Competitors:

• Audi Q5
• BMW X3
• Genesis GV70 review
• Infiniti QX50
• Lexus RX review
• Mercedes-Benz GLC

Price for the Volvo’s compact hybrid SUV

• Core $51,450
• Plus $61,600
• Ultimate $68,400

(MSRP for 2023 models. All have the B6 mild-hybrid powertrain and AWD)

All 2022 XC60s get a panoramic roof; Google Assistant, Maps and Play Store; and a blind-spot information system. Our 2022 test car had the mid-range Inscription spec that has broadly been replaced by Plus on 2023 models. Extra equipment over the Core includes the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driver-assistance suite, a 360° camera, leather upholstery and a remote key.

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Inscription AWD | Photo: Amee Reehal 

Most XC60 colours cost an extra $900, as with our car’s Silver Dawn paint. We also had 20in rims ($1,000) and the Climate Package (a further $1,000), comprising headlamp cleaners and a heated rear seat and steering wheel. Finally, it was fitted with air suspension and adaptive shock absorbers (now an Ultimate-only option, $2,350).

Other packages of accessories and cosmetic enhancements are available, but you’ll get close to the XC60 you want simply by selecting one of the three main grades.

Hybrid XC60 vs electric XC40 

For context, the all-electric and smaller Volvo XC40 Recharge we review here starts at $59,950, topping out at $73,900 for the Ultimate trim. Despite the size difference, there’s clearly a premium for going with a BEV (battery electric vehicle) versus a mild hybrid. The XC40 also makes our list of the Best Luxury SUVs in Canada.

Volvo XC60 Inscription interior and equipment

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Inscription AWD | Photo: Amee Reehal 

Volvo makes much of Scandinavian design as a point of differentiation from its competitors. Nowhere is that more evident than in the XC60’s airy cabin, whose minimalist approach and sleek lines offer a different take to other premium brands.

In the case of our test car, the look was enhanced by the bright blond/charcoal colour palette. The highly adjustable leather seats also provided a massage function, which for 2023 is a $1,300, Ultimate-only option. The pale driftwood inlays and Orrefors crystal shifter (now standard only on Ultimate) add further touches of class.

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Inscription AWD | Photo: Amee Reehal 

Volvo bucks the trend toward expansive, landscape screens with a 9.0in portrait touchscreen in the centre stack. Familiar Google apps such as Maps and Play Store are welcome choices. Deploying Assistant to control infotainment and many vehicle controls, such as the HVAC system, mimics its use in the home or on handheld devices.

The central starter button and chunky column stalks operate with a satisfying heft but overall, there are few physical switches to fall back on and digging into the screen to make adjustments can be a hassle, so we’d recommend using Google Assistant whenever possible. Overall, Volvo’s approach to controls is intuitive or frustrating, depending on your point of view.

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Inscription AWD | Photo: Amee Reehal 

Front and rear passengers alike are generously accommodated by the leg- and headroom. The available cargo space is bettered by some rivals but does at least offer a low sill for loading when the air suspension relaxes. There’s a small hatch in the rear seat to cater for skis, or in our test case, Scout flagpoles!

The Pilot Assist setup brings Volvo’s highest level of active safety to the XC60. We found the constant steering intervention as part of the lane-assistance function to be uncomfortably intrusive. Full marks though for the 360° camera, which provides a superb view of the SUV’s surroundings when reversing or navigating between narrow curbs at the drive-thru.

Performance: how does this Volvo XC60 hybrid perform?

The B6 powertrain is perfectly in keeping with the character of the XC60: no fuss, no drama, just smooth power. Thanks in part to an e-supercharger, the Volvo gathers speed deceptively quickly in everyday driving, for example when overtaking on the highway. Floor it away from the lights and it’ll do zero to 100km/h in six seconds, but truly this is not a car for Sport mode – and there isn’t one.

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Inscription AWD | Photo: Amee Reehal 

The motor is extremely quiet in operation and very refined for an inline-four. The intervention of the mild-hybrid system adds further smoothness to gearshifts but don’t expect an economy boost. Our recorded 10.7L/100km in mostly city driving is a whisker below the official city figure. Note that premium fuel will add to your running costs, too.

The ride comfort is a mixed bag. The optional Conti air springs and adaptive shocks let the XC60 waft along appropriately at speed and with good body control. But in combination with flashy 20in rims, the suspension is less effective over sharper lumps and bumps, where the setup isn’t supple enough.

Verdict: is the Volvo XC60 mild-hybrid SUV worth it?

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 Inscription AWD | Photo: Amee Reehal 

The Volvo XC60 looks good outside and in. Embrace its minimalist philosophy and you’ll enjoy your time in a relaxing vehicle that offers something different to most of its competitors. Volvo’s take on the premium experience won’t be for everyone, but that’s really the point.