Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2023 Volvo XC60: Choosing the Right Trim

2023 Volvo XC60: Choosing the Right Trim

We expect the 2023 Volvo XC60 to arrive with a few technology upgrades and little else in the way of change. Looking at the early price-list release, most XC60 models will feature a Dark or Bright theme. We suspect those themes refer to exterior elements like windows, lights, and grille surrounds. There is no difference in price between the two themes.

Volvo overhauled its engine lineup for 2022, focusing on varying forms of electrified propulsion. For 2023, every Volvo model will feature a powertrain with some degree of electrification.

The XC60 trim level designations provide a clue as to the powertrain propelling them. Those with a B5 or B6 in their moniker get a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system in tandem with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Those with “Recharge T8” in their grade identification are plug-in hybrids (PHEV). The top-of-the-line Polestar Engineered T8 eAWD is a PHEV as well. All powertrains include an 8-speed automatic transmission.

B5 and Recharge T8 models are available in Core, Plus, or Ultimate trim. Ultimate is the only trim level for the B6. The B5 is the only powertrain with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard for the B6, Recharge T8, and Polestar. You can add AWD to the B5 for a $2,300 upcharge.

We like the XC60 for its classy cabin, an array of powertrains, striking exterior styling, and high level of technology.

The XC60 lines up against key rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Here’s a look at the various trim levels of the 2023 Volvo XC60.

2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Core
(starting at $43,450)

The B5 Core enjoys the distinction of being the only XC60 that doesn’t offer the new Dark and Bright Themes. Moreover, as mentioned above, the B5 is the only powertrain offering front-wheel drive (FWD).

The B5 engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to a 48-volt MHEV system, providing 247 horsepower.

Well equipped, the Core provides all the basics, plus some extras like adaptive headlights, a 12.3-inch digital gauge and driver-information display, and even LED fog lights that illuminate into corners.

Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (automatic on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade. Other features are multi-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control are included, as well. AWD models come with heated seats.

With a swipe of your foot under the rear bumper, the power rear liftgate automatically opens. The rearview mirror, as well as the outboard mirrors, are auto-dimming. Cruise control is standard, too.

The Google-based infotainment system operates through a 9-inch touchscreen. A 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a voice-activated assistant, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, and wireless phone charging are standard.

A bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies helps you pilot the XC60 and keep your brood safe. Among them are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign assist, and run-off road mitigation are standard. As are a slippery-road alert, high-beam assist, front/rear park assist, and a driver-awareness alert.

Options & Price

You may add running boards to the 2023 Volvo XC60 for $1,525. The Climate Package ($750) adds a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and headlamp washers.

Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the Volvo XC60 B5 Core base price brings the total to $44,545. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $800 per month. See 2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Core models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Core includes:

Adaptive front lights – These LED headlights turn with the front wheels to light the way when taking curves or making turns.

Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. This function includes the power rear liftgate, which opens with a swipe of a foot under the rear bumper. Push-button start is paired with proximity keyless entry.

Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.

2023 XC60 B5 Plus (starting at $47,700)

Building on the B5 Core, the B5 Plus adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, wood interior accents, a surround-view camera, and a HomeLink transceiver. Also included are adaptive cruise control and the Pilot Assist Driver Assistance System.

You can still add the Climate Package, plus a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system for an additional $800.

Adding the destination fee to the B5 Plus base price equals $48,795. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $877 per month. See 2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Plus models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Plus includes:

Pilot Assist – A semi-autonomous driving system, this system can steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle under certain conditions.

Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This view is particularly valuable when parking.

Leather seating – Providing a higher-end experience, leather seating adds class to the interior.

2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultimate
(starting at $53,500)

Building on the XC60 B5 Plus, the B5 Ultimate adds 20-inch alloy wheels, the 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, and a 12-volt power port in the luggage area. Also included are front-seat cushion extensions, a head-up display, heated front seats, and quad-zone automatic climate control. Perforated-leather seating, ventilated front seats, and an upgraded dashboard are standard, too.

The Climate Package remains available, as well as a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system for $3,200.

Adding the destination fee to the B5 Ultimate base price brings the total to $54,595. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $981 per month. See 2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultimate models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultimate includes:

Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard displays critical driver information on the back of the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight.

Quad-zone automatic climate control – It separates the vehicle into four zones, one each for the front driver and passenger and the two second-row outboard seating positions.

Harman Kardon audio – This 14-speaker surround-sound audio system fills the cabin with dynamic sound.

2023 Volvo XC60 B6 Ultimate
(starting at $59,050)

This level is the only XC60 trim with the B6 powertrain. Consisting of the 2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged 4-cylinder engine and a 48-volt MHEV system, it delivers 295 hp. AWD is standard.

The standard content and options are the same as with the B5 Ultimate.

Adding the destination fee to the B6 Ultimate base price totals $60,145. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $1,081. See 2023 Volvo XC60 B6 Ultimate models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Core
(starting at $57,200)

There are only two notable differences between the Recharge T8 Core and the B5 Core. One is the powertrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged 4-cylinder engine joins a PHEV system with two electric motors to propel the Recharge T8. One of those electric motors attaches to the rear axle, creating the eAWD system, which is the second difference — standard AWD.

The system generates 455 hp and can operate on electricity alone for up to 36 miles.

Adding the destination fee to the Recharge T8 Core base price equals $58,295. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of $1,047. See 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Core models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Plus
(starting at $61,450)

The powertrain and AWD are the only fundamental differences between the B5 Plus and the Recharge T8 Plus.

Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the Recharge T8 Plus base price totals $62,545. In our no-money-down and 60-month financing scenario, the monthly payment would be about $1,124. See 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Plus models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate (starting at $66,950)

The powertrain and eAWD are all that separate the Recharge T8 Ultimate from the B5 Ultimate.

Tacking the $1,095 destination fee to the Recharge T8 base price equals $68,045. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $1,223 per month. See 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Polestar Engineered T8 eAWD PHEV
(starting at $74,150)

Thrust in the XC60 Polestar Engineered model momes from the same powertrain found in the Recharge T8 versions. However, Polestar Engineered Optimization adds a few high-performance elements like Brembo brakes. Moreover, a unique Polestar chassis and suspension underpins this high-performance XC60.

The Polestar T8 builds on the Recharge T8 Ultimate with power-folding outboard mirrors, Nappa leather seating, and a unique steering wheel. Also included is the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the Polestar T8 base price brings the total to $75,245. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $1,352 monthly. See 2023 Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered T8 eAWD PHEV models for sale

2023 Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered T8 eAWD PHEV includes:

Nappa leather seating – This full-grain leather undergoes a unique tanning process rendering it softer and more pliable than other leather.

Polestar Engineered elements – These include a Polestar high-performance chassis with Ohlins shocks and Brembo 6-piston front-brake calipers.

Bowers & Wilkins audio – This is a 15-speaker system delivering concert-like audio.

FAQ

  • What is the best 2023 Volvo XC60 trim level?

    Even the base Volvo XC60 B5 Core is well-equipped enough to satisfy most drivers. If you need or want AWD, it’s a $2,300 add-on and includes heated seats.

  • Which 2023 Volvo XC60 trim level gets the best mpg?

    The XC60 B5 front-wheel-drive model is rated by the EPA at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. With AWD, those numbers drop to 22 mpg/28 mpg/24 mpg.

    The XC60 B6 Ultimate with AWD gets 21 mpg/27 mpg/24 mpg.

    T8 Recharge versions can travel up to 36 miles on electrical power alone. That works out to a government-estimated 63 MPGe. This PHEV is rated at 28 mpg/28 mpg/28 mpg after the battery has been discharged.

    While that’s the best fuel-efficiency of the bunch, the XC60 T8 Recharge costs an additional $13,000 over an XC60 B5.

  • Which 2023 Volvo XC60 trim level is the safest?

    In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the XC60 received the top score of Good in six of six tests. Moreover, the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

    Every XC60 model comes with a big bundle of safety/driver-aid technologies. For instance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign assist, and run-off road mitigation are standard, too.

    Moving up to the Plus grade gains you adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist Driver Assistance, and a surround-view camera. The Ultimate adds a head-up display.

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