In-depth reviews

Volvo XC60 Recharge hybrid range, MPG, CO2 & charging

The Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid is easy to live with, offering over 40 miles of electric driving and low CO2 emissions for such a big SUV

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Range, MPG, CO2 & charging rating

3.5 out of 5

Fuel Type:
Hybrid Petrol
Fuel economyCO2 emissionsElectric rangeWallbox charge time
257-283mpg23-25g/km47-49 miles3hrs (6.4kW)

A mid-sized premium SUV like the XC60 might not be the obvious plug-in hybrid choice, but Volvo's setup combines petrol and electric power to good effect, with strong electric range, decent fuel economy and low CO2 output. Volvo updated the car in late 2021, adding a larger 18.8kWh battery and improving fuel economy, so now the plug-in hybrid SUV can return up to 283mpg, rather than closer to 100mpg. Achieving that figure means topping up the battery before every journey, but thankfully, charging the XC60 Recharge is an easy task.

Volvo XC60 Recharge hybrid range

With a full battery, the XC60 Recharge will officially manage between 47 and 49 miles on electric power depending on trim choice. In reality, however, that’s likely to be closer to 30 or 35 miles, and we don’t reckon you’ll see a huge difference even if you opt for the range-topping model with the biggest wheels. Charging as often as possible and using that range to best effect will see you maximise fuel economy, but even if you charge regularly you’ll need to be going great guns to come close to Volvo’s claim of up to 283mpg. If you can plug in at home and at your place of work, this helps maximise efficiency.

Charge time

The plug-in hybrid XC60 comes with a seven-metre Type 2 charging cable as standard, which you’ll use for topping up from a home wallbox or most public charging points. The on-board charger has been upgraded since the car launched and now limits maximum charging speed to 6.4kW (previously 3.7kW), which almost halves the projected charge time. Those with a standard home wallbox should be able to fully recharge the car in around three hours.

This is the most efficient way to charge the Volvo XC60 Recharge’s 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery, but there is another method. There’s a driving mode that forces energy into the battery on the move – useful if you want to top the battery up for electric driving when you get to a town, but it does place more strain on the engine, so expect your fuel economy to decrease if you engage this setting. Honestly, we wouldn’t bother.

Most Popular

MG Cyberster review
MG Cyberster - header
In-depth reviews

MG Cyberster review

The MG Cyberster is a fantastic halo model for the brand, with stunning looks and performance
29 Sep 2023
BMW i4 facelift to topple Tesla with huge range and tech upgrades
BMW i4 facelift spies - front
News

BMW i4 facelift to topple Tesla with huge range and tech upgrades

An updated version of the BMW i4 has been spotted testing, likely sporting a longer range and the latest technology
27 Sep 2023
We’ve had a ride in the new electric MG Cyberster and it’s NOT what we first thought…
MG Cyberster passenger - front
News

We’ve had a ride in the new electric MG Cyberster and it’s NOT what we first thought…

The MG Cyberster is due to go on sale next year with up to 536bhp and scissor doors – and we’ve already had a ride in it
29 Sep 2023