The Best Value Compact Plug-In Hybrid SUV With Premium Features

Plug-in hybrid SUVs are gaining traction for their balance of electric efficiency and long-range versatility. But in a market where luxury often comes at an insane premium, one compact model quietly delivers upscale comfort, strong performance, and advanced tech, all at a relatively reasonable price.

This SUV offers a smooth, refined ride powered by a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that blends power and efficiency effortlessly. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed cabin filled with high-end materials, intuitive technology, and plenty of comfort for daily drives or weekend getaways.

For buyers who want premium features and eco-conscious performance without paying top dollar, this compact plug-in hybrid stands out. It’s the kind of luxury bargain that doesn’t scream for attention, but impresses in all the right ways once you get behind the wheel. Here’s what makes it special.

Volvo’s XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Crossover Is Quick, Sleek, and Packed With Value

Volvo is a brand that often gets overlooked, which is absolutely criminal in our eyes. The XC60 Hybrid is the perfect example of how they offer high levels of luxury at an affordable price. It strikes the perfect balance between electric and gasoline power as well, delivering the best of both worlds.

2025 Trims and Pricing

For those that will say that a $60,000 crossover is not a ‘bargain’, in the context of its class, the XC60 offers pretty impressive value for money. There are two other plug-in hybrid crossovers that it goes up against. The plug-in hybrid version of the Lexus RX starts above $70,000 and Mercedes’ GLC350e feels unrefined and sluggish compared to its gas-powered sibling, plus it’s more expensive. The Volvo also comes much better equipped from the word go. Rather than being a bargain by being outright affordable, it’s a bargain in the sense that it is quicker and more comfortable than its rivals for less money.

For the 2025 model year, Volvo has kept things pretty unchanged. The only thing that the Swedish automaker has done is drop the ‘Recharge’ suffix from its PHEV models. This makes the compact crossover’s official name the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid T8 AWD. Later this year the 2026 model year will be available, though, which will come with a faster and larger infotainment system.

While the Core trim is excellent, and we wouldn’t blame you for sticking with it, we think that the jump up to the Plus model is well worth it. The Plus comes with nicer 19-inch wheels as well as laminated glass to keep the cabin quieter at highway speeds. It also gets some desirable driver assists like adaptive cruise control, steering assist, parking assist, and some additional cameras.

Warranties and Maintenance

• Limited Warranty – Four Years or 50,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty – Four Years or 50,000 Miles
• Hybrid Component Warranty – Eight Years or 100,000 Miles
• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance – Three Years or 36,000 Miles

Warranties are becoming increasingly important, with recalls and mechanical issues unfortunately becoming much more common as time goes on. Volvo’s offering may not be industry-leading, but it still delivers peace of mind. Bumper to bumper and powertrain coverage is pretty standard, as is the coverage of any hybrid components. The real value comes in the form of scheduled maintenance being covered for your first three years.

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This Subdued Looking Crossover Packs a Total of 455 Horsepower

Compared to the mild-hybrid version of the XC60, the plug-in hybrid delivers much more of a wallop when you put your foot to the floor. It is also quicker than its rivals in class. More importantly, though, you get a fairly impressive battery pack that offers a decent amount of all-electric range.

Performance Specifications

Every XC60 PHEV comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine which pairs with an electric motor to deliver a pretty impressive amount of power. Another electric motor sits between the transmission and the engine and acts as both a starter and a generator. All-wheel drive is also standard on every model.

Volvo has made their name by building safe and solid vehicles, and this shines through in the driving dynamics of the XC60. While it can accelerate pretty quickly, it doesn’t feel exceptionally sporty, with steering feedback feeling on the lighter side. Rather, it offers a compliant ride and precise steering.

Fuel Economy, Range, and Charging

The plug-in hybrid XC60 comes fitted with a 14.7-kWh battery pack, which the EPA estimates is good for 36 miles of all-electric range on a single charge. The biggest downside here is that the Volvo only comes with an on-board charger with a max rate of 3.7-kW. Volvo says this means it will take between five and eight hours to fully charge the battery. This isn’t the end of the world, though, as it will charge at home overnight.

Compared to the mild-hybrid version of the XC60, the PHEV is actually more efficient when it comes to combined driving when the battery is depleted. The EPA estimates you’ll get 28 miles per gallon wherever you are. Meanwhile, the mild-hybrid XC60 only manages 23 miles per gallon in the city. Though, if you frequent highways, the PHEV is a little less efficient, with the mild-hybrid getting up to 30 miles per gallon.

Key Safety and Driver Assists

• Pilot Assist
• City Safety with Steering Support
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Lane Keeping Aid
• 360° Surround‑View Camera + Park Assist

As expected, Volvo offers an impressive list of safety features on their compact SUV. Things like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard regardless of the model you opt for. There are also some impressive semi-autonomous features on offer, such as Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering on highways.

With such attention to detail, it’s no wonder that the crossover managed to get five stars out of five for safety in the NHTSA’s testing. The IIHS still needs to test the latest model years, but they gave the 2023 model year the Top Safety Pick award. These make the XC60 among the safest cars on the road.

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The 2025 Volvo XC60 PHEV Delivers Grown-Up Luxury on the Inside

While some other automakers feel that luxury is best delivered through flashy designs and high-tech gimmicks, Volvo has a more understated approach. Simple and refined are the words that best describe the interior of the XC60. Functionality and high-quality materials are clearly the priority.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort

The XC60 plug-in hybrid may not be the most spacious crossover in its class, but it still delivers more than enough for passengers in both the front and the back. Cargo capacity behind the second row is about average, with the crossover offering up to 63.3 cubic feet of space if you stow the rear seats.

Everything inside the XC60 is neat, with even the most affordable model looking classy thanks to Volvo’s clean and minimalist approach to design. Controls are easy to get to and easy to use, and high-quality materials are used throughout the cabin. High-end features like heated and ventilated seats, a power-operated moonroof, and an advanced air purification system help make the cabin feel particularly comfortable.

Infotainment and Technology

Every 2025 XC60 comes fitted with a nine-inch, vertically oriented infotainment screen which sits neatly in the center of the dashboard. There is tons of personalization on offer and the system can also be controlled via Google’s voice assistant. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display also sits in front of the driver. There is a lot of standard tech in this crossover.

There are plenty of other features on offer, including a wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports. An 11-speaker sound system is standard but top trims come with a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon premium system instead.