The refreshed Volvo XC60 – just 3% different from last year’s model

The second gen. Volvo XC60 is on the market since 2017. Built on the SPA platform and available with only 4 cyl. 2.0-liter turbocharged (and sometimes supercharged) engines, along with some plug-in hybrid options. Despite enthusiasts complaining about the loss of the old 5 and 6-cylinder engines, Volvo somehow managed to sell over 1.5 million of these cars globally.

To be honest, I’m not really surprised that the the 2nd gen. XC60 is a successful car, because it does have many great features and qualities. But as these cars are getting older, issues are starting to pop up and there is also a minor design flaw these cars have (which can be fixed) – MORE INFORMATION HERE

In 2021 the XC60 already got a slight facelift which was just a slight update basically. It brought only two main changes:

• a new android based multimedia system which had and still can have issues
• a factory top speed restriction to 180 km/h – 112 mph (already implemented from 2020)

2026 model year

And now in 2025 the Volvo XC60 has been given another slight refresh. Again, nothing radical, just a couple of updates like the:

• 3 new exterior colors
• the rear exterior lights are darker
• the air intake has been redesigned
• some new interior materials
• improved wireless phone charger
• slightly improved interior sound insulation
• the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system has new speaker mesh design
• brand new multimedia system

The most eye-catching update in the refreshed XC60 is, without a doubt, the larger multimedia screen—now a whopping 11.2 inches. But honestly, looking at the pictures it kind of gives off the vibe of an aftermarket retrofit that just doesn’t fit quite right in the dash. It’s almost like they slapped on a screen and hoped it would magically blend in. But either way, it has 21% higher pixel density which means, that now you can stare at Google Maps in even sharper detail while pretending to be an expert navigator (check out the video below of the updated system demonstration).

And because nothing screams luxury like fast-loading apps, Volvo tossed in a new Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. This means, that the infotainment system should be now twice as fast as the previous one, so you can actually get to your Spotify playlist and ask Google Assistant without waiting for your patience to evaporate. Oh, and the graphics? It’s now ten times faster—because, really, who doesn’t need lightning-fast pixels when cruising in a luxury SUV?

So the refreshed XC60 isn’t a game-changer, but it’s not a letdown either. The larger screen, faster infotainment and a supposedly quieter cabin are nice touches, though nothing revolutionary. If you’re already driving an XC60, the upgrades might not make you rush to the dealership. But if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, this refresh checks the right boxes. Volvo isn’t reinventing the wheel, but hey, at least they’re keeping up with the times.