Cars · Top 10
Best Volvo XC60 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The 2015 Volvo XC60 is the best XC60 model year, with the 2026 at #2 and the 2024 at #3. The 2015 earns 5 NHTSA stars overall, is rated 27 mpg combined by the EPA and has only 1 recall campaign listed.
At a glance
| # | Pick | EPA combined MPG | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015 Volvo XC60 (P3) | 27 mpg combined (24 city, 31 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want an XC60 with the shortest recall list and 5 stars overall |
| 2 | 2026 Volvo XC60 (SPA) | 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the newest XC60 with 5 stars and the 11.2-inch screen |
| 3 | 2024 Volvo XC60 (SPA) | 25 mpg combined (22 city, 28 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want a Google-infotainment XC60 with only software recalls |
| 4 | 2014 Volvo XC60 (P3) | 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway) with the 3.2 L 6-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first refreshed XC60 with 5 stars |
| 5 | 2025 Volvo XC60 (SPA) | 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the last pre-facelift second-generation XC60 |
| 6 | 2012 Volvo XC60 (P3) | 21 mpg combined (19 city, 25 highway) with the 3.2 L 6-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want a pre-refresh XC60 with 5 stars |
| 7 | 2017 Volvo XC60 (P3) | 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the final first-generation XC60 with a 4-cylinder |
| 8 | 2022 Volvo XC60 (SPA) | 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first Google-infotainment XC60 |
| 9 | 2020 Volvo XC60 (SPA) | 24 mpg combined (22 city, 29 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want a pre-facelift second-generation XC60 with 5 stars |
| 10 | 2010 Volvo XC60 (P3) | 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway) with the 3.2 L 6-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov) | Buyers who want the first XC60 sold in the US |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2015 Volvo XC60 (P3)
Newest
2026 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
Best mpg
2015 Volvo XC60 (P3)
First with Google
2022 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
First XC60
2010 Volvo XC60 (P3)
The ranking
1
2015 Volvo XC60 (P3)
Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictOnly 1 recall listed, 5 stars and 27 mpg.
EPA combined MPG: 27 mpg combined (24 city, 31 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed for the 2015 XC60: 20V378000 (front seat belts)Generation: The first-generation XC60 was refreshed for the 2014 model year with a new grille and front driving lights, no black cladding on the lower door sills and a 7-inch display
The 2015 XC60 is a refreshed first-generation car with the new grille and 7-inch display. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, lists only 1 recall, and the EPA rates it 27 mpg combined with the 2.0 L turbo.
Go ifBuyers who want an XC60 with the shortest recall list and 5 stars overall
Skip ifYou want the second-generation interior and driver aids
Why #1 over #2: Its 1 recall beats the 2026 XC60, which has 2 recall campaigns listed.
2
2026 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
Photo: Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictNewest look, 5 stars, 26 mpg and 2 recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2026 XC60: 25V589000 (front seat belt retractors) and 25V818000 (front seat bolts)Generation: The facelift launched in August 2025 for the 2026 model year with a redesigned grille, smoked LED tail lamps and a larger 11.2-inch touchscreenT8 plug-in hybrid: The 2026 XC60 T8 is rated 63 MPGe and 28 mpg combined on gas alone
The 2026 XC60 is the facelift with the redesigned grille and 11.2-inch touchscreen. It has 5 stars overall, 26 mpg combined and 2 recalls; the T8 plug-in hybrid is rated 63 MPGe.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest XC60 with 5 stars and the 11.2-inch screen
Skip ifYou want a recall list of 1 or fewer
Why #2 over #3: Its 26 mpg beats the 2024 XC60’s 25 mpg with the same 2 recalls.
3
2024 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
Photo: RL GNZLZ / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictTwo software recalls and 5 stars.
EPA combined MPG: 25 mpg combined (22 city, 28 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2024 XC60: 25V282000 and 25V908000 (back-over prevention software)Safety: The 2024 XC60 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick but fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ award with an acceptable side-impact ratingT8 plug-in hybrid: The 2024 XC60 T8 Recharge is rated 63 MPGe and 28 mpg combined on gas alone
The 2024 XC60 carries 5 stars overall and 25 mpg combined, and both of its 2 recalls are back-over prevention software. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Go ifBuyers who want a Google-infotainment XC60 with only software recalls
Skip ifYou want the best mpg
Why #3 over #4: Its 25 mpg beats the 2014 XC60’s 21 mpg with the same 2 recalls.
4
2014 Volvo XC60 (P3)
Photo: Navigator84 / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictFirst refreshed year, 5 stars and 2 recalls, at 21 mpg.
EPA combined MPG: 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway) with the 3.2 L 6-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2014 XC60: 20V378000 (front seat belts) and 13V377000 (central electronic module on cars with keyless ignition)Generation: Volvo debuted the refreshed XC60 in February 2013 for the 2014 model year, with a new grille, front driving lights and 7-inch display
The 2014 XC60 is the first refreshed car, with a new grille and no black sill cladding. It has 5 stars overall, 2 recalls and 21 mpg combined with the 3.2 L six.
Go ifBuyers who want the first refreshed XC60 with 5 stars
Skip ifYou want 25 mpg or better
Why #4 over #5: Its 2 recalls beat the 2025 XC60’s 3.
5
2025 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
Photo: Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictSame ratings as 2026 with 3 recalls.
EPA combined MPG: 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed for the 2025 XC60: 25V282000 and 25V908000 (back-over prevention software) and 25V818000 (front seat bolts)T8 plug-in hybrid: The 2025 XC60 T8 is rated 63 MPGe and 28 mpg combined on gas alone
The 2025 XC60 is the last before the facelift, with 5 stars overall and 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 3 recalls, including a front seat bolt campaign.
Go ifBuyers who want the last pre-facelift second-generation XC60
Skip ifYou want 2 recalls or fewer
Why #5 over #6: Its 26 mpg beats the 2012 XC60’s 21 mpg with the same 3 recalls.
6
2012 Volvo XC60 (P3)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs Verdict5 stars and 3 recalls, at 21 mpg.
EPA combined MPG: 21 mpg combined (19 city, 25 highway) with the 3.2 L 6-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed for the 2012 XC60: 20V378000 (front seat belts), 12V075000 (wiring) and 12V101000 (underbody coating)Generation: The first-generation XC60 is built in Ghent, Belgium on Volvo’s P3 platform, and an R-Design variant became available in April 2010
The 2012 XC60 is a pre-refresh P3 car with 5 stars overall, 21 mpg combined and 3 recalls listed, for seat belts, wiring and underbody coating.
Go ifBuyers who want a pre-refresh XC60 with 5 stars
Skip ifYou want the 7-inch display or the refreshed styling
Why #6 over #7: Its 3 recalls beat the 2017 XC60’s 4.
7
2017 Volvo XC60 (P3)
Photo: CEFICEFI / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictLast of the first generation, with 4 recalls listed.
EPA combined MPG: 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2017 XC60: 18V800000 (software), 16V918000 and 17V127000 (air bags) and 16V798000 (front seat belt buckles)All-wheel drive: The 2017 XC60 with the supercharged and turbocharged 2.0 L and all-wheel drive is rated 22 mpg combined (20 city, 27 highway)Generation: The last first-generation year; the second-generation XC60 was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show
The 2017 XC60 is the final first-generation year, rated 26 mpg combined with the 2.0 L turbo and 5 stars overall. NHTSA lists 4 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the final first-generation XC60 with a 4-cylinder
Skip ifYou want 3 recalls or fewer
Why #7 over #8: Its 4 recalls beat the 2022 XC60’s 6.
8
2022 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
Photo: UltraTech66 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictFirst Google-infotainment year, with 6 recalls listed.
EPA combined MPG: 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed for the 2022 XC60, including 21V682000 (seat belt), 22V793000 (engine control module), 23V001000 (steering) and 25V179000 (plug-in hybrid battery software)Generation: The facelift of 2 March 2021 brought an Android-powered infotainment system developed with Google; the 2022 XC60 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+T8 plug-in hybrid: The 2022 XC60 T8 Recharge Extended Range is rated 63 MPGe and 28 mpg combined on gas alone
The 2022 XC60 is the first with Google-built infotainment and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It has 5 stars overall and 26 mpg combined, but NHTSA lists 6 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the first Google-infotainment XC60
Skip ifYou want 3 recalls or fewer
Why #8 over #9: Its 26 mpg beats the 2020 XC60’s 24 mpg with the same 6 recalls.
9
2020 Volvo XC60 (SPA)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictSame 6 recalls as 2022 at 24 mpg.
EPA combined MPG: 24 mpg combined (22 city, 29 highway) with the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: Overall 5 stars, front crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), side crash 5 stars (driver 5, passenger 5), rollover 4 starsNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed for the 2020 XC60, including 20V144000 (automatic emergency braking), 21V716000 (brakes), 21V414000 (fuel pump wiring) and 23V001000 (steering)Safety: The 2020 XC60 earned an IIHS Top Safety PickT8 plug-in hybrid: The 2020 XC60 T8 is rated 57 MPGe and 27 mpg combined; its 11.6 kWh battery gives an EPA electric range of 19 miles
The 2020 XC60 has 5 stars overall and 24 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 6 recalls, including automatic emergency braking and steering campaigns.
Go ifBuyers who want a pre-facelift second-generation XC60 with 5 stars
Skip ifYou want the Google infotainment or fewer recalls
Why #9 over #10: Having 5 stars overall beats the 2010 XC60, which has no published NHTSA rating.
10
2010 Volvo XC60 (P3)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictNo NHTSA rating and 7 recalls listed.
EPA combined MPG: 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway) with the 3.2 L 6-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (EPA fueleconomy.gov)NHTSA rating: No overall, front crash, side crash or rollover rating is published for the 2010 XC60NHTSA recalls: 7 recall campaigns listed for the 2010 XC60, including 09V445000 (driver seat panel), 10V564000 (curtain air bags), 10V591000 (power passenger seat) and 09V477000 (fuel line cover)Generation: North American sales began in early 2009 as a 2010 model
The 2010 XC60 is the first sold in the US, rated 21 mpg combined with the 3.2 L six. NHTSA publishes no rating for it and lists 7 recalls.
Go ifBuyers who want the first XC60 sold in the US
Skip ifYou want published NHTSA stars or a short recall list
How we ranked these
We ranked ten XC60 model years from 2010 to 2026 on NHTSA 5-star Safety Ratings first, putting years with an overall rating ahead of unrated years; within each group, by the number of NHTSA recall campaigns listed, then EPA combined mpg for the lowest-priced listed engine, and where all of those tie, the newer year ranks higher. Other XC60 model years are not shown. Photos show the matching generation and look: the 2017 picture is a refreshed first-generation car, the 2022, 2024 and 2025 pictures are 2022 to 2025 second-generation cars, and the 2026 picture is the facelift. NHTSA recall counts are by model year and name; the 2026 count uses NHTSA’s XC60MHEV name. We do not state used prices or reliability scores. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Volvo XC60 model year?
On NHTSA, EPA and recall data the 2015 Volvo XC60 ranks first: 5 stars overall, 27 mpg combined with the 2.0 L turbocharged engine and only 1 recall campaign listed.
Which Volvo XC60 year has the fewest recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2015 XC60, 2 each for the 2014, 2024 and 2026, 3 each for the 2012 and 2025, 4 for the 2017, 6 each for the 2020 and 2022 and 7 for the 2010.
When did the XC60 get Google infotainment?
The second-generation XC60 was facelifted on 2 March 2021 and gained an Android-powered infotainment system developed with Google.
Which XC60 year is best for gas mileage?
The 2015 XC60 with the 2.0 L turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive is rated 27 mpg combined, the highest of the ten. The 2026, 2025, 2022 and 2017 are rated 26 mpg. The 2026 T8 plug-in hybrid is rated 63 MPGe.
EPA combined mpg (lowest-priced listed engine, automatic; front-wheel drive where offered) at a glance
2014 Volvo XC60 (P3)21 mpg
2012 Volvo XC60 (P3)21 mpg
2010 Volvo XC60 (P3)21 mpg
2020 Volvo XC60 (SPA)24 mpg
2024 Volvo XC60 (SPA)25 mpg
2026 Volvo XC60 (SPA)26 mpg
2025 Volvo XC60 (SPA)26 mpg
2017 Volvo XC60 (P3)26 mpg
2022 Volvo XC60 (SPA)26 mpg
2015 Volvo XC60 (P3)27 mpg
Official sites
- 2015 Volvo XC60 (P3) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2026 Volvo XC60 (SPA) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2024 Volvo XC60 (SPA) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2014 Volvo XC60 (P3) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2025 Volvo XC60 (SPA) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2012 Volvo XC60 (P3) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2017 Volvo XC60 (P3) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2022 Volvo XC60 (SPA) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2020 Volvo XC60 (SPA) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2010 Volvo XC60 (P3) · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- fueleconomy.gov
- nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.