The Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 has been upgraded for 2022 to give it better performance and longer range on pure battery power.
The Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 is a plug-in hybrid compact crossover with a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor.
The 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8.
Volvo’s XC60 premium compact crossover now comes in a “Recharge” version, featuring a plug-in hybrid drive system, and it has been upgraded for 2022 to give it extended battery range. The XC60 Recharge model is included in the second generation of the XC60, introduced four years ago. This year, the XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range model (base price $62,250 plus $1,095 freight), which we tested, is a fun ride thanks to its total of 455 horsepower and 523 foot-pounds of torque.
That comes from its combination of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 143-horsepower electric motor. The gasoline engine by itself is rated at 312 horsepower. Power on our tester was supplied by an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission driving the front wheels, and the electric motor powering the rear wheels, giving the car all-wheel drive. Electric-only range with the improved long-range battery is now an EPA estimated 35-41 miles when driven in pure mode, on a single full charge. Volvo says that owners with access to charging at home or at their workplaces can use battery power for the majority of their routine daily driving.
All Recharge T8 models also qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. Volvo says the new battery has an added third layer of cells to increase nominal energy from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh. The electric motor also was boosted in power from the previous model’s 87 hp. Besides the new powertrain, upgrades include one-pedal drive capability on XC60 and S90 Recharge models. That extra power from the electric motor increased power to the rear wheels by about 65 percent, enhancing performance and drivability, as well as improving the all-wheel-drive capabilities.
One-pedal drive, already a feature on all-electric Volvo vehicles, allows the driver to control acceleration and braking using only the accelerator pedal. Just as in the Nissan Leaf electric car we recently tested, this feature uses so-called regenerative braking – back pressure from the electric motor in braking mode – to stop the car without having to depress the brake pedal. It takes a little bit of practice, as we learned on the Leaf, but is a useful feature. Volvo says the extra battery capacity also helps on cold winter days and hot summer days when accessories – such as heating and air conditioning – tend to gobble up battery power. Drivers can pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin remotely via the Volvo Cars app while maintaining all-electric driving range.
The XC60 Recharge model’s turbocharged T8 gasoline engine has also been upgraded to provide better fuel efficiency and performance. That includes reduced tailpipe emissions. EPA ratings on our XC60 Recharge T8 were 65 mpg-e (primary electric driving), and overall regular combined mpg of 28, using gasoline and electric drive together. It’s in the lineup along with the regular gasoline XC60 models, which begin at The Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid is part of the second generation XC60 compact crossover, introduced for 2018. For model year 2021, adaptive headlights, a hands-free liftgate and rear USB-C ports were added as standard equipment. All models come with all-wheel drive and automatic stop/start technology, paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual feature.
The hybrid battery pack can be recharged using the standard charging cable, which, with an adaptor, enables Level 1 or Level 2 charging using a household outlet. Three drive modes are offered: Pure, (zero tailpipe emissions); Power; and Hybrid (maximum efficiency and range). Charging also occurs during engine braking or while the combustion engine is running. The XC60 Recharge T8 models begin at $55,345. The extended-range features add $500 to that price, and the Inscription treatment tacks on an additional $7,500.
The Inscription package includes such premium features as 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels in Silver Diamond Cut, along with Nappa leather (our car) or tailored wool blend upholstery, bright chrome bars in the grille, chrome window trim, heated and ventilated front seats, wood deco inlays, “tailored” dashboard and upper door panels, high-level interior illumination, Harman Kardon audio, power-adjustable front seats with power-adjustable side supports and cushion extension, front park assist, and front “Recharge” tread plates. Other extras on our T8 Inscription tester included the Advanced Package ($2,050), which added a head-up display, Pilot Driver Assist with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround-view camera system, and advanced cabin air filtration. We also had the Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade ($3,200); air suspension system for a softer, cushioned ride ($1,800); upgraded 20-inch five-spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels ($800); Climate Package ($750), with headlight cleaners, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats; power-operated tailgate ($200); and Silver Dawn metallic exterior paint ($695).
Just as you’d expect from Volvo, the XC60 is well built, well equipped, very comfortable, full of safety features, and a delight to drive. Road handling was superb, especially on twisty country roads near our home that we love to use for test drives. Volvo says the XC60 Recharge T8 can go from zero-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. Our car’s transmission shifted smoothly and at mostly just at the right time, so we did not make use of the provided manual-shift feature. The gearbox’s computer controller helps keep it from gear-hunting on uphill and downhill slopes, and it brings quick bursts of speed – mostly from the electric motor at lower RPMs -- to accommodate passing and uphill freeway ramps.
In keeping with its upscale mission (and price), our cabin was high quality. There is sufficient knee and legroom in the back seat, but it’s more comfortable with just two adults in the rear, with the center armrest pulled down from the seatback. Among other standard features are a panoramic moon roof with power sunshade, LED headlights; leather-wrapped steering wheel (tilt and telescopic); keyless entry and pushbutton start; and two-zone automatic climate control. It also comes with walnut wood interior inlays; illuminated door handles and high-level interior lighting; front and rear park assist with rearview camera system; navigation, Wi-Fi, HD and satellite radio; two front and two rear USB ports, Bluetooth connection, and 9-inch touch screen; a 12.3-inch digital instrument display; laminated side windows; and automatic high beams.
Standard technology features include Volvo’s City Safety system. It takes over control of the vehicle if the driver becomes distracted – perhaps while “texting” instead of driving – and automatically stops the car if it is about to run into the vehicle in front. Also included are Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection; the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive system; Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation; Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert Control; and road sign information. Other safety gear includes seat-mounted side air bags and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows, electronic stability control with traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, tire-pressure monitoring, the Volvo Whiplash Protection System, a high-strength steel safety cage, and side-impact protection.
There also are electric power steering, adjustable drive-mode settings, and dual integrated tailpipes. Total sticker price for our 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription sedan was $72,840, including freight and options. The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner, Emma Jayne Williams, contributed to this report.
2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription
The package: Compact, premium, five-door, five-passenger, turbocharged inline four-cylinder, gasoline and electric-powered, all-wheel-drive, plug-in hybrid crossover utility vehicle. Highlights: The XC60 is Volvo’s compact SUV, and the Recharge model is a plug-in hybrid version. It has a long list of high-tech safety features and options, and a powerful four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor. Negatives: Can get pricey with all the options. Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline, turbocharged, paired with electric drive motor for the rear wheels. Transmission: Eight-speed automatic. Power/torque: 455 HP./523 foot-pounds, combined gasoline and electric. Length: 185.4 inches. Curb weight: 4,175 pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock. Cargo volume: 25.8 cubic feet (behind rear seat); 63.3 cubic feet (rear seat folded). Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds. Side air bags: Front seat-mounted, roof-mounted side-curtain for both rows, standard. Electronic stability control: Standard. Fuel capacity/type: 18.8 gallons/unleaded premium recommended, not required. EPA fuel economy: 63 MPG-e; 28 mpg combined. Base price: $62,250, plus $1,095 freight. Price as tested: $72,840, including freight and options (XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription). On the Road rating: 8.8 (of a possible 10). Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.