2026 Volvo XC60 vs. the Competition

In the crowded midsize luxury SUV segment, it's not easy to stand out. And yet, the Volvo XC60 achieves this through a mix of sophisticated styling, superior build quality, and an unrivaled level of standard equipment. To fully appreciate the advantage that the XC60 has over its rivals, we need a more in-depth comparison, so read on and see why the XC60 is the superior choice.

Volvo XC60 VS Cadillac XT5

2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Core	VS	2026 Cadillac XT5 Luxury AWD
$51,095	MSRP	$48,595
247 HP / 266 LB-FT TQ ✓	Horsepower / Torque	235 HP / 258 LB-FT TQ
25 MPG ✓	Fuel Economy (combined rating)	23 MPG
Double Wishbone ✓	Front Suspension	Strut
Standard ✓	Torque Vectoring	Requires Higher Trim
Standard ✓	Configurable Digital Gauge Cluster	Requires Higher Trim
10 ✓	Speakers	8
Standard, LED ✓	Fog Lights	Not Available
Standard ✓	Power Folding Mirrors	Requires Higher Trim
Standard ✓	Rain Sensing Wipers	Requires Higher Trim

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First up is the Cadillac XT5, which is so close to the XC60 in size and price that it just makes sense to start here. Actually, the XT5 starts a little bit lower, since it doesn't come with standard all-wheel drive, but since the XC60 does, we added the option to make this a more straightforward comparison. Both SUVs come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but the Volvo power plant is the more advanced option, able to both produce more power and deliver better fuel economy at the same time. Handling in the XC60 is better too, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension setup that gives you much more precise steering. Not only that, but the standard torque vectoring on the XC60 also means better traction in all conditions.

Considering how similar the prices are for these two vehicles, you would expect a similar level of standard equipment, but the XT5 offers surprisingly little. A configurable digital gauge cluster is standard on the XC60, but not only does it require you to move up to a higher trim on the XT5, that move still only gives you the option to pay more to have it. You also get more speakers in the XC60, and fog lights aren't available for any trim of the XT5. And while Power folding mirrors and rain-sensing wipers might be commonly included as standard on most vehicles in this segment, that's not the case with the Cadillac.

Volvo XC60 VS Range Rover Velar

2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra	VS	2026 Range Rover Velar S
$61,045 ✓	MSRP	$62,975
23 / 30 / 26 ✓	Fuel Economy MPG (city / highway / combined)	22 / 26 / 23
41.5 inches / 38 inches ✓	Legroom (front / rear)	40.3 inches / 37.2 inches
4-zone ✓	Climate Control	2-zone
20 inches ✓	Wheels	19 inches
14 ✓	Speakers	12
Driver and passenger ✓	Seat memory	Driver only
Standard ✓	Ventilated Front Seats	Optional
Standard ✓	Hands-Free Liftgate	Optional
24 months / 20,000 miles ✓	Included Maintenance	None

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The XC60 is a particularly good-looking SUV, so for our next comparison, we're looking at another stylish offering, the Range Rover Velar. The Velar starts off a good deal more expensive than the XC60, so we're using the Ultra trim of the XC60 to better demonstrate what you get for your money. To start with, you get the same horsepower, with both vehicles rated at 247. However, the more advanced drivetrain in the XC60 returns noticeably better fuel economy from that same power. Cargo space is close to identical, with the XC60 having a very slight advantage, but legroom for both rows of seats is where you'll notice a difference in interior space. And speaking of the interior, everyone can stay much more comfortable in the XC60, thanks to the 4-zone climate control.

The XC60 Ultra comes with stylish 20-inch wheels, a size that's available for the Velar, but only if you're willing to pay extra. Both vehicles come with a premium stereo, but the one in the XC60 is just that extra bit better. This is a theme we see all over these two vehicles. The XC60 has seat memory for both driver and passenger, as well as ventilation as standard. The Velar has a power liftgate, but the XC60 has a hands-free power liftgate. And then there's the included maintenance; two years' worth of it is included with the XC60, compared to none for the Velar. Everything is just that extra bit better with the Volvo, and for a slightly lower price to boot.

Volvo XC60 VS Lexus RX

2026 XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Plus	VS	2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Premium
$66,995	MSRP	$66,680
4 ✓	Trims	1
455 HP / 523 LB-FT TQ ✓	Horsepower / Torque	304 HP / 168 LB-FT TQ
4.5 seconds ✓	0-60 Time	6.2 seconds
19 kWh ✓	Battery Capacity	18 kWh
8-speed automatic ✓	Transmission	CVT
Double Wishbone ✓	Front Suspension	Strut
Optional ✓	Adaptive Suspension	Not available
Standard ✓	Cabin Preconditioning	Not Available
24 months / 20,000 miles ✓	Included Maintenance	12 months / 10,000 miles

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We chose the Lexus RX for our last comparison for a very good reason, it is available as a plug-in hybrid. This doesn't work quite the same for both manufacturers though. With the RX, the hybrid drivetrain is tied to specific trim levels, and the plug-in hybrid is tied to just two specific trims. Drivetrain choice isn't tied to a specific trim for the XC60, so you can go for the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered trim, or the Core, which comes with a huge price advantage over the Lexus. We went with the Plus because it was the closest to the RX 450h+ Premium in both price and purpose. But despite the nearly identical price, it's immediately obvious there is a big difference when it comes to performance. The XC60 comes with a lot more power, it's not even close. And with the difference in 0-60 times, you'll feel that difference every time you get on the highway. And although Lexus hasn't published how much all-electric range comes with the 450h+ drivetrain, we can see that it has a smaller battery.

The XC60 provides a better driving experience in several different ways. The first is the 8-speed automatic transmission, which is highly preferable to the numb experience you get with the CVT in the Lexus. Like the Cadillac, the Lexus has a strut front suspension, which is far less precise than the double wishbone setup in the XC60. Adding to this is the lack of available adaptive suspension in the RX, something that is available in the XC60, and which gives you superior comfort when you want it, or flat cornering when you push the performance. It's possible to remote start either vehicle, as a means of getting it to a comfortable temperature. But cabin preconditioning specifically uses electric power from the battery, so the engine doesn't need to be started. This means it's safely usable in a confined space, like a garage, while the RX has no option for this. Volvo also comes ahead with the included maintenance once again, offering twice as much as Lexus.

The other vehicles that compete with the XC60 sometimes offer the kind of power, standard equipment, and driving enjoyment that you get with the XC60, but none of them quite manage to offer all of these things at the same time, and in some cases even charge a much higher price while still missing that mark. For the luxury midsize SUV that actually offers everything you want in one place, there is no beating the Volvo XC60.