The Volvo V60 is a compact luxury estate car that was first introduced back in 2010 and was later replaced by the second generation in 2018. For the 2023 model year, Volvo is giving the V60 a subtle refresh which aims to make the car a bit more competitive in this fairly crowded segment which is mostly dominated by German automakers.
The changes for the 2023 V60 include mild hybrid engines that are now standard across the range, more range for the Recharge model, slightly updated styling, hidden exhausts, a new Google-based infotainment system, a trim level rename into Core, Plus, and Ultimate models, new wheel designs, updated exterior colors, and small changes on the inside.
Besides these, the V60 stays the same as the 2022 model which is no bad thing as the V60 is a really smart-looking estate. All engines are based on the familiar 2.0L 4-cylinder Volvo engine but are available in both mild hybrid and PHEV forms.
The design is almost the same as the 2022 V60 with only slight changes to the bumpers, colors, wheels, and exhaust tips are now hidden. So, if you want to know all about 2023 Volvo V60 facelift, be sure to read this article!
2023 Volvo V60 facelift – The Powertrain
The Volvo V60 engine lineup kicks off with the 2.0L 4-cylinder B5 250hp engine that now gets mild-hybrid technology to help it be a bit more economical and have better throttle response thanks to a small 48-volt battery working in tandem with the engine. The T8 Polestar Recharge PHEV gets a 2.0L 4-cylinder and an electric motor for a combined output of 455hp and a 0-60mph time of just 4.4 seconds.
Entry-level models come with FWD while higher-end models come with AWD. All engine options are mated to the familiar 8-speed automatic gearbox that shifts gears smoothly and seamlessly and fits the V60s character perfectly. You can expect to get 22/31MPG with the 250hp model while the Recharge PHEV is able to achieve 74MPGe with up to 41 miles of pure electric drive.
The V60 powertrain options are slim, but are all nice and powerful, more so than some of their German competitors.
2023 Volvo V60 facelift – Design and Driving
As mentioned in the beginning, the V60 gets a few new upgrades across the model range for the 2023 model year, and the most noticeable exterior upgrades are new colors, new wheel designs, slightly different bumpers, and hidden exhaust tips. The interior is as smart-looking as ever, but you now also get a Google-backed infotainment system which is much better than before.
The driving experience is classic Volvo, the car does not try to be overly sporty yet is compliant, chilled, and really comfortable. Noise isolation is really good and the car is really easy to drive. It feels best on a motorway, but it isn’t too big not to be driven in the city.
2023 Volvo V60 facelift – Reliability and Common Issues
The 2023 Volvo V60 is not out yet which means that we can’t really gauge how reliable it actually is. However, since the V60 is only a facelift from the previous 2022 model, it means that it should fare pretty much the same as the 2022 model. Most reliability charts and surveys graded the V60 to be okay, but nothing special.
The most common issues with the V60 are related to software, loose suspension, automatic emergency braking system issues, restraint system issues, and potentially various electrical issues as well.
2023 Volvo V60 facelift – Value and Practicality
The 2023 Volvo V60 facelift starts at $49,895 for the Core trim level while the Ultimate models cost $55,195. The top-spec V60 Cross Country Polestar Engineered model costs $71,645 but it offers you pretty much everything you can get with the V60. All in all, the V60 is up against stiff German competition and as far as price is concerned, there is little between them.
Practicality is excellent as the V60 is a compact-to-mid-size family estate with enough room for a family and a dog. Visibility is really good, interior cubby spaces are really good, the car has lots of USB ports, and is really easy to live with and to navigate around town.
FAQ Section
Should I buy a 2023 Volvo V60 facelift?
If you are after a family wagon, there are quite a few cars you can choose from. The reason why you should choose the Volvo is if you want a plug-in model that is also powerful and sophisticated. Volvo makes the best hybrid models in this class which is why it takes the cake for most families as it is affordable to drive and has a decent EV range.
On the other hand, if you don’t like Volvo’s design and you don’t deem the Volvo badge to be premium enough, you can swing for one of the Germans which is what many people tend to do.
Which cars rival the 2023 Volvo V60?
The Audi A4 Avant is likely the stiffest competitor to the V60 in the same way the V60 Cross Country competes with the Audi A4 Allroad. Other competitors include the BMW 3-Series Touring, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon, the Volkswagen Passat Variant, and potentially even the Jaguar XF estate.
Out of all these, the Mercedes C-Class is the newest and most luxurious, the Volvo has the best hybrid engines, the Audi is the most practical while the BMW and the Jaguar are the most fun to drive.
When is the next-gen Volvo V60 coming out?
The Volvo V60 is based on the S60 sedan which hasn’t been out for long enough to Volvo to offer it in a completely new guise. It is likely to believe that Volvo is going to come out with the new V60 sometime in the next three years, and it seems like next-gen V60 models are going to be all hybrid and electric.
As such, it makes sense to buy the V60 now as it is not going to lose significant value anytime soon, at least not before the new model comes out.