Volvo Announced 2028 XC60 SUV Updates

The automaker refreshed its popular SUV with a high-capacity plug-in hybrid battery and an upgraded powertrain.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

A modern hybrid SUV drives along a coastal highway at dusk, with the ocean visible in the background.
Volvo announced updates to the 2028 XC60 SUV on Wednesday, featuring a high-capacity plug-in hybrid battery capable of 78 miles of range. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Volvo has revealed the 2028 XC60, the second facelift of the vehicle's second generation. The updated SUV features a plug-in hybrid option boasting 78 miles of electric-only range.

Why it matters

The model acts as a strategic bridge for consumers who are not yet prepared to transition to a fully electric vehicle. By emphasizing hybrid range and performance, the company provides an alternative to gasoline-only models.

The T8 PHEV powertrain utilizes a 41.2 kWh battery and adds 174 horsepower with 228 lb-ft of torque, enabling a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. Base models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower.

The players

Volvo

A Swedish automotive manufacturer known for prioritizing vehicle safety and, increasingly, electrified powertrains.

Google

The technology giant provides the software platform integrated directly into the dashboard of the new XC60.

The details

Built on the existing SPA chassis architecture, the SUV retains its five-person seating capacity while introducing updated Thor's Hammer LED headlights. The interior is anchored by an 11.2-inch portrait display running Google Built-In.

Timeline

  1. The second-generation XC60 arrived in 2017.

  2. The model debuted in the US market in 2018.

  3. A previous facelift occurred in 2026.

  4. Customer deliveries begin in early 2027.

Roadmap

This release reflects the broader industry strategy of extending the lifespan of internal combustion and hybrid platforms as consumers demand more electric range. It positions the brand to maintain market share while waiting for the full-scale transition to electric vehicles.

Buyers looking for high-mileage hybrid capability will benefit from the increased electric range, which could significantly reduce fuel consumption for daily commuters. Prospective owners should expect these models to arrive at dealerships beginning in early 2027.

The takeaway

Drivers interested in this SUV should consider how the extended electric range aligns with their typical daily charging access at home or work. This vehicle demonstrates how manufacturers are prioritizing hybrid efficiency to bridge the gap between traditional and electric travel.

Further reading

For more information on the evolving landscape of sustainable transport, visit the Electric Vehicles section.

Live Poll

Would you choose a plug-in hybrid over an all-electric vehicle for your next car purchase?