For many buyers, the idea of driving an all-electric vehicle is still unattainable due to a lack of charging infrastructure. As a result, these buyers will either have to opt for a standard hybrid or a better option, a plug-in hybrid, which is the best compromise between hybrids and electric vehicles if you have range anxiety issues. Recently, automakers have focused primarily on all-electric vehicles, but there are also some nice plug-in hybrids to choose from, such as the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge.
The XC60 Recharge offers owners a small electric range of 19 miles to be exact. This may not seem like much, but if your commute is short, it may be enough to prevent you from having to start a gas engine. Then, if you do want to travel long distances, you don't have to worry about range anxiety because when the battery runs out, the gas engine starts, allowing you to keep driving. That's why plug-in hybrids are a great compromise because you can have the best of both worlds.
The XC60 Recharge is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that works with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also standard. With 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, the XC60 Recharge is no less impressive. The powertrain is refined and has a good impact, although it is still not exactly sporty, which is not a bad thing. The XC60 Recharge is not designed as a high-performance SUV, but with a greater focus on comfort.
There are also different driving modes that can help you use the electric motor or retain the power in the battery. The default hybrid mode makes the powertrain function like a hybrid, with the gas engine starting up when extra power is needed. There's also a battery saver feature that keeps the gas engine on to save battery for later use. Power saving mode is great for driving on the highway and then using the electric motor when you exit. There's also Pure mode, which keeps the engine off, and a Power mode to power the engine and electric motors.
During the week we used the XC60 Recharge, we preferred to keep it in EV mode as much as possible, but the short distance of 19 miles did cause some damage to it. It was perfect for excursions around town as we could easily use the battery power and then plug it back in when we got home. If the XC60 Recharge had an EV range of about 40 miles, it would be better, just as the Toyota RAV4 Prime has a range of 42 miles.
Beyond the plug-in hybrid system, the XC60 Recharge looks and feels like the standard XC60. Thanks to its calming feel and clutter-free layout, its minimalist interior stands out. We also like the XC60's seats, which are the most comfortable in the segment, which adds to the ease of the interior. The XC60 can easily accommodate five people, with plenty of legroom and headroom at the rear.
In front of the driver, there is a customizable digital instrument cluster and a portrait 9-inch touchscreen. Infotainment systems are easy to use in most cases, but we do expect certain settings, such as heated seats, to be operated via buttons instead of touchscreens.
Now in terms of price, the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge starts at $53,500 and doesn't include any federal or state tax benefits.
Volvo has been increasing its all-electric lineup with models like the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, but Volvo knows that not all buyers are ready to switch to electric vehicles. That's why XC60 Recharge is the perfect choice.