The 2026 Volvo XC60 has just been unveiled, bringing significant upgrades in design, technology, and powertrain. But how does it compare to the previous model, the 2021 Volvo XC60? If you’re looking for a premium SUV with an elegant design, cutting-edge technology, and a strong focus on electrification, then you need to see how this facelift breathes new life into Volvo’s best-selling mid-size SUV.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the differences between the 2026 and 2021 Volvo XC60, covering everything from exterior and interior design to engine options, safety features, and technology upgrades. We’ll explore whether the changes are significant enough to justify an upgrade and how they impact the overall driving experience. If you’re wondering, “Is the 2026 Volvo XC60 worth the upgrade?”, stay with us as we break down all the key details!
Exterior Design
If the XC60 2022 came with an elegant and balanced design – classic proportions, chrome grille and the famous Thor’s Hammer lights, the new facelift of the XC60 2026 comes with a series of subtle but important changes. On the outside, the new Volvo XC60 facelift comes with a new, larger grille, painted predominantly in black. In the bumper we also have an air intake with a slightly revised design. The new updated model also receives new, darker taillights, while the headlights retain the Thor’s Hammer shape, but have a new, thinner and more modern light signature.
Overall, we are not talking about a visual revolution, but the differences are there and give the new model a fresher and more modern air.
Interior and Technology
The interior takes the evolution even further. In 2022, the XC60 relied on simplicity and Scandinavian luxury – the central vertical screen was already the point of attraction, and the physical buttons were on the verge of disappearing.
For 2026, Volvo is going even further on the path of digital minimalism. The biggest novelty is a new multimedia system, displayed on a larger screen, with a diagonal of 11.2 inches placed vertically and offering a pixel density improved by 21% compared to the old system. The new generation of Volvo’s multimedia system receives a new graphical interface, which moves faster thanks to the new Snapdragon Cockpit Platform architecture. The audio system is also signed by Bowers & Wilkins with speakers that bring a new design.
Engines XC60 2025
| Model | Horsepower (hp) | Engine Type | Displacement (cm³) | Drivetrain | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 AWD | 250 | In-line 4-cylinder turbocharged | 1969 | AWD | Automatic |
| B6 AWD | 300 | In-line 4-cylinder supercharged & turbocharged | 1969 | AWD | Automatic |
| T6 AWD PHEV | 350 | In-line 4-cylinder turbocharged with e-boost | 1969 | AWD | Automatic |
| T8 AWD PHEV | 455 | In-line 4-cylinder turbocharged with e-boost | 1969 | AWD | Automatic |
Under the hood, the 2022 XC60 offered a wide range of engines – gasoline, diesel mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid, a mix that covered almost all preferences.
For 2026, the facelift comes with an even greater emphasis on electrification. Diesels disappear completely, and the focus shifts to plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid gasoline.
Safety remains Volvo’s strong point in 2026. The Pilot Assist system is updated, with more natural reactions and better integration with maps and intelligent infrastructure. On the highway, the XC60 facelift almost drives itself.
So, the 2026 Volvo XC60 facelift does not rewrite the rules of the game, but it clearly takes a step towards the electric and ultra-connected future.
What do you think about the new changes to the XC60?
Video
Gallery
Other Articles
BMW iX 2025 – A Major Facelift for the Electric SUV
