2026 Volvo XC60 T8VolvoThe XC60 T8 may be the most fun model Volvo's ever built. It's deceptively conservative-looking but get in and zip, zip, zip, corner, corner, corner and it's a regular ball. I got some oohs and ahhs from the public, too - one at a Rolls-Royce event, no less.Launched in 2008, the Volvo XC60 is something of an elder statesman in the luxury crossover world, but buyers clearly haven't tired of it. Volvo sold 41,105 XC60s in the U.S. in 2025, up nearly 6 percent from 2024 and enough to make it the company's best-selling American model.What's new for 2026?The XC60 gets a meaningful refresh rather than a complete redesign. Outside, there's a revised grille and front air intake inspired by the larger XC90, darker taillights and new wheel choices. The basic shape remains handsome, clean and unmistakable.2026 Volvo XC60 T8Engine/motorMy test car was the 2026 XC60 T8 AWD Ultra plug-in hybrid, which starts at $72,345 including destination. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder works with electric motors and an eight-speed automatic to produce 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive standard. Volvo estimates 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.EPA figures are 35 miles of electric-only range, 63 MPGe combined when electricity is factored in, and 28 mpg combined when operating on gasoline. When you fill it up with both gas and juice, you'll go over 400 miles, and that's a wonderful thing.2026 Volvo XC60InteriorInside, the XC60 is calm and stylish. The Ultra gets a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio and a tailored dashboard and the cabin offers supportive seating and useful room for five adults. Rear legroom is 38 inches, and maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 63.3 cubic feet. I fit a full-sized bicycle back there with zero coaxing - just threw it in and pulled it out at will.2026 Volvo XC60The DriveIt's nothing but fun, even in traffic because you don't have to touch the brake pedal - the car will simply slow if you back off the accelerator. Acceleration is immediate, smooth and much stronger than the calm exterior suggests. Put your foot down and the XC60 fires off into the sunset. The chassis is composed even at high speeds, the steering is predictable and the whole package feels far more playful than the traditional Volvo stereotype would suggest.Room for improvementThere were chronic issues between the phone/audio system and my phone, and they never stopped. I would connect and see the Volvo icon on my phone and my phone listed in the car's system, but wouldn't hear a sound. Then I would switch to the radio and hear nothing there, either. I would reboot the system, and it would work. This was daily.It was especially challenging when going to several places, as the system would often disconnect after each shutoff. It was reboot, reboot, reboot.Volvo says its new Snapdragon processor makes the system more than twice as fast as before, with graphics processing up to 10 times quicker, but this was the worst Bluetooth system I've had this year.The sound? Outstanding. Punchy bass, crispy treble, good job, Volvo.Conclusion: none of those issues changes the best part of the XC60 T8: the powertrain. Mechanically, this is a quick, polished and remarkably entertaining luxury SUV. Fix the phone connectivity, and the biggest annoyance in an otherwise excellent week would disappear.2026 Volvo XC60