Volvo XC60 engines

The Volvo XC60 has become one of the most successful premium SUVs since its launch in 2008, offering a diverse Volvo XC60 engine range across two generations. Each generation has brought new technologies and different strengths and weaknesses, with technological evolution ranging from classic naturally aspirated engines to modern hybrid powertrains.

Volvo XC60 engines: Generation I (2008-2017)

The first Volvo XC60 generation established itself as a robust premium SUV with a wide range of engines characterized by exceptional durability. Most Volvo XC60 engines of this generation easily reached 350,000 to 450,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with the diesel variants standing out in particular. Major repairs were typically only required after 200,000 to 250,000 kilometers, mainly due to wearing parts such as turbochargers or fuel injectors. The absolute top engine of this generation was the D5 with 215 hp - a five-cylinder diesel that optimally combined power, reliability and the characteristic Volvo sound. The first generation was characterized by proven Volvo virtues such as safety and robustness, but still lagged behind the German competition in terms of technology.

Volvo XC60 petrol engines: Generation I (2008-2017)

The Volvo XC60 petrol engine range comprised various engine variants from the T5 to the T6. The T5 was available as a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with 180 kW (245 hp), later joined by 2.5-liter five-cylinder variants with 200 kW (272 hp). The most powerful Volvo XC60 petrol engine was the T6 with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo and 210 kW (286 hp). These Volvo XC60 engines proved to be surprisingly reliable, but suffered from typical problems such as turbocharger wear at high mileages and occasional fuel pump problems. The T5 became the most popular gasoline engine of this generation as it offered a good balance between performance and reliability.

Volvo XC60 diesel engines: Generation I (2008-2017)

The Volvo XC60 diesels were dominated by the legendary D5 engine, a 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel with various power levels from 163 hp to 215 hp. There was also the smaller D3 with 2.0 liters and 150 hp and the D4 with 190 hp. The Volvo XC60 D5 with 215 hp developed into the most reliable and characterful engine of the entire generation - the typical five-cylinder sound and outstanding pulling power made it a true Volvo classic. These Volvo XC60 diesel engines were renowned for their longevity, with only the fuel injectors requiring maintenance after around 200,000 kilometers.

Volvo XC60 engines: Generation II (2017-today)

The second generation Volvo XC60 marked a revolutionary leap in technology with the new SPA platform and completely redesigned engines. All Volvo XC60 engines are now based on modular four- and three-cylinder units with turbocharging and supercharging. Reliability continues to reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers, although the hybrid variants do not yet have any long-term experience. Typical maintenance intervals are 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers for larger components such as turbochargers or high-pressure pumps. The absolute highlight is the T8 Twin Engine with 407 hp system output - a plug-in hybrid that perfectly combines efficiency and performance. This generation positioned Volvo technologically on a par with BMW and Mercedes, with a particular focus on electrification and environmental friendliness.

Volvo XC60 gasoline engines: Generation II (2017-today)

The Volvo XC60 petrol engine range is based entirely on the new Drive-E engine family. The T4 with 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo delivers 140 kW (190 hp), the T5 with the same displacement but optimized tuning 187 kW (254 hp). The most powerful pure gasoline engine is the T6 with 2.0-liter four-cylinder and both turbocharging and supercharging with 235 kW (320 hp). These Volvo XC60 engines prove to be significantly more efficient than their predecessors, but occasionally show problems with the complex turbocharging in the T6 and coking of the intake valves on short journeys. The T5 developed into the most balanced gasoline engine of this generation.

Volvo XC60 diesel engines: Generation II (2017-today)

The Volvo XC60 Diesel is offered exclusively as D4 and D5 with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The D4 delivers 140 kW (190 hp), the D5 173 kW (235 hp). Both Volvo XC60 diesels feature modern common-rail injection with up to 2,500 bar pressure and SCR catalytic converter. The Volvo XC60 D4 proved to be the most reliable engine of this generation, with a test fuel consumption of only 5.2-5.8 liters per 100 km and high long-term robustness. However, these engines are more susceptible to short trips than their predecessors and require regular highway driving to regenerate the particulate filter.

Volvo XC60 hybrid drives: Generation II (2017-today)

The Volvo XC60 Hybrid family comprises various electrification levels. The T6 Twin Engine combines a 2.0-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for 253 kW (344 hp) system output. At 300 kW (407 PS), the T8 Twin Engine offers the highest output and an electric range of up to 50 km. Mild hybrid variants (B4, B5, B6) with 48-volt technology have also been available since 2020. The Volvo XC60 T8 has developed into the technical flagship, but occasionally has problems with the complex electronics and battery management. The mild-hybrid systems prove to be much more reliable and offer a good balance between efficiency and complexity.

Conclusion: The best Volvo XC60 engines of all generations

The development of the Volvo XC60 engines clearly shows the change from classic, robust units to highly efficient, electrified drives. While the first generation impressed with its characterful five-cylinder engines and extreme durability, the second generation scores with state-of-the-art technology and high efficiency. The Volvo XC60 diesel engines remained the most reliable powertrains across both generations, while the petrol engines gained significantly in quality thanks to continuous further development.

• Best Volvo XC60 gasoline engine:

The T5 2.0T (254 hp, Generation II) combines modern Drive-E technology with excellent reliability and offers the best balance between performance and efficiency.

• Best Volvo XC60 diesel engine:

The D5 2.4 (215 hp, Generation I) remains the legendary Volvo classic with unrivaled five-cylinder sound and exceptional durability, closely followed by the modern D4 2.0 (190 hp, Generation II) for top efficiency.

• Best Volvo XC60 hybrid engine:

The B5 mild hybrid (250 hp, Generation II) offers the optimum combination of efficiency, reliability and moderate complexity without the drawbacks of plug-in hybrid systems.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Volvo XC60 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.