Safe as houses. When we think of Swedish auto manufacturer Volvo, safety is usually the first thought that comes to mind. Which is appropriate, as the company has focused on its ability to produce safe cars and SUVs for the American and world markets.

But what if we talked tech, performance and discussed beauty as well? The 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra T8 AWD plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has all of those qualities and yes, its emphasis is on safety. The XC60, in a variety of guises, has been on the market since 2008 and is now Volvo’s best-selling vehicle, outdoing the much-loved 240 model. As with many European-based automotive manufacturers, Volvo is marching towards full electrification, but in the meantime, offers the XC60 with plug-in hybrid capabilities. It’s a great compromise and one that has exceptional performance to go with its ecological and economic benefits.

We had the opportunity to drive the 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra T8 AWD PHEV to Las Vegas this fall, taking in NHRA’s penultimate race of the year, which is held on Halloween weekend. As you might expect, there’s very little about this Volvo that says scary, or at least Halloween scary. It’s a proficient, handsome, tech-savvy machine, with sufficient personality to move away from the crowd and make itself known for its capabilities.

Dressed in a new, Forest Lake hue for 2026 and matched to blond perforated Nappa leather inside, the XC60 exudes competence from start to finish. The mechanicals include a 2-liter inline, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that, with battery power added, produces a total of 455 horsepower. Volvo claims 312 horsepower from the gasoline engine (with 295 lb-ft of torque) and another 143 horsepower from the rear-mounted battery/motor combination, all produced by Volvo partner Polestar. Transmission is an eight-speed CVT automatic with direct drive. It all works harmoniously.

Control wishbone arms and multiple links provide compliant front and rear suspensions with a tendency towards sport. Rack and pinion electric power steering is precise to the touch – we can change the feel from soft to firm (I prefer the latter) – and regenerative brakes keep the emphasis on safety and practicality. This Volvo will tow 3,500 pounds behind it and, even though it weighs 4,614 pounds as equipped, this entire package feels lighter and more lithe than anyone would expect from a compact SUV that’s built to function as a safety cell both on the road and off.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra received some visual upgrades for this year, including a new front fascia. XC60’s fall-away front end is graced by the small, grille opening and lower aerodynamic openings. Front lights are bisected by a solid line that leads the eye upwards. The XC60’s plug-in is forward of the driver’s door while the fuel filler is right-rear. We especially liked the wheel-tire combination with Pirelli 255/40R rubber mounted on diamond cut black and polished 21-inch alloy wheels. They add even more elegance to the exterior look of this compact SUV.

Inside is all harmony. The front seats are bisected by the large, vertical screen that’s been part of Volvo’s identity on several models. The XC60, with nearly 3 million varieties on the road worldwide, is a calm place to reside when you’re making a road trip – and economic as well. One of several screens allows the driver to change steering settings and also to charge the vehicle over the road. After stopping for fuel in Victorville, we were able to acquire 30 miles of charge traveling to Las Vegas, a trip that includes long uphill segments. This 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra T8 AWD PHEV is rated at 63 MPGe and 28 mpg on gasoline. We used regular fuel and drove judiciously in order to keep the mileage up and were rewarded both directions and around Sin City with mileage in the mid-30s range.

While there is a central charging pad for our phones at the base of the central stack, it’s still necessary to use a USB-C cord to effect the charge. Phones will remain in place, no matter the hard turns, which is good. Integration of the phone and access to Apple CarPlay was easy. The crystal shifter is a reminder to be gentle with controls in order to drive both smooth and fast. The seats on this car, in the lighter than light color, didn’t attract much dirt, even at this drag race! The seats are firm and offer a leg extension for those that need it. There are two memory settings for the driver’s seat and the front passenger has power settings as well as the driver.

Looking around the cabin, we discovered rear passengers have air flow in the B pillar at the doors and USB-C plugs at center, along with seat heaters for those relegated to the back. There is a rear pass-through to the hatch. This XC6- T8 AWD PHEV’s hatch is power operated and it’s pretty easy to stop the upward swing and then bring the hatch door down. Otherwise it can be a tough reach if one lets it go to full height. The hatch is beautifully finished and offers the ability to raise and lower suspension through buttons to the side. On the left side of the hatch is a cubby with net and a 12-volt plug.There is a release for the hatch and fuel filler on the lower left of the dash. The steering wheel has cruise control on the left and trip info/voice on the right. The closable center storage has a 12-volt plug and is carpeted. It also has a pair of USB-C plugs.

If readers are getting the idea that this is a great vehicle for a road trip, they’re absolutely right. No matter the weather, the 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra T8 AWD plug-in hybrid is up to the task. And spending time with this SUV, this driver realized why the nosebleed pricing offers value: with a starting retail price of $72,245 including destination fees, this is not cheap. There were features not offered on other models that make up the Ultra package at no extra fee: Harman Kardon premium sound, interior high-level illumination (but interior lighting isn’t automatic), 20-inch diamond cut alloys, the tailored dashboard, Volvo’’s Crystal Geartronic gearshift, air purifier, laminated glass and side-door windows, Homelink, passenger power seat with memory, 4-way power lumbar support for both front seats, graphical head-up display, power cushion extension for both ventilated front seats and Pilot Assist.

The extra charge items on this vehicle were a climate package, those handsome 21-inch alloy rims, active air suspension, Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with 14 speakers and front seat massage, the latter perfect for our return trip. The final cost of this car is $79,395. Yes, it’s expensive, but there’s value in the 35-mile range for the electric plug-in motor/battery combo, the feeling of competency behind the wheel, the materials, fit and finish that are way above the pale, and the road feel one can get from this Volvo with settings that fit the driver – and there are a sufficient number of settings to please even the most demanding.

It’s easy to get picky about an expensive car one is driving for a single week, taking care to park it far from obviously difficult situations and to drive it with care. After nearly 1,000 miles and lacking abuse, it went back to Volvo’s barn. But not without feelings of desire to own Volvo’s most popular vehicle ever. If it were within reach of our pay grade, we’d definitely look at this Volvo. We like its size, its performance and its quiet, luxurious comfort. As fans of hybridization, this is a great, modern example of technical excellence for driving’s sake.

words and photos by Anne Proffit