2026 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD: Complete Buyer's Guide for Ontario

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD offers a substantial refresh of Volvo's top-selling model, bringing together Scandinavian design with practical electrification. This midsize luxury SUV delivers 247 hp through its mild hybrid powertrain, offering Ontario drivers a balance of performance, efficiency, and versatility in a five-passenger package.

With its updated infotainment system, enhanced user experience, and comprehensive safety technologies, the refreshed XC60 B5 AWD continues Volvo's dedication to thoughtful engineering. This guide breaks down the specifications, features, and capabilities that define this electrified SUV for drivers across Ontario.

Powertrain and Performance

The XC60 B5 AWD features a mild hybrid system with 48-volt technology, delivering 247 hp through standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, providing confident passing power and highway merging capability.

The mild hybrid system enhances efficiency without requiring plug-in charging. It recovers energy during deceleration and assists the engine during acceleration, contributing to the XC60's fuel economy ratings of 10.0 L/100 km city, 7.8 L/100 km highway, and 9.0 L/100 km combined.

All-wheel drive comes standard, distributing power to all four wheels for improved traction on wet pavement, snowy roads, and loose surfaces common across Ontario's varied terrain.

Trim Options and Configurations

The 2026 XC60 lineup offers three distinct configurations:

B5 AWD Mild Hybrid

• 247 hp mild hybrid powertrain
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Five-passenger seating
• Updated infotainment system

T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid

• 455 hp combined output
• 58 km electric driving range
• 18.8 kWh battery capacity
• 4.8 seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration

Polestar Engineered

• Performance-focused T8 plug-in hybrid variant
• Enhanced chassis tuning
• Exclusive design elements
• Track-ready capabilities

The B5 AWD serves as the entry point to the XC60 range, offering mild hybrid efficiency without the need for charging infrastructure. The T8 plug-in hybrid provides electric-only driving capability for daily commutes, while the Polestar Engineered variant targets drivers seeking maximum performance.

Interior Space and Versatility

The XC60 accommodates five passengers across two rows, with seating designed around Volvo's Scandinavian design principles. The cabin emphasizes clean lines, quality materials, and straightforward controls that reduce driver distraction.

The refreshed model introduces a faster and more responsive infotainment system, addressing user experience feedback from previous model years. These updates improve system responsiveness and simplify common functions like navigation, climate control, and media selection.

Cargo capacity supports family trips, recreational equipment, and daily errands. The rear seats fold to expand storage space when needed, while the power tailgate provides hands-free access for loading and unloading.

Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

The 2026 XC60 incorporates active and passive safety technologies throughout the vehicle. Volvo's approach to safety pairs collision avoidance systems with structural protection, creating multiple layers of occupant protection.

Advanced driver assistance technologies monitor the road environment, providing warnings and interventions when potential hazards are detected. These systems operate under certain conditions and require driver attention at all times.

Standard safety features include:

• Collision avoidance systems
• Lane departure warning and intervention
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

The comprehensive safety suite reflects Volvo's longstanding dedication to occupant protection and accident prevention, building on decades of research into real-world collision scenarios.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Range

The B5 AWD mild hybrid achieves 9.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy, balancing the power requirements of all-wheel drive with the efficiency gains of 48-volt electrification. City driving returns 10.0 L/100 km, while highway cruising improves to 7.8 L/100 km.

These ratings reflect EnerGuide testing standards, providing comparable figures across the Canadian market. Real-world consumption varies based on driving style, weather conditions, and terrain.

For drivers seeking lower fuel consumption, the T8 plug-in hybrid offers 8.5 L/100 km combined when operating in hybrid mode, or 3.5 Le/100 km combined equivalent when using electric power. The 58 km electric range covers many daily commutes without using gasoline.

Design Updates and Exterior Styling

The substantial refresh for the upcoming model year brings updated exterior design elements that modernize the XC60's appearance while maintaining its recognizable profile. These changes enhance aerodynamics and visual presence without departing from Volvo's design language.

The exterior updates complement the interior improvements, creating a cohesive refresh that addresses both aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. The changes reflect feedback from current XC60 owners and competitive developments in the midsize luxury SUV segment.

Standard all-wheel drive requires specific ground clearance and approach angles to maintain capability on varied terrain. The XC60's proportions balance aerodynamic efficiency with the clearance needed for winter driving conditions across Ontario.

Technology and Connectivity

The faster and more responsive infotainment system offers a key improvement for the 2026 model year. System responsiveness affects daily usability, from adjusting climate settings to entering navigation destinations.

The user experience updates simplify common tasks and reduce the number of steps required to access frequently used functions. These changes respond directly to feedback about previous system performance and menu complexity.

Connectivity features integrate smartphones and digital services, allowing drivers to access music streaming, navigation updates, and vehicle status information through their preferred devices.

Comparing B5 AWD to T8 Plug-in Hybrid

The B5 AWD suits drivers who prefer conventional refuelling without charging infrastructure requirements. The mild hybrid system operates transparently, requiring no changes to driving habits or fuelling routines.

The T8 plug-in hybrid appeals to drivers with access to charging at home or work, offering electric-only driving for daily commutes while maintaining gasoline range for longer trips. The additional power and performance come with higher initial cost and the need for regular charging to maximize efficiency benefits.

Who Should Choose the XC60 B5 AWD

The B5 AWD configuration fits drivers seeking Volvo's safety reputation and Scandinavian design without plug-in hybrid complexity. It serves families needing five-passenger capacity, professionals wanting a refined daily driver, and anyone prioritizing build quality and comprehensive safety features.

This model works well for drivers who:

• Cover varied distances that exceed typical plug-in hybrid electric range
• Lack convenient access to charging infrastructure
• Prefer conventional refuelling routines
• Want all-wheel drive capability for Ontario weather conditions
• Value updated technology and responsive infotainment systems

The mild hybrid system provides efficiency improvements over conventional powertrains while avoiding the charging requirements and higher costs associated with plug-in hybrid variants.

Experience the 2026 XC60 B5 AWD at Volvo Cars Toronto

The refreshed 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD brings meaningful updates to Volvo's top-selling model, pairing mild hybrid efficiency with comprehensive safety features and updated technology. The 247 hp powertrain, standard all-wheel drive, and five-passenger versatility create a practical package for Ontario drivers.

Our sales team at Volvo Cars Toronto can provide detailed information about available configurations, demonstrate the updated infotainment system, and arrange test drives to experience the XC60's capabilities.