2028 Volvo XC60 and XC90: Big News for Volvo’s Two Best-Selling SUVs, Explained

School runs, daily commutes and weekend drives: that is the mileage Volvo has in mind for its 2028 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids. Both SUVs gain a long-range plug-in hybrid variant, and the XC60 gets a full design update on top.

This guide sorts out what changed, what carries on, and which of the two suits which Ontario household.

What Changed for 2028

The headline is electric range. The XC60 long-range plug-in hybrid delivers up to 126 km on a charge, and the XC90 delivers up to 117 km. That is more than two and a half times the range of the existing plug-in hybrid variants.

Two hardware changes make it happen: a new, larger-capacity battery integrated into the floor, and a more powerful electric motor. The petrol engine can take over when needed, so a longer trip does not depend on a charger.

The XC60 also gets a comprehensive refresh. Outside, the grille, front bumper, hood, front wings and wheels are new. The Thor’s Hammer Matrix LED headlights have a refined light signature, and the tailgate, rear LED lamps and rear bumper lean harder on horizontal lines for a wider, more settled stance.

Inside, the XC60 has a new dashboard and door panel design, wood decor and Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather. Upgraded interior illumination sets the mood after dark. An 11.2-inch screen runs Volvo Car UX, the latest infotainment system.

The XC60’s active safety suite is also updated, and three items are standard:

• Automatic emergency steering, to steer around a hazard
• Automatic emergency braking, to brake instantly
• An alert to occupants of an approaching cyclist before a door is opened

An upgraded sensing set of radars, cameras and other sensors also supports lane change assist and a 360 camera with 3D view.

For the XC90, the news is under the floor. Its seven-seat layout and the long-range plug-in hybrid powertrain are the story, and the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is an option rather than standard equipment.

What Stays the Same

Neither SUV forces a plug-in. Both the XC60 and XC90 remain available as mild hybrids, so the new long-range variants are an addition to the lineup, not a replacement for it.

The roles stay put as well. The XC60 is the mid-size choice, and Volvo’s best-selling model of all time. The XC90 is the large SUV with seven seats, and it marked the start of Volvo’s premium journey.

Ownership works the same way too. The new XC60 and XC90 receive regular over-the-air updates, so the car keeps improving after it leaves the showroom. Order books for both, including the Black Edition, are open in selected markets, with production starting later this autumn.

What the Changes Mean for Your Household

An electric range of 117 km to 126 km changes how a plug-in hybrid gets used. Many daily routines fit inside that distance, and Volvo’s own experience with its plug-in hybrids shows owners already drive them without combustion power for around half of their driving time. A bigger battery stretches that share further, with the petrol engine in reserve.

The nine-kilometre gap between the two ranges is small. The choice between these SUVs is about space and features, not electric distance.

If your household is a couple or a small family and you like a mid-size footprint, the XC60 is the right fit. It carries the full design and cabin update, the 11.2-inch Volvo Car UX screen, and automatic emergency steering, automatic emergency braking and the cyclist door alert as standard. For you, the XC60’s refreshed cabin and safety package are the deciding factors.

If you regularly carry more than a few passengers, the XC90 is the right fit. Its seven seats and large-SUV layout change the equation, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system suits owners who want to upgrade the cabin’s audio.

If you would rather not plug in at all, the mild-hybrid versions of both models stay on the table.

Choosing Your 2028 Volvo XC60 or XC90

The 2028 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids pair a larger floor-integrated battery with a more powerful electric motor and a petrol engine in reserve. The XC60 adds a full exterior and interior refresh with standard emergency steering and braking, while the XC90 keeps its seven-seat layout.

Visit Volvo Cars Toronto in Toronto to explore the 2028 XC60 and XC90 lineup. Talk through ordering, financing and which powertrain suits your daily routine.