Heraldo de Madrid - Owner Review: 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Exceeds Expectations for Calgary Driver

Jim Suggett, a Calgary resident, initially sought to replace his aging 2011 Acura MDX with a Toyota RAV4 Prime. His interest in the Toyota was driven by its status as one of the few midsize SUVs available at the time offering a pure electric driving range of approximately 60 kilometers. He also evaluated Volvo’s XC60 Recharge and BMW’s X3 xDrive30e, but rejected both because they offered only half the electric-only range he required.

Suggett remained on the Toyota waiting list for a year before being informed that delivery might take another year. He subsequently returned to evaluate the Volvo XC60 Recharge in early 2023, after learning that Volvo had increased its battery capacity from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, effectively doubling the electric-only range.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge is part of the second generation of the model, which was introduced in Canada as a 2010 vehicle. The first generation ran until 2017, when the current iteration launched with an inline six-cylinder engine option and later a plug-in hybrid variant branded as the Recharge. The 2023 model represents a refresh of this second generation, with further updates planned for 2026 and a significant battery upgrade to 41 kWh expected in the 2027 refresh.

Suggett, originally from Winnipeg, has lived in Calgary since 1989. His automotive history includes a 1972 Chevelle Malibu, a 1991 Toyota MR2 sports car that he still owns, an early-generation Mazda MPV minivan which he regretted for its driving dynamics, and a 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo sedan. Following the birth of his second child, the family used a 1997 Ford Explorer before purchasing a new 2003 Acura MDX, which was replaced in 2011 by another MDX.

Suggett cited the Acura’s performance, interior space, and suitability for highway travel to Winnipeg and mountain drives to their condo in Invermere as key reasons for his satisfaction with the brand. However, after receiving his deposit back from Toyota, he worked with a sales representative at Valentine Volvo before visiting Volvo Cars Royal Oak in September 2023.

At Volvo Cars Royal Oak, Suggett was offered a 2023 XC60 Recharge that had served as a service loaner since March of that year. The vehicle had 3,000 kilometers on the odometer. Suggett negotiated a price reduction due to its prior use and closed the deal by trading in his Acura and extending the warranty from four to six years.

The specific model purchased was the Plus ‘Dark Theme’ variant, finished in Platinum Gray Metallic with a Blond leather interior. The total cost after trade-in and taxes was just under $80,000. Suggett drove the vehicle home in September 2023.

He described the XC60 Recharge as a "sleeper vehicle," noting its all-wheel-drive system allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in approximately four-and-a-half seconds. He contrasted this with the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which has 300 combined horsepower, whereas the Volvo XC60 Recharge produces 455 combined horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (312 horsepower) and electric motor (143 horsepower). Suggett noted that the battery maintains a reserve of electricity, ensuring power remains available for passing even after long mountain drives.

Suggett appreciated the vehicle’s understated styling, including Volvo’s signature Thor’s hammer headlights, sculpted rear with vertical taillight stacks, and 20-inch wheels. He referenced reviews suggesting that 22-inch wheels could result in a harsher ride, a factor he considered when selecting his model.

Inside, Suggett described the design as reflecting a "Swedish sensibility" that is understated yet elegant. He highlighted the supportive, heated, power-adjustable front seats and the bright, inviting appearance of the light-colored interior. He noted that it took time to adjust to the twist-knob ignition and the unique electronic gearshift lever for the eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle lacks analog buttons, relying instead on a vertical nine-inch touchscreen for climate controls and other systems. A horizontal screen behind the steering wheel displays the digital instrument cluster, including a power versus charge gauge, speedometer, and fuel/battery range indicators, with Google Maps displayed centrally.

Suggett’s wife, Cathy, remarked that the vehicle feels like driving a computer due to the lack of analog controls. Suggett charges the vehicle at home using a standard 120-volt outlet, which takes eight to 12 hours for a full charge. He reported that the 55 to 60-kilometer electric-only range is sufficient for their daily driving in Calgary without using gasoline.

He also utilized One Pedal Drive mode, which allows acceleration, deceleration, and stopping via the accelerator pedal. This regenerative braking feature helped him regain four or five kilometers of electric range when descending long grades. On the prairies, the vehicle achieved approximately 900 kilometers on a single tank of gas. Suggett acknowledged some body roll when taking curves but found it acceptable, noting that an available adaptive suspension system in higher-level models could tighten dynamics.

Regarding utility, Suggett and his wife frequently travel with rear seats folded forward to accommodate golf clubs and suitcases. He noted the XC60 is roughly four inches narrower across the rear than his previous Acura but stated that leg and headroom remain adequate for passengers when seats are upright.

Suggett initially experienced glitchiness in the infotainment system, a issue he noted was not unique to his model. He reported that several software updates had resolved most of these problems.

Looking ahead, Suggett identified two risks associated with plug-in hybrid technology given his habit of keeping vehicles for 10 to 12 years: the longevity of the battery pack and the potential for Google-based operating system features to become subscription-based. He observed that the industry is moving toward software subscriptions, which could affect current free features.

After three years and just over 52,000 kilometers, Suggett stated the XC60 Recharge has exceeded his expectations. He actively promotes the vehicle to friends, describing it as suitable for both city and highway driving.

Other owner experiences vary. A purchaser in Folsom, California, gave their 2023 XC60 Recharge a four-star rating on Cars.com, citing its quiet operation in electric mode and low fuel costs. They reported spending only $35 on premium gas after a month of driving a vehicle with 35,000 miles, noting that nightly charging added approximately $12 to their monthly utility bill.

In contrast, an owner in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, provided a one-star rating for their January 2023 purchase. They described the vehicle as a "relentless source of frustration," citing persistent issues including a check engine light that appeared within two weeks and required a shop visit, with the problem resurfacing in July 2023 and sidelining the car for a week.

H.Santana--HdM