Volvo just unveiled long-range plug-in hybrid versions of its two bestselling SUVS, the XC60 and XC90, and they boast the longest electric-only range of any PHEV on the U.S. market.
Plug-in hybrids have always worked as a kind of bridge to electrification. You plug in for a stretch of electric-only driving, then lean on the gas engine when you need to go farther. Most PHEVs on the market today land somewhere in the 20- to 40-mile range on electricity alone, which is plenty for errands around town, but not much more. Volvo has now nearly doubled that. The refreshed XC60 and XC90 now offer electric-only ranges topping 70 miles, giving owners a lot more room to go all-electric before the gas engine ever needs to kick in.
This range jump comes from a new, larger-capacity battery and a more powerful electric motor. The XC60's electric range grows from 35 miles to 78 miles, and the XC90's jumps from 32 miles to 73 miles. That's more than double for both. Volvo says that's enough for multiple days of electric-only driving, covering everything from school runs to daily commutes to weekend trips.
Both models are still available as mild hybrids, too. Between the mild hybrids, the new long-range PHEVs, and the all-electric EX60, Volvo says there's now a path to electrification for pretty much any kind of driver.
The choice between a mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV increasingly comes down to how far you drive and where you can charge, so see how each type of electrified vehicle fits a different driving routine ➜
For buyers ready to skip the gasoline engine entirely, see what Volvo’s new EX60 brings to the same midsize luxury SUV space ➜
Along with the range boost, the XC60 gets an updated front bumper, hood, front wings, grille, and wheels, along with adjustments to Volvo's signature Thor's Hammer LED headlights. Out back, the tailgate, LED headlamps, and bumper have also been updated. Inside, you'll find a new dashboard and door panel design, wood decor, and Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather.
The XC60 also gets updates to its radars, cameras, and other sensors to support more advanced driver-assistance features. New active safety tech allows the car to steer around danger with automatic emergency steering, brake instantly with automatic emergency braking, and alert occupants to an approaching cyclist before they open a door.
The 11.2-inch infotainment screen now runs Volvo Cars UX, the automaker's latest infotainment system. It's now paired with Google Gemini, an AI assistant that can help drivers plan routes, find stops, and manage messages.
The XC90 gets the same long-range battery and motor upgrade, plus the option of a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system and standard Google Gemini. Both SUVs will also receive regular over-the-air updates, so they should keep getting better long after purchase.
The new XC60 and XC90 go into production this fall, with customer deliveries expected to start in early 2027. Volvo hasn't announced pricing yet.
Volvo has also been expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint as hybrids become a larger part of its North American strategy, so see how the company is balancing local hybrid and EV production ➜
For shoppers who aren't quite ready to go full-EV but want more electric-only miles and a significant cut to their fuel costs, these two Volvos are worth watching.
2026 Volvo XC60 T8: Plug-In Peace
See what today’s 35-mile XC60 PHEV is like before Volvo more than doubles its targeted electric range for 2028.
Read More ➜
2026 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV Review
Our current XC90 T8 review provides a useful baseline for the three-row Volvo before its battery-only range jumps from 32 to a targeted 73 miles.
Read More ➜
Volvo’s New EV Strategy
Volvo’s longer-range PHEVs make more sense in the context of a broader strategy that now keeps hybrids alongside its growing electric lineup.
Read More ➜
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