Volvo Cars Plymouth | Plymouth, MAUsed Buying GuideVolvo XC60

Used Volvo XC60 Buying Guide

Before buying a used Volvo XC60, verify five things: open recalls by VIN, a consistent service history, the original in-service date for remaining warranty, the condition of tires, brakes, and the 12-volt battery, and which generation, powertrain, and infotainment system the vehicle has. This guide explains each one and how XC60 model years differ.

  • Model-year changes from 2018 to today
  • T5, T6, T8, B5, and B6 powertrains explained
  • A pre-purchase checklist you can bring to the lot

What should I verify before buying a used Volvo XC60?

Start with the VIN. Use it to check for open recalls, pull the vehicle history report, and confirm the original in-service date. Then inspect the wear items and test every system, including the infotainment screen and, on plug-in hybrids, the charging hardware.

Most used XC60s on the market today are second-generation models, built from the 2018 model year onward. Within that generation, the biggest differences are the powertrain (T5, T6, T8, B5, or B6), the infotainment system, and the trim naming.

Quick tip: The badge on the tailgate tells you a lot. "T" badges (T5, T6) are earlier turbocharged engines, "B" badges (B5, B6) are mild hybrids, and "T8" is the plug-in hybrid.

XC60 Model Years at a Glance

Use this timeline to understand what you are looking at on a used XC60 listing.

Model YearsGenerationKey Points for Shoppers
2010 to 2017First generationOlder design and technology. Engines include the 3.2-liter six-cylinder and turbocharged T5 and T6 variants.
2018 to 2021Second generationAll-new design on Volvo's SPA platform. T5 and T6 gas engines plus the T8 plug-in hybrid. Trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription.
2022Second generation, updatedB5 and B6 mild-hybrid engines replace the T5 and T6. Google-based infotainment arrives.
2023 to 2024Second generationTrim names change to Core, Plus, and Ultimate.
2025 to 2026Second generation, refreshedUltimate is renamed Ultra. The 2026 refresh brings an 11.2-inch center display and updated styling.

Infotainment and feature availability can vary within a model year. Confirm the system on the specific vehicle. For a detailed year-over-year breakdown of the newest models, see our 2026 vs. 2025 Volvo XC60 comparison.

XC60 Powertrains Explained

T5 and T6

Turbocharged Gas

Found on 2018 to 2021 second-generation models. The T6 adds a supercharger to the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for more power. Neither uses a hybrid system.

B5 and B6

Mild Hybrid

Introduced for 2022. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system assists the engine and smooths start/stop, but the car cannot drive on electricity alone and never needs to be plugged in. The 2026 B5 makes 247 hp.

T8

Plug-In Hybrid

Combines the gas engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. Output and electric range have increased over the years; the 2026 T8 makes 455 hp with an EPA-estimated 36 miles of electric range.

Not sure which powertrain fits your driving? Our T8 vs. B5 powertrain guide compares them in detail, and our current Volvo powertrains guide covers the latest lineup.

Used XC60 Inspection Checklist

ItemWhat to DoWhy It Matters
Safety recallsEnter the VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask for proof of completed recall work.Open recalls should be completed before you take delivery.
Service historyLook for regular service; Volvo recommends gas-powered models be serviced at least once a year.Gaps in maintenance can lead to costlier repairs later.
Warranty statusAsk for the original in-service date.Factory and certified coverage are calculated from specific start dates, not your purchase date.
12-volt batteryAsk for a battery test and watch for low-battery messages.The XC60 uses a 12-volt AGM battery; a weak one can cause warnings and hard starts.
Tires and brakesMeasure tread depth and check pad and rotor condition.Replacement soon after purchase adds cost; larger wheels often mean pricier tires.
ElectronicsTest the center screen, phone pairing, cameras, parking sensors, and power tailgate.Confirms the systems you will use daily are working.
T8 plug-in hybridConfirm the charging cable is included, test driving in electric mode, and check remaining high-voltage battery coverage.New Volvo plug-in hybrids carry an 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty; remaining coverage continues on Certified by Volvo vehicles.
Test driveDrive at highway speed, over bumps, and in stop-and-go traffic.Reveals noises, vibrations, or transmission concerns.

Low-battery warnings on a test drive? Learn what they mean in our Volvo dashboard warning lights guide.

Should You Buy a Certified by Volvo XC60?

Certification adds an inspection standard and factory-backed coverage that a typical used XC60 does not have.

According to Volvo, every Certified by Volvo vehicle must have fewer than 80,000 miles, pass a 170+ point inspection and road test, and include a CARFAX Vehicle History Report with Buyback Guarantee.

The certified limited warranty provides 12 months of unlimited-mileage coverage after the 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty expires, or 12 months from your certified purchase date, whichever is later. Coverage can be upgraded, and covered warranty visits carry no deductible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years of the Volvo XC60 are second generation?

The second-generation XC60 began with the 2018 model year and continues today. First-generation models were sold from the 2010 through 2017 model years.

What is the difference between the XC60 T5, T6, B5, and B6?

T5 and T6 are turbocharged gas engines used on 2018 to 2021 second-generation models, with the T6 adding a supercharger. B5 and B6 are mild-hybrid engines introduced for 2022, which use a 48-volt system to assist the engine. The T8 is the plug-in hybrid.

Which used XC60 years have Google built-in?

Google-based infotainment arrived with the 2022 model-year update. Earlier second-generation models use Volvo's Sensus system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Confirm the system on any specific vehicle.

How do I check a used XC60 for recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. The VIN is on the driver-side dashboard near the windshield and on the registration. Ask the seller to show proof that any open recalls were completed.

Is a Certified by Volvo XC60 worth it?

If you want added peace of mind, certification adds a 170+ point inspection, a vehicle history report with Buyback Guarantee, and a factory-backed limited warranty with no deductible on covered visits. Compare the price difference against the coverage you would receive.

Find Your Used XC60 in Plymouth

Our team can provide the vehicle history report, recall status, and in-service date for any XC60 we have, and set up a test drive. Trading in? Get an estimate first so you know where you stand.

Sources & References

Last verified: October 21, 2026

Certified by Volvo terms and service recommendations reflect Volvo Car USA program pages. Powertrain and model-year details reflect published specifications and industry sources.