2020 Volvo XC60 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Trying to find something that you can really customize? Then you need to pause and learn all about the 2020 Volvo XC60. It has four trim levels that can each be equipped with three different engines, one of which just so happens to be a plug-in hybrid.

For quite a few years now, the XC60 has been a top contender in its segment. It exudes luxury without compromising on power. All in all, this SUV is incredibly well-rounded. And, with this year's addition of the Polestar Engineered variant, you cannot get much better than this. Critics have been testing this new trim level and are raving about its power, braking capabilities, spunky drive, and exquisite interior design. Of course, it is the line-topping trim and makes for one heck of a jump in terms of cost.

Before we kickstart the trim level comparison, you need to familiarize yourself with the different engines. The T5 is a turbo-charged 2.0-L 4-cylinder that generates 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 is the turbo- and super-charged version, which gets 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Then there is the T8 eAWD Plug-In Hybrid, and this one gets the T6's engine in addition to the battery back and an electric motor. Together, these make for 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the new Polestar Engineered is given a higher-output version of the T8, which gives the vehicle 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque. You can choose to equip this one or stick with the original T8 eAWD engine.

With all of that being said, it is time to delve into the nitty-gritty details of what each of the 2020 Volvo XC60's trim levels has to offer. This comparison review will show you how they differ from one another and give a verdict at the end on which trim level will best suit most drivers. There is indeed one configuration that stands out above all the rest.

Compare the 2020 Volvo XC60 Inscription vs Momentum Trims. What is the difference?

Let us start off by comparing the base trim, the Inscription, against the Momentum. While the Inscription can come as AWD, it also has the option for front-wheel drive, so you can take your pick. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of inclement weather, go for the AWD. If not, the front-wheel drive version should work just fine.

The Inscription is, of course, equipped with the T5, T6, or T8 engines. As is the case for the T5 models, it gets a combined 24 mpg with 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This five-seater has 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space available, which is about average for this class.

The list of standard safety features is fairly comprehensive, as you should expect to find in a new luxury vehicle. These features include the City Safety forward collision mitigation system, electronic stability and traction control, occupant sensing airbags, daytime running lights, power door locks, brake assist, a panic alarm, an engine immobilizer, a tracking system, and a grand total of seven airbags.

The Inscription comes with all of the safety features you need to keep you and your occupants secure. There is remote keyless entry, electronic stability and traction control, anti-whiplash head restraints, a security system, panic alarm, and perimeter lighting. A tire pressure monitoring system comes standard, as do front and rear park assist, oil pressure warning, a rear view camera, a blind spot monitoring system, lane departure, and rear cross-traffic alert on the rear collision system.

The Inscription does have quite a few infotainment features, such as smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an LCD monitor, Sensus Connect internet access, and speed sensitive volume control. A 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system is available as an upgrade.

On the outside, the Momentum receives a shiny chrome grille on the front fascia, body-colored door handles and front and rear bumpers, a power liftgate, and power side mirrors. Options are available for adding on power heated and power folding side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, a trailer hitch, and auto-dimming side mirrors. You can also opt for a sheen metallic paint color of your choice on the body.

You can expect to find a lot of convenience features on the interior. A power sunshade, keyless drive, remote keyless entry, dual illuminated vanity mirrors on the front visors, one-touch up/down windows, a panoramic sunroof, two USB ports, three 12-volt power outlets, distance pacing cruise control, and remote engine start all come standard on the XC60 T5 MOmentum. The Home Link garage door opener also comes equipped, as do Volvo On-Call, cruise control buttons mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access, illuminated entry, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

The sport seats can hold up to five occupants, and the front seats are power-adjustable eight ways and have memory settings. The seatbacks on them are heated. In the rear, you will find bench seats that are 40/20/40 split-folding. The door panels are clad in leatherette, and the aluminum steering wheel is also wrapped in leather.

An array of infotainment features also get added to the mix. The Momentum gets speed sensitive volume, SiriusXM Satellite Radio connectivity, wireless smartphone app integration, a 10-speaker sound system, voice activation for the controls, AM/FM radio, and a touchscreen display. There is the option of upgrading to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. If you want a head-up display, you can get one as an add-on feature. Rear Park Assist and a front camera are also left as optional features, but lane departure and several other driver aids do come as standard equipment.

Compare the 2020 Volvo XC60 Momentum vs R-Design Trims.  What is the difference?

The R-Design ups the ante on the vehicle's design and features. This trim level rides atop 19-inch wheels and leaves the option open for equipping huge 21-inch wheels. The shocks are automatically height-adjusting, and front and rear spoilers are standard. There are auto-dimming side mirrors that are power-adjustable and heated, and they come with integrated turn signals. It has a chrome exhaust tip to match the chrome grille on the front fascia.

The interior gets some nice upgrades as well. A Sensus navigation system gets built into the vehicle, and you can use the voice recognition function for accessing and changing the controls. The power lift-gate is hands-free, and a valet function comes equipped. The dashboard gets swashed in leather, and the front seats become 10-way power-adjustable with excellent thigh support built in. The seats get upgraded to simulated suede/leather, and the front seats are power-reclining for extra comfort.

The 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system gets standardized on this trim level, and the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is optional. There is a standard 9-inch Sensus touchscreen display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, an advanced voice control system, and Spotify integration. There is also a 360-degree surround view camera system, Park Pilot Assist, and Pilot Assist.

Compare the 2020 Volvo XC60 R-Design vs Polestar Engineered.  What is the difference?

The new Polestar Engineered trim level is an exciting addition to the 2020 Volvo XC60's line-up. This line-topping trim costs quite a bit more than the other trims, as it has a starting MSRP of just under $70,000. You can only get it with one of the two T8 eAWD Plug-In Hybrid models, meaning you cannot get a gasoline-only engine equipped. It receives manually adjustable Ohlins coil-over dampers that can be adjusted from the exterior of the vehicle.

The vehicle rides atop large 21-inch forged-aluminum wheels (or spend an extra $800 for the 22-inch wheels that remain optional). Sticky summer performance tires come standard, and there is super cool blacked-out body trim. The Akebono brakes get sized up in the front to 14.6-inch rotors with six-piston calipers. You will also find gold embellishments on the calipers and elsewhere inside of the vehicle. The Nappa leather and open grid textile upholstery is particularly upscale and chic in its appearance. The metal mesh aluminum panel decor on the dash adds to this level of luxury, and the finishing touches along the dash enhance the sporty nature of this trim. This design sets it apart from the lower trim levels, which pale in comparison when it comes to sportiness.

As you can probably predict, all of the typical standard features get included on the Polestar Engineered, including the blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system does come standard on this trim level, but you should not expect to find a ton of infotainment upgrades here. The Polestar Engineered focuses mostly on the upgraded, stiffer suspension, Brembo brakes, and interior design.

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has a lot of great choices and is so easy to customize that it should appeal to a large variety of consumers. While each trim level and engine option have some benefits, there are a few that really stand out above the others.

Our main pick for the best overall trim level is the 2020 Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription. This trim level gives you just about everything that you could want, including plenty of power from the sturdy T6 engine. It also remains fairly affordable before you tack on the extra stand-alone features and package options. But there is not a whole lot of need for those on this particular configuration.

Of course, if you prefer something super sporty, the new Polestar Engineered trim level is absolutely awesome. Getting it with the tweaked T8 eAWD Plug-In Hybrid powertrain will cost you a pretty penny, but if you have the room for this vehicle in your budget, it is definitely a fun one to drive around. Finding a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV that is exciting to drive is not exactly easy, and this new trim level is certainly able to stand up to all of this segment's top competitors. It is already impressing the hard-to-impress car gurus who have test driven the Polestar Engineered trim.

The T5 engine is not a terrible engine to have under your hood, but it simply is not as spunky as the T6 or the T8. The T6 is the way to go if you do not mind having a gasoline-only engine. It provides you with a nice balance of power, handling, steering, and affordability. Combined with the Inscription trim level, it gives you the best possible deal for the line-up.

Do not be afraid to play around with the different configurations while you browse around. The XC60 gives you a lot of options. Depending on your budget, you might find that one works better for you than the rest.