2022 Volvo XC60 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

A Volvo can always be trusted for its quality and dependability. The XC60 is part of Volvo's mid-size SUV lineup. It has two rows of seats and a large cargo space in its rear. Passengers can expect a very comfortable ride, and the Volvo can be upgraded with premium features. Due to its versatility, the XC60 comes in handy in each and every situation.

This SUV has undergone many changes although it was released quite some time ago. The front bumper, wheels, and grille have undergone slight changes in appearance. To help drivers on the road, it now has a variety of driver-assist systems and cutting-edge technology.

Several high-tech parts have been modified for the 2022 model year. Monitoring systems, for instance, are more sensitive, and Volvo uses a Google Android-based user interface for the infotainment system rather than using the Sensus program. This type of software allows for some personalization, access to a voice-activated assistant, and navigation via Google Maps as standard.

Those who keep up with Volvo will notice that the XC60's powertrains have changed names for the 2022 model year. There are still the same trims, which are Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, but the terminologies used to describe the powertrains have changed.

Instead of using the T5 and T6 designations to indicate SUVs with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, Volvo is using the terms B5 and B6. This indicates a change in design, as the powertrains now have a 48-volt hybrid system contributing to their power delivery. It's a mild system that improves performance and efficiency.

If someone wants an alternative to the traditional vehicles, then the Recharge can be a good choice. It is a plug-in hybrid and is a much newer version of the XC60.

Compare the Momentum vs R-Design. What is the difference?

Before proceeding to a trim-by-trim comparison, the powertrain options must be addressed. The B5 powertrain uses a two-liter turbocharged engine that can be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain. Previously, having all-wheel drive was thought to be associated with having more power, but today, horsepower and torque remain the same whether the B5 has FWD or AWD. The B5 FWD and AWD have 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Thanks to a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the B6 powertrain is more responsive and way more powerful. It can make 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It's exclusively paired with an all-wheel drivetrain. With a B6 system, it takes just under six seconds to go from zero to 60 miles per hour. In comparison, the B5 powertrain can do the same in about six and a half seconds.

Whilst Volvo proffers the XC60 Momentum only in a B5 powertrain, the R-Design is available in either B5 or B6. 

The Momentum feels refined even though it lacks the potential of the R-Design. It has heated side mirrors that auto-fold and an exterior power sunshade for the panoramic moonroof. The bright aluminum trim surrounding the windows stands out, as does the chrome frame around the front grille. Numerous design options are available for its 18-inch wheels.

Like the other models, the Momentum has LED lights as well. The LED front fog lights can be of use in times of low visibility as well as when turning because they provide additional illumination. Furthermore, the door handles have a soft illumination that welcomes visitors at night.

A lot of premium features are present inside the Momentum’s cabin. The rearview mirror, when senses bright light, dims itself. There are aluminum Volvo tread plates. Both front seats are power-adjustable and the driver's seat has a memory system built into them.

This entry-level trim doesn't have everything that a buyer with refined tastes might be looking for, though. Unlike the higher trims, it doesn't have heated front seats, a HomeLink system, or ambient lighting. On the R-Design, there are all of those features, and more.

The seating upholstery of the R-Design is made up of Nappa leather, leatherette, and textile. Moving onto the Momentum, it has only premium textile upholstery. Further, while the Momentum has two-zone automatic climate control, the R-Design has automatic climate control with four different zones. The R-Design's rear armrest when not in use folds down from the center seatback, which is a great feature to have.

A customer that likes a sporty aesthetic on a car should really look into this trim. It has wheels that measure 19 inches and has numerous gloss black exterior accents. It comes with a  charcoal headliner, sport pedals, and a sport leather gear shifter which gives a bold appearance to the car.

The R-design prioritizes user comfort and convenience, and it's a next level experience. The seats are very supportive, and the front ones have four-way power-lumbar adjustment rather than two-way power-lumbar adjustment like the Momentum. Power cushion extensions are available for the front seats, and the front passenger seat has a memory function. With the push of a button, the rear head restraints can be folded down. This can be used to improve sightlines when no one is sitting in the second row.

Both trims include a wide range of advanced safety components. They include rear park assist, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. These all make it easier for drivers to be aware of their surroundings that they cannot see. Additionally, the XC60 can keep itself centered in a lane, read road signs and display that information as a reminder to the driver, and apply the brakes if a frontal collision appears to be imminent.

The only way in which the R-Design has been upgraded over the Momentum in terms of safety is that it has front park assist. This can be useful when trying to maneuver in tight parking spots.

When it comes to technology, the XC60 is well-equipped. A 12-inch information display shows key information to the driver and is conveniently located behind the steering wheel. There's a large touchscreen strategically placed within easy reach of the driver. As mentioned previously, it uses Google technology. It feels like a smartphone or tablet. Wireless charging, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM are all standard.

The Momentum's audio system is rock solid. It comes with ten speakers and is a 220-watt system overall. The R-Design's audio package however has been upgraded to a 600-watt system with 14 speakers and one of them is an air-ventilated subwoofer.

Compare the R-Design vs Inscription Trims. What is the difference?

The Inscription feels very similar to the R-Design. They both come with 19-inch wheels but their designs are a bit different. Like the R-Design, the Inscription has the same kind of four-zone climate control system and similar tech and safety components.

The styles of these two trims are different, though. The R-Design feels more athletic and sporty, while the Inscription is a more exclusive model. Understandably, the Inscription lacks the type black accent that's on the R-Design. Its roof rails are of a bright aluminum material rather than black and its windows are surrounded by bright aluminum material as well.

This trim’s seats are upgraded even more. Instead of regular heated seats, the Inscription comes with heated and ventilated front seats. These seats have power-adjustable side bolsters that provide more support. Nappa leather is used to make the seating material which doesn't have any leatherette or textile like the R-Design does.

The Inscription has a leather steering wheel while the lower trims use synthetic leather.

The gear selector is the Inscription's final improvement. Swedish glassblowers expertly crafted it from genuine, solid crystal. Jewelry is, of course, completely not necessary to have in a vehicle, but it sure makes an impact.

Compare the Inscription vs Recharge. What is the difference?

Moving to the Recharge, one needs to switch to a different type of powertrain. It uses a different T8 system that employs electric-on demand all-wheel drive as standard. The B6, and the Recharge uses the same supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

With these elements combined, net horsepower is 455 and torque is 494 pound-feet. After being stopped, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. In terms of performance, the Recharge clearly wins.

There are multiple versions of the XC60 Recharge SUVs. The two Inscriptions; Regular Inscription and Recharge Inscription are the same but the equipment underneath their hood is different.

The Polestar Engineered is another version of the Recharge variant. This model is more expensive than all of the other XC60 models, and it has multiple exclusive features. To begin, it has advanced shock absorbers to improve cornering grip and high-quality Akebono brakes.

There can be either 21-inch or 22-inch wheels on the Recharge Polestar Engineered. It has a special front grille that separates it from its competitors.

It has additional safety features such as a 360-degree surround view camera and parking sensors all around it. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on the other Recharge models, but no side sensors are included. The Polestar Engineered also comes with Pilot Assist, which works similarly to a self-driving program in that it can provide steering assistance and speed adjustments.

A head-up display, which displays important information in the driver's line of sight, is also available. Rather than looking down at the odometer or navigation screen, the driver can keep his or her gaze fixed ahead and receive visual cues. The brightness of the display is automatically adjusted based on the lighting conditions, and some customization is possible.

The heated steering wheel, advanced air cleaner, headlight cleaning system, and heated rear seats come standard on the Recharge Polestar Engineered trim. In the audio system, Bowers & Wilkins components are used to produce a clean and clear sound. Volvo's team did an excellent job of taking into account minor details that could affect the driving experience and devising solutions to improve them.

The Inscription doesn’t come with a crystal gear selector knob, leather seats, or ventilated front seats. Therefore, the Polestar Engineered can be called an advanced version of the R-Design, not the Inscription.

Final Thoughts

If someone really wants to drive a plug-in hybrid to reduce fuel consumption, the base version of the XC60 Recharge would be the smart choice. Even the entry-level trim of the Volvo XC60 feels premium because it comes standard with many useful features. The extra features on the higher Recharge models might not be worth their additional costs, especially considering that the plug-in hybrid technology itself is going to add a lot to the XC60's starting price.

Many customers stick with the standard powertrain because it provides many features for an affordable price. It doesn't require charging even though it has a mild hybrid system. Customers save a considerable sum of money after picking one of these models. Thus, it's a reasonable choice from a financial perspective.

In that case, the Inscription would be recommended. All-wheel drive is standard with it and it comes with a more powerful B6 engine. It is very convenient and reliable, and users will be glad about its heating and ventilation as well as an enhanced support system.  Its full leather upholstery is another feature that makes it a premium trim, which is difficult to pass on. Finally, jewelry is never a requirement, but the crystal gear selector greatly enhances the overall style of this trim and is symbolic of the overall quality of this XC60.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Volvo XC60 Trime Levels