Is the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge a BETTER luxury SUV than a Lexus NX 450h?

The XC60 is a compact luxury SUV from Volvo and the Recharge brings plug-in hybrid technology. On the outside you will discover a unique grill, front fascia and wheels. On the inside there is a 9in infotainment screen, and digital gauge cluster. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 paired with two electric motors producing 455HP & mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge a BETTER luxury SUV than a Lexus NX 450h?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[fenrirslip]

Something about Volvo feels right. Their exterior designs, technology, power, and everything in between is nicely laid out, not in your face, and overwhelming.

[davidfoli]

I have a 2010 XC60 and my new 2023 XC60 recharge arrives by the end of next month. Dark/Ultimate in Platinum Gray with Maroon Brown interior. The brown interior goes great with the wood trim. Sporty on the outside and elegant on the inside. Can't wait until it gets here, and I hope it treats me as well as the 2010 has for the past 13 years.

[invitia]

In the rear middle seat, it’s not the cardan tunnel that takes space but the batteries. There is no cardan passing to the rear wheels, the engine drives the front wheels, the electric motors drives the rear wheels. Putting the batteries between the front seats is good from a security perspective, but doesn’t leave much space for the middle rear seat passenger unfortunately.

[brianjanes]

Volvo is one of my favorite car brands !!

[randalla]

We picked up our 2023 on the 21st. Denim color, Plus Black trim with the Maroon leather interior. Really love it. There are some stability issues with the android info system where we've had to wait for it to restart, but it works very well. In our old car we would do everything with our phones (nav, music, etc) but this pairs with our accounts, plays our playlists (YouTube music in our case), integrates with our Google maps settings, etc. Basically, it's an Android phone with wheels. We have not needed to use Bluetooth streaming from the phone at all, but it's an option for apps the car doesn't support, like audible. We like the size of the info screen, and the gauge screen is really responsive and clear.

One feature we also really like is the automatic profile system. Based on the key, the car will auto configure to the driver, which includes all the Google accounts and previous seating positions. The memory buttons on the doors are mostly useless with the profiles. If the wrong profile is selected, usually by having two keys in the car, and the passenger with their key getting in first, it's quick to switch the profile by swiping down in the info system and selecting the correct one.

Other features not covered here are the Volvo car app can be used to set up start timers on a schedule to warm up the car before you leave in the morning, un/lock the car, see where the car is, and what the charge level of the car is (as well as an estimate of how long till full). It's simple, and useful.

[danielgrenier]

I have ordered a 2023 XC60 Recharge (in Ultimate trim) for myself. This, after trying many SUVs in the same price range (Lexus, Audi, BMW, etc). None felt "right" for me like the XC60 does. I was VERY impressed. I'm just sorry it takes up to a whopping 10 months for delivery!

[cougargold]

I bought a ‘24 xc60 recharge ultimate Dark with Bowers Wilkins… absolutely amazing.

Between this and the Lexus RX500H, buy this. Lexus feels more overtly tech heavy, but its drives train felt almost artificial (you’ll know what I’m saying if you drive it). The engine feels like it was always trying hard to get me to speed and it was almost detached from the road. The XC60 feels nimble for being a plug-in hybrid and it really wants to go, even when you hit 75mph.

Also the smell… a new one is like getting into a Versace purse and has actual leather seats. I’ve always been a Japanese car guy, but the Swedes really made an SUV that just feels special.

I’m very impressed and very happy so far. There’s been a couple little software hiccups, but I think those can be solved with updates.

[terrywalsh]

Nice review on the xc60, Joe. Really enjoy all of your reviews. Kee p up the good work and Happy New Year!

[billshorthouse]

I have the XC60 recharge Ultimate in Denim Blue. I love it. So comfortable and has great power when you need it. I agree with Joe and would prefer the Drive Modes more accessible.

[johnkasianowicz]

I just replaced my 1998 Volvo V70XC wagon with a 2024 XC60 Ultimate Mild Hybrid (Dark). I think both displays in the new car are quite nice. The adjustable thigh supports on the front seats are most welcome.

Instead of manually changing the cabin temperature and fan speed settings, you can tell Google in plain English to do it (hands-free).

[hi_its_m_]

I usually don’t like solid colors, but I’m a sucker for all of the Volvo solid paint colors. They just fit the car so we’ll and you can still see the shape/lines of the car.

[shopwithaaron]

Thx! Really like how they take care to configure the wood up, down and around what you see every day! Regardless of it's color!

[Dreamweaver]

I almost choked when Joe said the horsepower/torque of this thing! Was definitely not expecting that lol. Great job as always Joe👍🏼

[brianerokicki]

I currently have a 2023 B5, before that, I had a 2020 T5 and a 2017 S90 T5. Great, all-around car, but my major issue with it is the safety tech. There is no way to reduce the sensitivity or shut it off. It's challenging to parallel park in congested areas without the car auto-breaking for you. Also, there have been a couple times when changing lanes (using directional) in slow-moving traffic where the car auto breaks to a stop. I've taken it to the dealer twice however, they said there isn't a solution for it yet. In all other areas, this car is perfect, I am hopeful that @Volvocars will have a software update soon to fix this issue.

[chabbysrides]

Great review Joe. I’d rather have a smaller infotainment screen that’s integrated into the dash rather than a huge one stuck onto the dash. Nice Volvo. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[mariowhyte]

We get another video tonight!!??? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving huh!!!! y'all are the best!!!

[aspenmarler]

Auto Pilot Assist and safety features are top notch, best in business and if you want better handling you would get the Polestar edition of this vehicle. I love my late year 22 XC60 Recharge. It’s perfect around town/short trips, never off electric and I drove from LA to Nashville and averaged 32 mpg. I also test drove all your examples plus the Genesis GV70, still happy with my decision. It’s fast af and great mileage, the service/dealership experience is top notch plus it’s just a great driving suv!

[DZav]

Thanks for the great review! We just purchased this car this past weekend and feel it was the best of the others we test drove.

[Blackwing]

Great job you three as always! The particular setup I would go with is a dark blue.

[dregstore]

Love this car, but massive zonk that volvo recently removed the drive mode selector and now you have to select it via the infotainment screen only. Mad, why would they do that.