2026 Volvo XC60 Trim Guide: Core, Plus, Ultra, and Polestar Engineered

The 2026 Volvo XC60 continues its position as Volvo's top-selling model, offering Ontario families a refined midsize luxury SUV that balances Scandinavian design with advanced electrification. This model year brings a substantial refresh focused on user experience, design, and comfort, along with a faster and more responsive infotainment system. With four distinct trims and two powertrain options, the XC60 lineup provides flexibility for families seeking different levels of luxury, technology, and performance.

Understanding the differences between Core, Plus, Ultra, and Polestar Engineered trims helps families identify which XC60 best matches their priorities. Each trim builds on Volvo's dedication to safety and versatility, with all models featuring standard all-wheel drive and five-passenger seating. The choice between the B5 AWD Mild Hybrid and the T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrains adds another dimension to the decision-making process.

At a Glance: 2026 XC60 Trim Lineup

Powertrain Options Across the Lineup

The 2026 XC60 offers two electrified powertrains, each delivering a distinct driving experience. The B5 AWD features a 48V mild hybrid system that enhances efficiency and responsiveness, producing 247 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. This powertrain is available across Core, Plus, and Ultra trims, providing smooth power delivery suitable for daily family driving and highway travel across Ontario.

The T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid offers a substantial performance upgrade, pairing electric and gasoline power for a total output of 455 hp. This powertrain accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, delivering sports car-level performance in a practical family SUV package. The T8 is available in Plus, Ultra, and the exclusive Polestar Engineered variant, making it the choice for families who want both efficiency and exhilarating acceleration.

Core Trim: Essential Luxury Foundation

The Core trim establishes the XC60's luxury credentials with Volvo's signature Scandinavian design and comprehensive safety technology. This entry-level offering includes:

• Standard all-wheel drive for confident handling in Ontario's varied weather conditions
• Five-passenger seating with Volvo's ergonomic design principles
• Advanced driver assistance technologies as standard equipment
• Faster and more responsive infotainment system introduced for 2026
• Over-the-air update capability to improve features over time

The Core trim suits families prioritizing Volvo's safety reputation and design philosophy while seeking an accessible entry point into the XC60 lineup. The B5 AWD mild hybrid powertrain provides adequate performance for most driving scenarios, from urban commutes to weekend getaways.

Plus Trim: Enhanced Comfort and Technology

The Plus trim enhances the XC60 experience with additional comfort and convenience features that enhance daily usability. This mid-range option balances luxury appointments with practical family-focused features, making it a popular choice for Ontario families seeking more than basic equipment.

Key Plus trim advantages include:

• Choice of B5 AWD Mild Hybrid or T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrains
• Enhanced interior materials and trim details
• Additional technology features beyond the Core level
• Improved comfort features for longer journeys

Families choosing Plus gain flexibility in powertrain selection. The T8 Plug-in Hybrid option adds substantial performance capability while maintaining the practical family SUV character, making it suitable for families who want both efficiency for daily commutes and power for highway merging or passing situations.

Ultra Trim: Premium Appointments and Advanced Features

The Ultra trim offers the pinnacle of the standard XC60 range, featuring premium materials and the most comprehensive feature set. This trim targets families who want the full luxury SUV experience with Volvo's most advanced driver assistance technologies.

Ultra trim highlights include:

• Premium interior materials and finishing details
• Most comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies
• Advanced driver assistance features for enhanced convenience
• Available with both B5 AWD Mild Hybrid and T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrains

The Ultra trim provides the most refined XC60 experience, with attention to detail in materials, technology integration, and comfort features. Families who spend considerable time in their vehicle or frequently transport passengers appreciate the enhanced appointments and advanced assistance systems.

Polestar Engineered: Performance-Focused Variant

The Polestar Engineered variant stands apart from the standard XC60 lineup, offering a high-performance interpretation of the luxury SUV. Exclusively paired with the T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrain producing 455 hp, this variant delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.8 seconds while maintaining the XC60's family-friendly versatility.

Polestar Engineered distinguishes itself through:

• Sport-tuned chassis and suspension components
• Performance-oriented styling elements
• Exclusive interior details and trim finishes
• T8 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain as the only option

This variant appeals to driving enthusiasts who want sports car performance without sacrificing the practicality of a five-passenger SUV. The pairing of 455 hp and all-wheel drive provides strong acceleration and confident handling, while the plug-in hybrid system maintains efficiency for daily driving.

Technology and Safety Across All Trims

All 2026 XC60 models benefit from Volvo's dedication to safety and technology advancement. The substantial refresh for this model year brings a faster and more responsive infotainment system across the entire lineup, improving the user experience for all trim levels. Over-the-air updates ensure the XC60 continues to improve over time, adding features and refinements without requiring dealership visits.

Active and passive safety technologies are standard across all trims, reflecting Volvo's safety-first philosophy. The comprehensive suite of driver assistance features provides confidence in various driving conditions, from winter weather to highway travel across Ontario.

Which XC60 Trim Suits Your Family?

Selecting the right XC60 trim depends on your priorities for performance, luxury features, and budget. Families seeking Volvo's essential safety and design qualities find the Core trim provides strong value with all the brand's signature attributes. The Plus trim adds comfort and technology features that enhance daily usability, making it suitable for families who spend considerable time in their vehicle.

The Top trim delivers the most comprehensive feature set and premium materials for families who want the full luxury SUV experience. The Polestar Engineered variant serves a specific audience of driving enthusiasts who prioritize performance while maintaining family SUV practicality.

Powertrain choice adds another consideration. The B5 AWD Mild Hybrid provides smooth, efficient power suitable for most families. The T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid offers substantially more performance with 455 hp and 4.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, appealing to families who want both efficiency and exhilarating performance.

Experience the 2026 XC60 at Volvo Cars Villa

The refreshed 2026 Volvo XC60 features a substantial update to Volvo's top-selling model, with improvements in user experience, design, and comfort complementing the existing strengths of safety and versatility. The four-trim lineup provides options for families with different priorities, from the well-equipped Core to the performance-focused Polestar Engineered. Our product specialists can help you evaluate which pairing of trim level and powertrain best matches your family's needs and driving preferences.