2026 vs. 2025 Volvo XC60: A Closer Look at the Latest Evolution at Volvo Cars Cerritos

The Volvo XC60 is a perfect example, and as we welcome the latest model year, our team is buzzing about the thoughtful updates that set the 2026 model apart from the beloved 2025.

While the 2025 XC60 remains an outstanding choice, the 2026 model year introduces some clever refinements that make an already exceptional vehicle even better. For our valued customers in the Cerritos and Orange County area, here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it might influence your next vehicle choice.

The Tech Leap: A New Era of Infotainment

The biggest story for the 2026 Volvo XC60 is the quantum leap in its digital experience. It's a game-changer that we can't wait for you to try.

• A Bigger, Brighter Screen: Gone is the 9.0-inch display of the 2025 model, replaced by a stunning, new 11.2-inch free-standing touchscreen. Not only is it larger, but with a 21% increase in pixel density, the graphics are crisp, clear, and absolutely gorgeous.
• Lightning-Fast Performance: This isn't just a bigger screen; it's a completely new brain for the car. Powered by the advanced Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, the system is twice as fast and renders graphics ten times quicker. This means no more waiting for apps to load or maps to re-route—just instant, seamless response.
• A More Focused Experience: The new software interface is designed to present information to you at just the right time, minimizing distractions and allowing you to focus on the drive. It’s an intuitive, connected experience that feels like a natural extension of your daily life.

For those of us who live and breathe technology, this is the kind of upgrade that makes a significant difference every single day.

A Fresh Face: Refined and Elegant Design Updates

Volvo's design philosophy is all about subtle sophistication, and the 2026 XC60 embodies this perfectly. It’s a refresh, not a revolution, which we think is a very good thing.

• A New Front Grille: The 2026 model sports a revised front grille with a diagonal motif that connects its design to Volvo's future electric vehicles. It’s a modern touch that adds a dynamic, sophisticated feel.
• Fresh Colors and Wheels: You'll find new options like the serene Forest Lake and striking Aurora Silver, along with new wheel designs, including a handsome Y-shaped spoke pattern. These additions allow for greater personalization and a renewed sense of style.
• Classic Lines Remain: Don't worry, the graceful silhouette and iconic "Thor's Hammer" headlights you know and love are all still there. The XC60's design has always been ahead of the curve, and these updates simply keep it fresh and relevant.

From any angle, the 2026 XC60 looks and feels new, while still staying true to the classic Volvo aesthetic.

Inside Scoop: Comfort and Quality You Can Feel

When you step inside a Volvo, you’re stepping into a space designed for human comfort and well-being. The 2026 XC60 elevates this experience with some key interior improvements.

• New Premium Materials: The introduction of new upholstery options, like the luxurious Quilted Nordico and sophisticated Navy Herringbone Weave, takes the cabin to a new level of elegance and comfort.
• A Quieter, Calmer Cabin: Volvo has improved the cabin insulation, making the 2026 model a more peaceful and tranquil space to be in. The added quietness makes every drive, especially those long highway stretches, feel more relaxing.
• Small Touches, Big Impact: Little things matter. The 2026 model features redesigned cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger. And for music lovers, the available Bowers & Wilkins sound system has a new speaker mesh, delivering an even more immersive listening experience.

These enhancements show that Volvo is always listening and fine-tuning every detail to ensure your comfort.

The Foundation: What Stays the Same?

One of the most reassuring things about the 2026 XC60 is that its core identity remains unchanged. The things that make a Volvo a Volvo are still very much present.

• Proven Performance: The powertrain options, including the B5 mild-hybrid with 247 horsepower and the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid with its impressive 455 horsepower, are carried over. You get the same seamless performance and efficiency.
• Industry-Leading Safety: Volvo's safety is non-negotiable. Both the 2025 and 2026 models are equipped with the full suite of Volvo's advanced safety features, from automated emergency braking to the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist.
• Solid Construction: Both vehicles are built on the same robust SPA platform, providing the structural integrity and solid feel that gives you peace of mind on the road.

The 2026 XC60 builds on a solid, proven foundation, ensuring you get the very best in safety and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Differences between the 2025 and 2026 Volvo XC60

Thinking about a new XC60? Here are some of the questions our team at Volvo Cars Cerritos hears most often.

• What is the biggest difference? The new, larger, and much faster infotainment system is by far the most significant change.
• Is it a good time to buy a 2025 XC60? Absolutely. The 2025 model is a fantastic vehicle, and with the introduction of the 2026 model, you may find some excellent opportunities on remaining inventory.
• When will the 2026 models be available? The new 2026 Volvo XC60 has arrived! We invite you to come by our showroom to see it in person and take it for a test drive.
• Are there any changes to the fuel economy? No, the fuel efficiency for both the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models remains consistent with the 2025 model.

Ultimately, the choice between the 2025 and 2026 XC60 comes down to your personal priorities. If you love having the latest and most responsive technology, the 2026 is an exciting choice. If you appreciate a proven, reliable vehicle with a classic design, the 2025 is an excellent option. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Volvo XC60.