Volvo V60 Review
2018-2023
The second-generation Volvo V60 (SPA Platform) is one of Kenya's most refined mid-size luxury station wagons. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture shared with the XC60 and V90, the V60 combines athletic proportions with 529 L boot space, Thor's Hammer LED headlights, City Safety autonomous braking, and Sensus digital cockpit. Powered by 2.0L Drive-E petrol (T4/T5), clean diesel (D3/D4), and T6/T8 Recharge PHEVs, all variants sit strictly under 2,000 cc to qualify for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Practical 529 L cargo space: Generous estate boot easily swallows luggage, golf bags, or commercial gear.
- Sub-2,000 cc tax bracket advantage: 1,969 cc engine qualifies for KRA's 25% excise tax rate across all trims.
- Outstanding 21.0 km/L D4 diesel economy: 400 Nm low-end torque provides effortless overtaking power.
- Advanced safety suite: City Safety with steering assist, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and BLIS.
What’s not so good
- Low 142 mm ground clearance: Low ride height requires care when approaching tall speed bumps in estate roads.
- Firm sport suspension on R-Design: 19-inch wheels transmit road texture over unpaved corrugated tracks.
Most popular: V60 T5 Inscription / D4 R-Design / T6 Recharge
5 doorsPetrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Volvo V60 (SPA Series)
- Production years
- 2018–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Premium Mid-Size Station Wagon
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Clean Diesel, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,969 cc (2.0L Drive-E)
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Geartronic Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD
- Ground clearance
- 142 mm
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD)
Trims & variants
Momentum / Inscription / R-Design
- Setup
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo (250 hp / 350 Nm), 8-speed Geartronic, FWD/AWD, returning 15.8 km/L combined (12.5 city / 18.5 highway).
- Why it gets shipped
Smooth petrol power delivery, quiet cabin, and moderate entry import costs.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the 2.0L T5 Turbo Petrol (1,969 cc). Tank: 60 L (about 948 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,816 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,227 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 14,365
- Full tank (60 L)
- KES 13,618
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
V60 grade tiers progress from well-appointed Momentum trims to luxury Inscription and aggressive R-Design models.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Momentum | Executive base | Thor's Hammer LED headlights, City Safety, leather seats, 9-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloys. |
| Inscription | Executive luxury | Nappa leather upholstery, drift wood inlays, chrome exterior trim, power memory seats, 18-inch alloys. |
| R-Design | Sport performance | Gloss black mesh grille, contour leather sport seats, lowered sport suspension, 18 or 19-inch R-Design wheels. |
About the Volvo V60
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2018 to 2023 V60 models sit inside the direct import window.
Staying under 2,000 cc (1,969 cc) across all engine lines gives the V60 a major import tax advantage over 3.0L competitors, qualifying for the 25% KRA excise tax bracket and saving over KSh 900,000 in customs duties.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
