Volvo XC60 Review
2017-2023
The second-generation Volvo XC60 (SPA Platform) is Kenya's premier understated mid-size luxury family SUV. Celebrated for its Scandinavian interior minimalism, 216 mm ground clearance, and world-class safety engineering, the XC60 offers a comprehensive powertrain spectrum: T-Badged Petrol (T4 190hp, T5 250hp, T6 316hp Twin-Charged), T8 Plug-In Hybrids (400hp Twin Engine & 415hp Polestar Engineered), D-Badged Twin-Turbo Diesels (D3/D4/D5), and 2020+ B-Badged 48V Mild Hybrids (B4/B5/B6). Powered entirely by 2.0L Drive-E engines (1,969 cc), all variants stay strictly at or below 2,000 cc to trigger Kenya's lower 25% excise duty tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Comprehensive powertrain choice: T-Badged turbo/twin-charged petrols, D-Badged diesels, B-Badged 48V mild hybrids, and T8 PHEVs up to 415 hp.
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA duty advantage: The entire 1,969 cc engine family qualifies for Kenya's 25% excise tax bracket.
- High 216 mm ground clearance: Easily negotiates deep potholes, estate speed bumps, and rough upcountry murram tracks.
- T8 Polestar Engineered performance: 415 hp combined output with Akebono performance brakes and Öhlins adjustable dampers.
What’s not so good
- Premium unleaded fuel requirement (91+ octane minimum) on T4, T5, T6 petrol engines.
- AdBlue / Diesel Exhaust Fluid replenishment required on D4/D5 diesel models.
- High replacement cost for air suspension compressors and high-voltage PHEV battery packs over time.
Most popular: XC60 T5 AWD / D4 R-Design / T8 Twin Engine / B5 Mild Hybrid
5 doorsPetrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in hybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Volvo XC60 (SPA Platform)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Mid-Size Executive Luxury SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol (T4/T5/T6), PHEV (T8), Diesel (D3/D4/D5), Mild Hybrid (B4/B5/B6)
- Engine sizes
- 1,969 cc (2.0L Drive-E across all variants)
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Geartronic Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or BorgWarner AWD / eAWD (PHEV)
- Ground clearance
- 216 mm (up to 250 mm with Air Suspension)
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD)
Trims & variants
- Setup
2.0L turbo petrol (T4/T5) and twin-charged petrol (T6), achieving 13.8 km/L combined (T5).
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Petrol Models (T-Badged). Tank: 71 L (about 980 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,026 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,376 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 16,446
- Full tank (71 L)
- KES 16,114
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
XC60 trim levels range from elegant Momentum models to luxury Inscription, sporty R-Design, and Polestar Engineered editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Momentum | Executive base | Thor's Hammer LED lights, 9-inch Sensus touchscreen, City Safety, power tailgate, and 18-inch alloys. |
| Inscription | Executive luxury | Driftwood decor, Orrefors crystal gear knob, Nappa leather, ventilated seats, and 19-inch alloys. |
| R-Design | Sport performance | Gloss black grille, Contour sports seats, lowered sport suspension, 19/20-inch alloy wheels. |
| Polestar Engineered | Track flagship | 415 hp hybrid tune, Öhlins adjustable dampers, Akebono gold brakes, gold seatbelts, 21-inch forged alloys. |
About the Volvo XC60
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 XC60 models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Because the entire engine range (1,969 cc) stays strictly under 2,000 cc, the XC60 saves over KSh 1,200,000 in customs duties compared to 3.0L V6 executive crossovers while offering 216 mm ground clearance (up to 250 mm with air suspension).
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
