2021 Volvo XC60 — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Volvo XC60 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl twin-charged). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–32 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A plug-in hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2L 4-cyl twin-charged), returning around 32 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Volvo XC60 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Volvo XC60: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 30 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl twin-charged |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4644 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 103 cu ft (2,917 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 30 cu ft (850 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 26 urban / 35 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 22 city / 29 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 223 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Volvo XC60 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl twin-charged). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 27 mpg (US), or 28 to 32 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 233 | $3,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/29) | 223 | $3,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl twin-charged | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 240 | $3,550 |
| 2L 4-cyl twin-charged (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (26/28) | 122 | $3,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 103 cubic feet (about 2,917 litres) and luggage volume at 30 cubic feet (about 850 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Volvo XC60
Running Costs: 2021 Volvo XC60
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Volvo XC60 at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Volvo XC60 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Volvo XC60 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volvo XC60. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (9), Unspecified (8), Service brakes (7). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 36 complaints across the 17 Volvo XC60 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Volvo XC60
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (9 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (7 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Driver-assist sensors (6 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Volvo XC60 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 30 mpg figure is 3 mpg better than that average. Its 223 g/km CO₂ figure is 30 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 30 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 30 mpg average for Volvo models in our database. Its 223 g/km CO₂ figure is 15 g/km higher than the 208 g/km Volvo average.
Of the 17 Volvo XC60 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined, against a high of 34 mpg). See every Volvo XC60 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Volvo XC60
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Volvo XC60: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl twin-charged. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volvo XC60?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 32 mpg. The plug-in hybrid version returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Volvo XC60 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Volvo XC60 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Volvo XC60?
Among the 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (9 complaints), Unspecified (8 complaints), Service brakes (7 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Volvo XC60 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 103 cubic feet (about 2,917 litres) and luggage volume at 30 cubic feet (about 850 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Volvo XC60's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.