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 phenomenal ride isolation, Scandinavian interior minimalism, 216 mm ground clearance, and world-class safety engineering, the XC60 is a top choice for corporate executives and safety-conscious families in Nairobi. Powered by 2.0L T5/T6 Petrol, 2.0L D4/D5 Clean Diesel, and 2.0L T8 Recharge PHEV engines, all variants stay strictly at or below 2,000 cc to trigger Kenya's standard 25% excise tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Phenomenal ride isolation and quiet cabin: Suppresses road noise and vibration on rough unpaved roads.
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA duty advantage: Entire 2.0L petrol, diesel, and T8 PHEV lineup qualifies for the lower 25% excise tax bracket.
- High 216 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry estate roads.
- 407–455 hp T8 Recharge PHEV performance: Launches 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds with zero-emission city commuting.
What’s not so good
- High CRSP customs valuation: Import tax duty represents a solid luxury investment.
- Optional air suspension compressor care: Rear air bellows require inspection over rough roads.
Most popular: XC60 D4 / D5 AWD R-Design / T5 AWD Inscription / T8 Recharge PHEV
5 doorsPetrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Volvo XC60 (SPA Platform)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Mid-Size Executive Luxury Crossover
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Clean Diesel, Plug-In Hybrid (T8 Recharge)
- Engine sizes
- 1,969 cc (2.0L T5 / T6 / D4 / D5 / T8 PHEV)
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Geartronic Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or BorgWarner AWD
- Ground clearance
- 216 mm (up to 250 mm with Air Suspension)
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 18.2 km/L (D4 Diesel) / 13.8 km/L (T5 Petrol) / 38.0 km/L equivalent (T8 PHEV). Tank: 71 L (about 1292 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,464 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,107 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 12,470
- 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 →Trims & variants
Momentum / Inscription / R-Design
- Setup
2.0L twin-turbo diesel (190 hp / 400 Nm D4 or 235 hp / 480 Nm D5 PowerPulse), 8-speed automatic, AWD, returning 18.2 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
The ultimate long-distance highway cruiser, combining 480 Nm torque with 18.2 km/L economy.
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 / Polestar | Sport performance | Gloss black grille, Contour sports seats, Bowers & Wilkins 1,100W audio, Öhlins dampers, and 20-inch wheels. |
About the Volvo XC60
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 XC60 models sit inside the direct import window.
The entire engine lineup (1,969 cc) stays strictly under 2,000 cc, giving buyers low KRA excise duty tax rates while delivering 216 mm ground clearance.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
