2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Volvo XC60

The 2026 Volvo XC60 was offered in two variants: the T5 mild hybrid and the T8 Plug-in Hybrid. This review focused on the T5, available in Core, Plus, Ultra, and Black Edition trims, with prices ranging from $51,095 to $62,195, including destination charges. The T5 Ultra model tested came with numerous upgrades, pushing its MSRP to $68,870. The 22-inch wheels, active air suspension, front seat massage, Climate Package, and Bowers & Wilkins audio system were deemed worth the extra cost. The new Forest Lake paint added a stunning visual appeal, and the nearly decade-old design of the XC60 continued to impress with its timeless elegance. Inside, the XC60 Ultra boasted a beautifully detailed interior with Scandinavian design elements, plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and classy metal speaker grilles, creating a calm and pampered driving experience. However, the minimalist control layout required some getting used to, especially during a family road trip.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, received a refresh that retained its upright stance, low belt line, and large windows. The new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S, gave it a fresh and modern feel. The Upland trim tested added front recovery hooks, enhancing utility without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer featured a modern design with strong horizontal lines. The 12-inch infotainment screen, though a bit small for the vehicle's size, was complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats, while plain in appearance, offered exceptional comfort and adjustability, making long drives enjoyable. The cabin's premium materials, solid metal gearshift dial, and overall fit and finish were impressive, contributing to a luxurious feel.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 T5 housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system included regenerative braking and an integrated starter/generator. Despite a 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph, the XC60's power delivery was hampered by turbo lag and transmission reluctance, affecting responsiveness. The EPA-rated 26 mpg in combined driving fell short during testing, with observed figures of 24.7 mpg and 21.7 mpg on different routes. The 22-inch wheels impacted ride quality, but the air suspension in Comfort mode mitigated most discomfort. The XC60 excelled in handling, though the light steering lacked feedback, and brakes faded under hard use. Standard and Off-Road modes were available, but the XC60's ground clearance and wheel size limited off-road capability. It proved an excellent road-tripper, with compact dimensions aiding parking.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even in the 6,000-pound vehicle. The Grand Wagoneer was slated to receive a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, offering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Despite its large proportions, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with large windows aiding visibility. It absorbed bumps well, and the seats provided comfort for long drives. While tire and wind noise were present, the overall cabin remained quiet.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 excelled in long-distance travel comfort, thanks to its top-shelf front seats with Nappa leather, heating, cooling, massage, and extending leg supports. Rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with firm cushions and low positioning. The four-zone automatic climate control system and panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin experience. In-cabin storage was adequate, with tamboured covers for cupholders and large door bins. The cargo area offered 21.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer impressed with its spacious three-row seating, accommodating up to eight passengers comfortably. The third row was surprisingly roomy, unlike typical emergency spaces. With the third row in use, cargo space was 27.9 cubic feet, sufficient for strollers or gear. The long-wheelbase version increased cargo capacity to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 introduced a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen display with Volvo Car UX software, offering a four-year subscription to Digital Services, including Google built-in apps. Remote App Services provided remote engine starting and cabin temperature pre-conditioning. While the infotainment system functioned well, navigating saved favorite stations was cumbersome. Voice recognition and Google Assistant offered alternative control options. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivered lush sound but came at a premium cost.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. However, the charger overheated an iPhone 16 during testing. The 12-inch screen felt small for the vehicle's size, and a larger screen would be preferable. The Grand Wagoneer no longer offered adjustable pedals, a feature available in previous models. Higher trims included a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, and a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the side-impact crash test. Despite Volvo's reputation for safety, competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 received higher ratings. The XC60 featured advanced safety tech, including forward-collision warning with large animal detection, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. However, the driver-assistance tech, such as Pilot Assist, was unsophisticated and required intervention in certain situations. The XC60 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with comprehensive safety features, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and intersection-collision assist. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with lower scores in certain crash tests. The surround-view camera system was highly recommended for navigating tight spaces.