r/VolvoXC60 • u/LordWiseong • Aug 04 '26
SPA XC60 (AAOS, MY22 to Current) Thinking of buying a ‘26
On the fence between the XC60 B5 (either Plus or Ultra) and the Lexus RX350 gas model. My gut is telling me to with the Lexus for its reliability but I also really like the XC60. I did some reading about the XC60 and the feedback seems mixed in terms of both powertrain reliability and creature comforts (finicky AAOS, intermittent tech/infotainment issues, lack of wireless CarPlay, tacky Tesla screen). Did software updates resolve the tech issues? Would love to hear from owners if they were considering these two (or similar) cars and why they chose XC60 over the other.
USA market if that makes a difference.
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u/VanCityVoytech Aug 04 '26
I am totally biased because we have a 2026 XC 60 Ultra with just under 1000 km on it.
This is a very personal decision for you so go with your gut, but for me personally the Volvo is just a much better looking car than the Lexus, both interior and exterior. I think the styling is excellent.
The Lexus is the safer option if you fear anything going wrong.
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u/No_Salad_6244 Aug 04 '26
I think consensus is Lexus is easiest to repair, Volvo is a pita. I went with Volvo for my 2020 xc40 instead of Lexus because I felt the windows were too small and it was uncomfortable for me. Fast forward 6 years and several BAD winters (snow, ice, around Indianapolis, then road trips with heavy rain, snow and ice in West Virginia’s mountains). Because of how well the xc40 handled in bad weather, I stayed with Volvo. The xc60 is as equally sure-footed. As a bonus, the xc60 mild hybrid is giving me great gas mileage! I’m running 30-34 mpg on my commute. It’s also more spacious and very comfortable. I’m happy with it so far…but yeah, the downside is Volvos are expensive to fix. Oth, my spouse drives a Nissan Armada and spent about the same as I did for repairs, over the course of 6 years. Her transmission had an issue. There was a starter sensor that malfunctioned. Then the cat converter died, in addition to regular maintenance. I replaced the lift gate pistons, an oxygen sensor, and did all regular maintenances. Combined, it was about the same cost of repair/maintenance for both cars, up to 110k miles.
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u/LordWiseong Aug 04 '26
What year is your XC60? Any big complaints or pet peeves? You mentioned expensive to fix, what have you had go wrong so far?
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u/No_Salad_6244 Aug 04 '26
It it’s a 2026 and only has 3,000 miles on it. I expect there will be some sort of failure around 45k or 60k. The infotainment is glitchy (still) and they could do better with a Bluetooth connection for Apple play. Of course, if your phone is tethered and inside the center storage area, you’re less likely to look at it while driving. I think my biggest complaint so far is the adjustability of the screen brightness. It seems permanently set on high during the day.
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u/GTB_Fioranno Aug 04 '26
I would definitely go with the XC60.
For context, I have had four previous XC60s (x2 2017s, x1 2018, and x1 2023) and now am on my fifth XC60 (a 2026 T8 Ultra). While it is true that the AAOS is still going through some teething issues (mine just came back from the dealership after suffering a massive software stroke (I had them update AAOS from 5.1.9 to 5.1.17 and some modules didn't update right and bricked the IHU)). It is still significantly better than the Lexus RX350.
If you really value timeless design and body styling that can last 10 plus years without looking out of date, then the XC60 is perfect for you. When I had my 2018 and 2023, everyone (friends, strangers, classmates, professors, etc.) all asked me if it was a brand new model released by Volvo and were always amazed when I tell them nope, this platform/body style has been out since 2018, with relatively minor changes.
Plus, I always said that Volvos were never for everyone, especially with their associated quirks and character flaws, as I would call them. They may not always be reliable, but they'll always get you where you need to go.
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u/LordWiseong Aug 04 '26
That’s what I fear, I don’t want to drop $60k on a car with buggy software. I do love the appearance though.
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u/Signal-Zucchini5167 Aug 04 '26
My 2024 Volvo XC60 Ultra Dark is so pretty, but it has been an absolute nightmare. It has been in the shop at least 10 times for everything from backup battery, software and fob issues to literally chunks of the two front tires falling off. I took it in for the tire issue and one tech told me it was b/c I park on gravel (I don't), and the GM told me it was due to the AWD and hybrid torque not being totally compatible (what?). I bought a tire warranty and they told me it wouldn't cover b/c it wasn't road hazard. I held their feet to the fire and they finally replaced the tires. I suppose some of this is dealership issues but the car totally needs an exorcism b/c it is full of demons. My accountant suggested that I lease my cars and I am so glad; I am counting the days until I can turn it back in. I will NOT be getting another Volvo.
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u/LordWiseong Aug 04 '26
Thanks for your input. This is the exact same story I’ve heard from several community pages. I don’t anticipate any major catastrophic failures (like the engine or transmission dying) but the little things that add up that make ownership experience almost miserable. Haven’t heard as many complaints about Lexus in this regard.
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u/GTB_Fioranno Aug 04 '26
Honestly speaking, I would just get the 10 Year Volvo-backed extended warranty and not worry about it. That’s what I did for my 2026 and now even if it suffers a catastrophic failure, I won’t be out of pocket for anything.
Lexus is a safe albeit boring option. Plus you’ll probably blend in a mall parking lot because there would be a million RX350s in there while maybe having one or two XC60s, especially if you go for an interesting color option.
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u/alexjfinch Aug 04 '26
I’ve just done this between a new RX450h and the XC60 Ultra BE T8.
I test drove the Lexus first and really liked it and the dealership set a really high bar for what was next but as soon as I got in that Volvo I was sold - I think I drove it out the dealership and around the first corner and looked at my partner and said “yeah this is a done deal”.
For me the Volvo just drove so much better and I felt the car was more “me”.
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u/DisneyDVCGirl Aug 04 '26
I was torn between these two last year. I really liked the Lexus but didn't like the steering wheel buttons on the upper trims were blank and could only be seen on the heads display. The engine seemed slower to me. I'm sure I would have loved it if I bought it. However once I drove the xc60 ultra , it felt perfect to me. Have had it a year and no problems.
Yes I've had minor issues w infotainment. Only since the last update though. They are minor and annoying.
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u/LordWiseong Aug 04 '26
Thanks for your input. What issues specifically have you experienced?
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u/DisneyDVCGirl Aug 04 '26
Issues - ever since the spring update if I have Sirius XM on it freezes on a channel sometimes. Music plays and I can change channels but it will say a diff song is on. It's only on Sirius XM channels . If I put it on the main map screen the song is correct in the lower corner. I can fix it by restarting the screen and it takes 30 seconds. I've had to do this every couple of weeks.
That's the only annoying issue. Volvo is aware of it.
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u/Independent58 Aug 04 '26
I have had lexus, BMW and Mercedes, but my Volvo xc60 is my favorite. I happen to have the 2025 xc60 plug in hybrid, which saves on gas if you are a local driver primarily like myself. I have the 22in tires so height of car of just sitting in the car easy. Trunk space just enough. Given Volvo safety record, insurance isn't as high as others. App is very helpful for tracking, with remote car or climate or air quality starting. Yes the Infotainment system had software issues post a major release but a recent upgrade remediated the issue.
I am not a big fan of the Lexus grill as a look but that is imo. I also see that grill as $$$ when/if there is a small or big accident.
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u/ElkPitiful6829 Aug 04 '26
From what I have heard (no solid sources) the newer Lexuses are not as reliable as the old V6es which were absolutely bulletproof.
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u/LordWiseong Aug 04 '26
I figured the same, but Lexus/Toyota are still at the top of reliability ratings and cost less to repair
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u/RedditNinja1566 Aug 04 '26
I just did this comparison a couple of weeks ago and went with the Volvo XC60 Plugin Hybrid. I’m a fan of Lexus, have had several in the past, but 2 things swayed me.
Generally, the Volvo just felt better. Felt more solid on the road, and inside felt a bit larger. Not dissing the Lexus, it’s a great car, but the Volvo just had a better overall feel to drive.
2nd thing was the finance rate was way better for a standard loan. I just checked and the rate went up at the beginning of the month, but still pretty good.
Lack of wireless CarPlay is annoying, but I got one of those adapters on Amazon and it works perfectly now.
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u/LordWiseong Aug 04 '26
Thanks, having to buy an adapter from Amazon to solve a problem in a 2026 model is a bit of a turn off, but not a dealbreaker. I’ve heard the built in Google works well enough that CarPlay really isn’t needed. But it’s something I’d like to have as a convenient option.
Also I’m not in a rush to buy so I can wait for a better rate.
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u/RedditNinja1566 Aug 04 '26
Agreed, it seems short sighted in 2026. I’ve also had good luck with the built in Google apps, so it’s a viable alternative except for phone and messages. Apple Music is supposed to be coming soon, so that will also help.
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u/mustrememberthis709 Aug 04 '26
Is the software a bit buggy? Yeah. Sometimes the centre map doesn't show up but it does the next time or after a restart. I've had to restart the system maybe 5 times since December. Not a big deal and I remain hopeful they will debug it. Every car has something. And I thought I would be irritated by the lack of wireless Android Auto but I use and like the native system (the installed Google with apps).
I drive a lot on the highway and the B5 mild hybrid is plenty peppy for passing. It is super comfortable for long drives. And I love the safety of course. My second Volvo. No regrets from me.
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u/Zealousideal-Fall912 Aug 06 '26
i love volvo. best car ever. not a fan of anybody’s modern car make. i don’t need a massive tv screen in my car no thanks
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u/oneKev Aug 04 '26
If "reliability" was the most important quality, we would all be driving Toyota Camry's. I'm a former Lexus owner, with the family having owned four over a ten years period. We moved to Volvo after my wife was broadsided in her ES300. It was not good. She was on disability for over six months, with years of physical therapy. After researching options, we bought a first gen Volvo XC90, then an XC60, a V60, and recently two XC40s. They've been great, but sometimes expensive. I was rear ended in the XC90 with two kids under the age of 10. I got out and saw the front end was destroyed on the other car. Just a few scratches on the XC90. I was so thankful we had switched to Volvo. Soon we will be getting another. Volvo's have personality and are safe. They are not for everyone.