Volvo hybrids will receive updates for 2026, featuring a new in-car UX, in addition to a newly updated XC60 SUV for the 2026 model year. The former focuses on creating a faster and more responsive in-car infotainment experience, built around the company’s partnership with Google. The Google-based OS is said to be more responsive, “intuitive, and enjoyable” to use. Volvo already has a version of this new UX in use in the EX90, EX30, and new XC90, but it says it honed the system with “real-world data and customer feedback” for this latest update, which will be delivered over the air.
The Refreshed Volvo XC60 Looks The Part
Also new for 2026 is a freshened-up XC60. The SUV gets a bit of a facelift, with some new touches including the updated Google-based infotainment. This comes in the form of a larger 11.2-inch, free-standing center screen. You’ll find new cupholders inside, too, with similarly fresh interior colors and textures. Two, Quilted Nordico and Navy Herringbone Weave, are new for 2026. Volvo also updates the XC60’s look, with a new front fascia and diagonal grille, as well as new wheel options and fresh lighting arrangements at the rear.
The XC60 aside, there are a few features that will also apply to the entire lineup, including standard adaptive cruise control, as well as the addition of Volvo’s Black Edition trim to the XC40 and XC60. The company’s Black Edition is exactly what it sounds like, and the optional package shifts exterior and interior trim elements to black while offering a few monochromatic colors like Onyx Black, Crystal White, Vapour Grey, and Denim Blue. Speaking of, new colors Forest Lake and Aurora Silver also join the lineup.
There’s New Infotainment Too
As for the updates to Volvo’s UX, the new system will run on a new platform that makes it “more than twice as fast as outgoing models,” and with graphics generation improved by tenfold. Moreover, Volvo also says its screens will look much crisper, thanks to higher pixel density in its screens. The software side of these updates will be applied to existing Volvo models via an over-the-air update in 2025, going back to Volvo models built as early as 2020.
TopSpeed’s Take
Simply put, this is a big upgrade to Volvo’s in-car tech that needed to happen. The automaker delivers a compelling luxury car offering in most segments, with refined design, interesting and high-quality materials, and a luxurious driving experience. Traditionally, the automaker’s tech is what has held back its offerings from the leaders in the pack, like BMW and Genesis. That looks set to change with the new updates, and we’re excited to see how much better performance is on backdated models like 2020 model year cars.
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