There are some vehicles that simply get you from Point A to Point B. Then there are vehicles that make the drive part of the experience.

 

When I took the 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra AWD on a weekend trip from Des Moines to Sioux City, I expected it to be comfortable. After all, it's a Volvo. What I didn't expect was how quickly I would fall in love with everything about it.

 

From the moment I climbed in, it was clear this SUV was designed with the driver in mind. Every detail felt intentional, and after spending several hours behind the wheel, I understood why the XC60 continues to be one of Volvo's most popular SUVs.

Before I even put the XC60 in drive, I found myself taking in the interior. The Blonde Nappa leather seats, genuine wood décor, and the beautiful Orrefors® crystal gear shifter immediately gave the cabin a premium feel. It's elegant without trying too hard, a perfect example of Volvo's Scandinavian design philosophy.

 

The front seats quickly became one of my favorite features. Not only are they heated and ventilated, but they also include a massage function. After a few hours on the road, I appreciated that feature more than I ever expected. Combined with the supportive seat design, I arrived in Sioux City feeling refreshed instead of stiff.

 

The panoramic roof made the cabin feel even more open and bright, adding to the relaxing atmosphere throughout the drive.

One thing I really appreciated was that the technology never felt overwhelming. Everything was intuitive and easy to use.

 

The updated 11.2-inch center display responded quickly, and with Google built-in, navigating to Sioux City was effortless. Google Maps was already integrated into the vehicle, so I never had to worry about mounting my phone or switching between apps.

 

Wireless Apple CarPlay made it easy to access my favorite playlists and podcasts, while the wireless phone charger kept my phone powered the entire trip without a single cable cluttering the center console.

 

I also loved the Head-Up Display. Having my speed and navigation directions projected directly into my line of sight meant I could keep my eyes on the road while still seeing the information I needed.

The longer I drove, the more I appreciated just how refined the XC60 is.

 

The cabin stayed remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds. It created the perfect environment to enjoy my road trip playlist through the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, which delivered crisp, rich sound that made every song better.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist made interstate driving noticeably less stressful. Whether traffic slowed unexpectedly or the highway stretched on for miles, these features helped make the drive feel smoother and more relaxing.

 

By the time I reached Sioux City, I realized something unusual: I wasn't tired of driving. In fact, I was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel for the trip home.

The turbocharged mild-hybrid engine provided smooth, responsive acceleration whenever I needed it. Merging onto the interstate and passing slower vehicles felt effortless, while the standard all-wheel drive gave me extra confidence throughout the drive.

 

One thing that genuinely surprised me was the fuel economy. I expected a luxury SUV with all-wheel drive to sacrifice efficiency, but the XC60 proved otherwise. Even after a weekend on the road, I was impressed by how little time I spent thinking about fuel stops. With up to an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, it's the kind of efficiency that makes road trips even more enjoyable.

 

The ride quality was another highlight. Iowa roads aren't always perfect, but the XC60 soaked up bumps with ease while still feeling connected and composed.

Volvo has built its reputation on safety, and it's easy to understand why once you're behind the wheel.

 

Features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Collision Avoidance, and the 360-degree camera all work quietly in the background, giving you extra confidence without ever feeling intrusive.

 

Parking in Sioux City was surprisingly easy thanks to the 360-degree camera and parking sensors. For an SUV, the XC60 felt incredibly easy to maneuver.

As much as I enjoyed the luxury features, I also appreciated how practical the XC60 is.

 

The cargo area easily fit everything I packed for the weekend, and the hands-free power tailgate made loading and unloading effortless. Whether you're heading out on a road trip, running errands around town, or packing for a family vacation, the XC60 has the versatility to handle it all.

 

It's the kind of SUV that fits seamlessly into everyday life while still making every drive feel a little more special.

By the time I pulled back into Des Moines, I wasn't ready to hand over the keys.

 

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra AWD exceeded my expectations in every way. It's luxurious without being flashy, packed with technology that's genuinely useful, incredibly comfortable on long drives, and delivers the kind of confidence and efficiency that makes you want to plan your next road trip.

 

Whether you're commuting to work, driving across Iowa, or heading out on your next weekend adventure, the XC60 makes every mile more enjoyable.

 

If you're looking for a luxury SUV that truly does it all, I highly recommend experiencing the 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 Ultra AWD for yourself. Stop by Willis Volvo Cars for a test drive; you just might find yourself looking for reasons to stay on the road a little longer.