What Are The New Volvo Trims? Core Vs. Plus Vs. Ultimate Comparison

Volvo Core vs. Plus vs. Ultimate

Volvo Cars is always looking to innovate, which is why many of the Volvo trim levels for 2023 are known as Core, Plus, and Ultimate rather than the previously popular terms, like the Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design. These new trims make it easier to remember the order of escalation. However, you can expect luxurious amenities and powerful mild-hybrid performance from all of them. To learn more about what to expect from every tier of popular cars like the Volvo S60, Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC90, read on.

Volvo S60 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultimate

The all-new 2023 Volvo S60 embodies the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic but packs a lot of surprises. For one thing, it can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is unusual for a sedan. This is thanks to its standard 247-horsepower four-cylinder engine. However, if you really want something that can pack a punch, you can also opt for the Volvo S60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid version of this car with an engine that makes over 450 horsepower.

This sedan seats five and measures 187.4 inches in length, 75.4 inches in width, and 56.6 inches in height. This gives owners 11.6 cubic feet of storage space. However, exterior details and interior decor and conveniences are determined by Volvo trim levels.


Volvo S60 Core

When you select this base option, you will enter a cabin with Iron Ore Aluminum decor, interior mid-level illumination, and a two-zone climate system. The driver's seat has memory functions and is made to be comfortable with power two-way lumbar support. Light can filter down onto you from the laminated panoramic moonroof. You can enjoy listening to your favorite music through this vehicle's high-performance audio system. Just turn on the radio or connect Apple CarPlay® from your device.

Useful driver assistance features include cruise control, a rain sensor, rear-parking assistance, a rear parking camera, lane-keeping assistance, oncoming lane mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

2023 Volvo S60 Core

2023 Volvo S60 Plus

Volvo S60 Plus

This next-level trim trades mid-level interior illumination for high-level interior illumination and Iron Ore decor for leather upholstery and Linear Lime decor. It has adaptive cruise control, front-, rear-, and side-parking assistance, pilot assist, and fog lights. You will also appreciate being able to fold the rear-seat backrests with one touch. To further compare Volvo Core vs. Plus trims, reach out to one of our team members, who can talk you through the differences or set you up on back-to-back test drives.


Volvo S60 Ultimate

The top of the Volvo trim levels is the Ultimate. A lot of the differences start on the outside. This option has 19-inch 5-Open Spoke Black Diamond Cut wheels, bright aluminum trim around the side windows, color-coordinated door mirror covers, and a front grille in glossy black. Instead of a two-zone climate control system, it has a four-zone one. It also upgrades the sound system to a premium one from Harman Kardon®.

Everything stated above is only a snapshot of what this car offers. For a full list of everything associated with each of the Volvo trim levels, contact us.

2023 Volvo S60 Ultimate

Volvo S60 Core Plus Ultimate
Driver's Support -Cruise Control
-Park Assist Camera, Rear
-Park Assist, Rear
-Adaptive Cruise Control
-Pilot Assist
-360° Camera
-Park Assist, Front, Rear and Sides
-Adaptive Cruise Control
-Pilot Assist
-360° Camera
-Park Assist, Front, Rear and Sides
-Graphical Head-Up Display
Interior -Interior Mid-Level Illumination
-Iron Ore Aluminum Decor
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Linear Lime Decor
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Leather Upholstery
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Linear Lime Decor
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Leather Upholstery
-Tailored Dashboard
Safety & Security -Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
Climate -Two-Zone Climate System -Two-Zone Climate System -Four-Zone Climate System
-CleanZone with Air Purifier
Exterior -18" 5-Spoke Black Diamond Cut -18" 5-Spoke Black Diamond Cut -19" 5-Triple Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
Pack & Load -Trunk Keyless Entry -Trunk Keyless Entry -Trunk Keyless Entry
-Trunk Power Outlet, Cargo Compartment
Tech & Sound -High Performance Audio System -High Performance Audio System -Harman Kardon® Premium Sound System
-Air-Ventilated Subwoofer

Volvo XC40 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultimate

While sedans are maneuverable and often very fuel efficient, Americans have grown increasingly interested in SUVs. The new Volvo XC40 for sale is a midsize premium option. It has B4 and B5 powertrain options that are available on any of the Volvo trim levels. The first comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system. It delivers up to 194 horsepower and is paired to front-wheel drive. The second choice is your all-wheel drive option, offering you 247 horsepower. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds when it is properly equipped.

Obviously, one of the main benefits of an SUV is having added room. With this vehicle, front-row passengers get 40.9 inches of legroom, while second-row passengers get 36.1 inches. There is also 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which can increase to over 57 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats. The power tailgate makes it even easier to load or unload your belongings.


2023 Volvo XC40 Core

Volvo XC40 Core

The Core trim has 18-inch 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut wheels, premium textile upholstery, and Urban Grid Aluminum Decor. You'll be able to access important information via the 12-inch instrument panel or the 9-inch center display. Drive along smoothly with adaptive power steering and cruise control. You will also have an extra set of eyes on the road, helping you avoid accidents, thanks to the BLISâ„¢ and Cross Traffic Alert setup, which includes blind-spot monitoring.


Volvo XC40 Plus

The Plus trim does, indeed, "Plus" some things up. This version of this SUV has rear and front park assist instead of just rear. You will get a Crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors® and a tailored steering wheel. Other perks include trunk keyless entry, HomeLink®, and an automatically dimmed inner rearview mirror with compass. This option also features body-colored door handles with ground lighting.

2023 Volvo XC40 Plus

2023 Volvo XC40 Ultimate

Volvo XC40 Ultimate

If you want all of the bells and whistles, opt for this trim. The difference between Volvo Plus and Ultimate is, in large part, in the details. You'll have 19-inch 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels instead of 18-inch wheels, a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, and an air-ventilated subwoofer. The driver assistance technology also gets a bit of an upgrade, as this trim comes with adaptive cruise control and pilot assist.


Volvo XC40 Core Plus Ultimate
Driver's Support -Cruise Control
-Park Assist Camera, Rear
-Park Assist, Rear
-Cruise Control
-Park Assist Camera, Rear
-Park Assist, Rear and Front
-Fog Lights
-Adaptive Cruise Control
-Pilot Assist
-Fog Lights
-360° Camera
-Park Assist, Front, Rear and Sides
Interior -Interior Mid-Level Illumination
-Sculpted Gear Selector
-Tailored Sport Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Urban Grid Aluminum Decor
-Premium Textile Upholstery
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Crystal Gear Selector Knob by Orrefors®
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Driftwood Decor
-Glossy Black Tunnel Console
-Volvo Tread Plates, Aluminum
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Crystal Gear Selector Knob by Orrefors®
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Driftwood Decor
-Glossy Black Tunnel Console
-Volvo Tread Plates, Aluminum
Safety & Security -Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
Exterior -18" 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut
-Black Side Window Trim
-Body-Colored Door Handles
-Front Grille with Black Insert and Chrome Frame
-18" 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut
-Bright Aluminum Side Window Trim
-Front Grille in High-Gloss Black with Chrome Frame
-Laminated Panoramic Moonroof with Power Sunshade
-19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
-Bright aluminum side window trim
-Front grille in high-gloss black with chrome frame
-Laminated Panoramic Moonroof with Power Sunshade
Pack & Load -Power Liftgate
-Tailgate Scuff Plate, Stainless Steel
-Power Liftgate
-Foldable Load Floor with Cargo Divider and Grocery Bag Holder
-Trunk Power Outlet, Cargo Compartment
-Trunk Keyless Entry
-Tailgate Scuff Plate, Stainless Steel
-Power Liftgate
-Foldable Load Floor With Cargo Divider and Grocery Bag Holder
-Trunk Power Outlet, Cargo Compartment
-Trunk Keyless Entry
-Tailgate Scuff Plate, Stainless Steel
Tech & Sound -High Performance Audio System -High Performance Audio System -Harman Kardon® Premium Sound
-Air-Ventilated Subwoofer
Seats -Adjustable Passenger Seat
-Manually Foldable Rear Head Restraints
-Manual Cushion Extensions, Driver and Passenger
-Power Passenger Seat
-Power Folding Rear Head Restraints
-Manual Cushion Extensions, Driver and Passenger
-Power Passenger Seat
-Power Folding Rear Head Restraints

Volvo XC60 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultimate

For a larger take on an SUV, check out the Volvo XC60. This vehicle comes with two engine options. The B5 matches a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system to deliver you up to 247 horsepower. The B6 setup improves on this with a supercharger to give you up to 295 horsepower. You can also talk to our team about the T8 plug-in hybrid setup if you're interested in really lowering your reliance on the gas pump.

Comparing the 2023 vs. 2022 Volvo XC60, you now get the option of two new colors (Black Stone and Bright Dusk Metallic). There was also some rearranging of features as the Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trims got replaced by the Core, Plus, and Ultimate lineup.


Volvo XC60 Core

SUVs are family vehicles. This option helps you take care of yours by offering driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring. You will have smooth rides thanks to Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. Help your kids breathe fresher air with a CleanZone setup and stay comfortable utilizing two-zone climate control.

You can choose to get the Volvo XC60 Core in either the Bright or Dark color scheme, depending on your stylistic preferences.

2023 Volvo XC60 Core

2023 Volvo XC60 Plus

Volvo XC60 Plus

Make life a little easier for yourself with a Volvo XC60 Plus, which comes with front and rear parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. Instead of Iron Ore aluminum decor, you'll have Linear Lime decor and leather upholstery. You'll have 19-inch 5-V Spoke Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels rather than 18-inch 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut ones. A 360-degree camera will replace the rear view camera. Dark and Bright color schemes are also available for this trim.


Volvo XC60 Ultimate

To treat yourself even more, consider the Volvo XC60 Ultimate, which has 20-inch 5-Multi Spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels, a crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®, ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, and other luxuries. You'll really be able to relax behind the driver's seat, given that this trim comes with heated front seats with power four-way lumbar support. Due to its memorizing capabilities, your driver and front passenger seat will even be able to remember exactly how you like to sit. Like the other Ultimate trims, this one also has a Harman Kardon® premium sound system.

2023 Volvo XC60 Ultimate

Volvo XC60 Core Plus Ultimate
Driver's Support -Cruise Control
-Park Assist Camera, Rear
-Park Assist, Rear
-Adaptive Cruise Control
-Pilot Assist
-360° Camera
-Adaptive Cruise Control
-Pilot Assist
-360° Camera
-Graphical Head-Up Display
Interior -Interior Mid-Level Illumination
-Iron Ore Aluminum Decor
-Tailored Gear Selector
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Linear Lime Decor
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Leather Upholstery
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Linear Lime Decor
-Crystal Gear Selector Knob by Orrefors®
-Tailored Steering Wheel, Charcoal
-Tailored Dashboard
-Ventilated Nappa Leather Upholstery
Safety & Security -Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Power Child Safety Lock
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Power Child Safety Lock
Climate -CleanZone
-Two-Zone Climate System
-CleanZone
-Two-Zone Climate System
-CleanZone with Air Purifier
-Four-Zone Climate System
Exterior -18" 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut
-Bright Aluminum Trim Around the Side Windows
-Door Mirror Covers, Color-Coordinated
-Front Grille with Black Insert and Chrome Frame
-Roof Rails, Black
-19" 5-V Spoke Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
-Bright Aluminum Trim Around the Side Windows
-Door Mirror Covers, Color-Coordinated
-Front Grille in High-Gloss Black with Chrome Frame
-Roof Rails, Bright Aluminum
-20" 5-Y Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
-High-Gloss Black Side Window Trim
-Door Mirror Covers, Black Stone
-Front Grille with High-Gloss Black Insert
-Roof Rails, Glossy Black
Pack & Load -Power Tailgate
-Trunk Keyless Entry
-Power Tailgate
-Trunk Keyless Entry
-Power Tailgate
-Trunk Keyless Entry
-Trunk Power Outlet, Cargo Compartment
Tech & Sound -High Performance Audio System -High Performance Audio System -Harman Kardon® Premium Sound
-Air-Ventilated Subwoofer
Seats -Power 2-Way Lumbar Support -Power 2-Way Lumbar Support
-Power Folding Rear Head Restraints
-Front seat ventilation
-Heated Front Seats
-Power 4-Way Lumbar Support
-Power Cushion Extension, Driver
-Power Folding Rear Head Restraints
-Power Passenger Seat with Memory
-Power Side Bolsters

Volvo XC90 Trim Levels: Core vs. Plus vs. Ultimate

While having more room for individual passengers is nice, sometimes what we really need is room to fit more people. This three-row SUV allows you to load up with up to seven passengers and pack in a whole lot of cargo -- up to a maximum of 85.7 cubic feet, in fact, if you fold down seats in the second and third rows. It also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Similar to many of the other Volvo vehicles described here, it has a 247-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine paired to a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It, too, has a plug-in hybrid variant known as the Volvo XC90 Recharge. With high-quality materials, a spacious and quiet cabin, and stellar performance, it's hard to go wrong with this vehicle, no matter which trim level you choose. However, we do compare the Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 if you'd like to explore your options.


2023 Volvo XC90 Core

Volvo XC90 Core

This vehicle not only comes with a lot of seating but strives to make every passenger comfortable. You will get four-zone climate control, a humidity sensor, and a CleanZone system with an air purifier to make sure everyone is at a comfortable temperature and to remove particulates from the air. A panoramic moonroof, leatherette upholstery, and Iron Ore decor add to the in-cabin atmosphere.

As a bonus, the front seats are heated. This trim is also loaded up with a lot of standard safety and driver's assistance features, like lane-keep assistance, slippery road alerts, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alerts.


Volvo XC90 Plus

Rear heated seats and a heated steering wheel are added to the Plus trim. You will also have headlamp cleaners, a 360-degree camera, illuminated sill molding, a front grille in matte silver with a chrome frame, and Linear Walnut decor. An integrated booster cushion provides additional child safety.

2023 Volvo XC90 Plus

2023 Volvo XC90 Ultimate

Volvo XC90 Ultimate

The Ultimate has larger wheels than the Plus version, Gray Ash decor, a crystal gear selector knob, a tailored dashboard, and ventilated Nappa leather upholstery. The driver will have power cushion extension functionality and power side bolsters. Blast your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks via the Harman Kardon® premium sound system.


Volvo XC90 Core Plus Ultimate
Driver's Support -Park Assist Camera, Rear
-Park Assist, Rear and Front
-360° Camera
-Headlamp Cleaners
-360° Camera
-Graphical Head-Up Display
-Headlamp Cleaners
Interior -Interior Mid-Level Illumination
-Iron Ore Aluminum Decor
-Leatherette Upholstery
-Tailored Gear Selector
-Volvo Tread Plates, Aluminum
-Illuminated Sill Molding
Interior High-Level Illumination
-Leather Upholstery
-Linear Walnut Decor
-Crystal Gear Selector Knob by Orrefors®
-Gray Ash Decor
-Illuminated Sill Molding
-Interior High-Level Illumination
-Tailored Dashboard and Door Top Panels
-Ventilated Nappa Leather Upholstery
Safety & Security -Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Integrated Booster Cushion
-Lane-Keeping Aid
-Oncoming Lane Mitigation
-Integrated Booster Cushion
Climate -CleanZone with Air Purifier
-Four-Zone Climate Control
-CleanZone with Air Purifier
-Four-Zone Climate Control
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Heated Steering Wheel
-CleanZone with Air Purifier
-Four-Zone Climate Control
-Rear Door Sun Curtains
Exterior -19" 6-Spoke Turbine Silver
-Front Grille with Black Insert and Chrome Frame
-Protective Cap Kit, Silver
-20" 10-Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
-Front Grille in Matte Silver with Chrome Frame
-Front Grille with Chrome Bar Insert and Chrome Frame
-Protective Cap Kit, Matt Tech Grey
-21" 8-Multi Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
-Front Grille in Matte Silver With Chrome Frame
-Front Grille with Chrome Bar Insert and Chrome Frame
-Protective Cap Kit, Chrome
Tech & Sound -High Performance Audio System -High Performance Audio System -Harman Kardon® Premium Sound
-Air-Ventilated Subwoofer
Seats -Power 2-Way Lumbar Support -Power 2-Way Lumbar Support
-Heated Rear Seats
-Front seat ventilation
-Heated Rear Seats
-Power 4-Way Lumbar Support
-Power Cushion Extension, Driver
-Power Passenger Seat with Memory
-Power Side Bolsters

See Our Volvo Trim Levels First-Hand at Our Dealership

This page delved into a lot of information regarding the Volvo trim levels. However, this is only scratching the surface. To learn more about any of these vehicles' performance or dimensions or to get a deeper understanding of Core vs. Ultimate trims, stop by our dealership. Our experts can provide you with quick answers to your burning questions. They can also recommend what model of vehicle or trim is best for your lifestyle and driving habits.

One of the subjects that we're most thrilled to talk about is electrification. Volvo Cars' lineup for 2023 focuses on being more eco-friendly. That's why every car is at least a mild hybrid. We can talk to you about what this means, specific measures we use to achieve our eco-friendly goals like regenerative braking, or give you a better sense of what it is like to drive one of our plug-in hybrid variants.

Buying a new car is a large investment that should last you for many years and many thousands of miles. Therefore, it's important to find the sedan or SUV that supports your goals and makes life easier in whatever big or small ways it can. Our goal is to help you make a decision that you are not only satisfied with but thrilled by.

FAQs About Volvo Trim Levels

What are the main differences between the Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims?

The Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims are the base, mid-level, and top-tier options you can choose from when buying cars like the Volvo S60, Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC90, respectively. What driver-assistance features and amenities they come with will depend on what model you are interested in. For example, in a Volvo S60 sedan, both the Plus and Ultimate trims come with leather upholstery. However, in a Volvo XC60, the Plus gets leather upholstery while the Ultimate gets the more luxurious Nappa leather seating. To know about specific differences between trim levels, talk to one of our sales advisers.

What does the Volvo Core package include?

This answer depends on which model of Volvo vehicle you are considering buying. For example, in the Volvo S60, Volvo XC40, and Volvo XC60, the Core trim comes with a two-zone climate system, but in the three-row Volvo XC90, it comes with a four-zone climate control setup. However, it is common to have amenities like a high-performance audio system and power two-way lumbar support, as well as driver's assistance features like cruise control, rear parking assist, and lane-keeping assistance. To learn the specifics of what the Volvo S60 Core or Volvo XC90 Core has to offer, contact us today.

What does the Volvo Plus package include?

Volvo Plus trim vehicles are the mid-tier option when you are buying a 2023 Volvo vehicle, like the Volvo S60, Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, or Volvo XC90. Its specific amenities vary depending on the model. In some cases, this trim may come with leather upholstery or a heated steering wheel. Interior high-level illumination and a 360-degree camera are common features of this tier. However, if there is something specific you are after, ask our associates if it is present on this trim to make sure you are satisfied with what you drive off our lot.

What does the Volvo Ultimate package include?

This is the top-tier trim of many Volvo models, offering drivers and their passengers the most luxurious experience. For example, if you get a Volvo XC90 Ultimate, it comes with ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, a 360-degree camera, 21" 8-multi spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, and much more. However, a Volvo XC60 or Volvo XC40 Ultimate will come with its own top-tier amenities. To learn about what is specifically included with the Ultimate package for the model of car that you are interested in, talk to our team members.

Volvo Cars Midlothian - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)