Choosing between RWD and AWD on the 2027 Volvo EX60 is one of the most consequential decisions in the buying process — and it cuts in a different direction than most buyers expect. The AWD model does not just add traction; it also delivers more power and more range. Understanding why helps clarify which version is right for your life on Long Island.
Bottom Line: The EX60 RWD delivers 369 hp and 307 miles of range. The AWD delivers 503 hp and 322 miles. For many Long Island buyers, the AWD is a better overall value — but the RWD is genuinely impressive and the right choice for many households.
- RWD (single rear motor): 369 hp, 354 lb-ft, 5.7s 0–60, up to 307 mi, 80 kWh usable
- AWD (dual motor): 503 hp, 524 lb-ft, 4.4s 0–60, up to 322 mi, 92 kWh usable
- AWD has both more power and more range — an unusual advantage compared to most competitors
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Spec | EX60 RWD | EX60 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 369 hp | ✓ 503 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft | ✓ 524 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 5.7 seconds | ✓ 4.4 seconds |
| EPA Range | Up to 307 mi | ✓ Up to 322 mi |
| Usable Battery | 80 kWh | ✓ 92 kWh |
| All-Weather Traction | Rear-wheel | ✓ All-wheel |
| Touring Chassis | ✓ Available on Plus | AWD has its own tuning |
Why AWD Has More Range
This surprises many buyers. AWD usually means a range penalty because you’re carrying a heavier vehicle with an additional motor. Volvo addressed this by fitting the AWD EX60 with a significantly larger battery — 92 kWh usable versus 80 kWh on the RWD. The added capacity more than compensates for the added weight and motor load, resulting in 15 more miles of range.
For Long Island buyers planning regular highway trips — whether to Manhattan, the Hamptons, or Westchester — the AWD’s 15-mile range advantage and larger battery buffer is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. Starting a long trip with 322 miles versus 307 miles changes how often you stop to charge.
The RWD Case: Real-World Reasoning
The RWD EX60 is not a compromise. 369 horsepower is quick — genuinely quick. The 5.7-second 0–60 time is faster than most non-sport SUVs regardless of powertrain type, and 307 miles of range covers the overwhelming majority of Long Island driving patterns multiple times over without charging.
For buyers who primarily commute within Suffolk County, charge at home every night, and do not frequently drive 200+ mile round trips, the RWD makes excellent sense. It is also the powertrain available on the Plus RWD — for buyers who want the Plus trim and want to save on the overall price, RWD keeps both the trim and powertrain costs lower.
Traction and Winter Driving on Long Island
Suffolk County winters are real — rain, occasional snow, and icy mornings in Huntington, Northport, and Commack are part of annual life. AWD provides meaningful added confidence in these conditions, particularly during initial acceleration from a stop. Electric AWD works seamlessly because torque delivery to each axle is electronically controlled with no lag.
RWD EVs in winter conditions are improved over RWD gasoline vehicles because instant electric torque is precisely controllable — but they remain less capable than AWD in genuine snow. If your driveway slopes, your neighborhood has icy mornings regularly, or you drive rural North Shore roads in winter, AWD is a worthwhile investment.
Who Should Choose Each Powertrain
Choose RWD if you:
- Primarily drive within Suffolk County and charge at home
- Prioritize keeping the total purchase price lower
- Do not regularly drive in snow or on ice
- Want the Plus trim at the base powertrain price point
Choose AWD if you:
- Regularly commute to or through New York City (longer range buffer matters)
- Drive in winter conditions with any regularity
- Want the quickest possible 0–60 (4.4 seconds is genuinely fast)
- Value having the largest available battery in the EX60 for long-term ownership
"What I tell buyers is this: if you're on the fence, the AWD gives you more of everything — more range, more power, more traction. The RWD is the right choice when you know your driving patterns don't demand all of that. Both are excellent."
General Manager, Volvo Cars of Huntington
Browse available EX60 inventory at Volvo Cars of Huntington or view current new vehicle specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AWD hurt the EX60’s range? No — the AWD EX60 actually has more range (322 miles) than the RWD (307 miles) because it comes with a larger 92 kWh usable battery. The extra battery capacity more than offsets the efficiency cost of the second motor.
Is the RWD EX60 quick enough for highway merging? Yes — 369 horsepower and instant electric torque make highway merges effortless. The 5.7-second 0–60 is faster than most naturally aspirated V6 competitors. It does not feel slow under any normal driving condition.
Can the RWD handle Long Island winters? It is capable but requires more driver awareness than AWD. Modern RWD EVs have excellent traction control, but true winter driving — icy mornings, snow-covered side streets — is more confidently handled by AWD.
Is AWD available on both Plus and Ultra? Yes — both trim levels (Plus and Ultra) are available with both the RWD and AWD powertrains.
What is the charging time difference between RWD and AWD? Both use the same 800V architecture and NACS charging port. The AWD has a larger battery (95 kWh nominal vs. 83 kWh nominal), so a full charge from a low state takes proportionally longer — but the faster charging speeds of the 800V system keep overall DC fast charge times competitive.
Ready to choose your EX60 configuration? Explore available inventory at Volvo Cars of Huntington, serving Huntington, Northport, Commack, and Melville.
Related reading: 2027 EX60 Plus vs Ultra Trim Comparison | EX60 Range and Charging Guide