What is the best Volvo car?
Looking to buy a Volvo but not sure which model is right for you? Take a look at our guide to find out more about the best you can buy
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Known for its safe cars, Volvo is becoming increasingly popular among premium car buyers who value comfort and style.
The best Volvo car to buy will depend on what you need from your car, but fortunately, there’s a common theme – saloon, estate and SUV variants of similar models.
Plug-in hybrid models make for some of the best used Volvo cars because they can be snapped up for a bargain compared to what they might’ve cost new, but whichever you pick, you’re guaranteed a safe and luxurious set of wheels.
V40 – the most affordable used Volvo car?
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A V40 makes for a compelling choice in the family hatchback sector – which sees tough competition from the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus – where it stands out for its stylish Scandinavian design.
The V40 often comes at a more affordable price tag compared with some other hatchbacks, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to building very safe and high-quality cars.
Moreover, it strikes a good balance between being comfortable and nimble, making it a good pick for both city-dwellers and long-distance drivers, where some of the diesel engines really come into their own.
Its boot is slightly smaller than many class-leaders, but the difference is unlikely to be a problem in the real world.
There are even rugged-looking Cross Country models with off-road-inspired styling, without the tradeoff in economy or practicality.
V60 – the top Volvo car for long distances?
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As the brand’s smallest estate, the V60 still offers a lot more space than many other estate models thanks to a cleverly designed boot that’s both wide and long.
Its well-cushioned seats, ample legroom and smooth suspension setup make it a good pick for drivers who often find themselves on the motorway for extended periods – you could easily travel a few hours and get out feeling fine.
Safety kit like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking also provide some reassurance for the driver.
Its eye-catching looks, especially in sporty R-Design trim, are backed up by a driving experience that’s genuinely enjoyable.
V90 – the most durable Volvo?
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Belonging to the brand’s flagship lineup, the ‘90’ series of cars, the V90 features some top-notch car tech as standard, and top-spec models are truly as plush as they sound.
Like any other model, the V90 is subject to Volvo’s strict safety and quality checks, but because it’s considered a premium model, it also benefits from technological and mechanical advancements sooner than other models.
Some models get a comfortable air suspension setup, while others feature a clever turbocharging system designed to minimise turbo lag and improve responsiveness.
All engines are 2.0-litre units, available with a mix of petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powers.
S60 – the most fuel-efficient used Volvo car?
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The Volvo S60 stands out as a great choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient, luxurious car because it’s one of the brand’s smallest and lightest cars that’s still relatively new.
Renowned for its elegant, premium design, advanced safety features and impressive technology, the S60 is a genuine rival to other premium saloons like the Mercedes C-Class.
The brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability means that you’ll only find petrol models, with newer ones benefiting from emission-reducing mild hybrid assistance.
There are also some plug-in hybrid models to pick from, which can do upwards of 30 miles between charges.
Standard equipment is very good, and all models come with a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen, parking sensors and cruise control, so there’s really no bad pick.
S90 – the Volvo car with the best interior?
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The Volvo S90’s cabin is the perfect combination of elegance and practicality – all the materials are soft to the touch while still being hard-wearing.
Then there’s the touchscreen system, which is designed to work with gloves – a nod to the brand’s subarctic origins, but a feature that will be welcome for families up and down the UK.
Comfort is another key selling point of the S90, thanks to its soft and supportive seats and ergonomic centre console setup.
As you’d expect, plenty of driver aids and safety kit are there to take the stress out of regular driving.
The S90 is also a great pick for those carrying rear-seat passengers because legroom is excellent and you should have no problem fitting three side-by-side in the back.
XC40 – the best used Volvo car for city driving?
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SUVs have their merits, and many drivers value the higher seating position to help give a better view of the area around the car. The XC40’s upright stance means this is more noticeable than in other crossovers.
The XC40 is also one of the brand’s more youthful cars, which is available with a lot of customisation options such as a two-tone roof.
Earlier models were available with diesel power, but newer examples are petrol and plug-in hybrid only.
There are also two electric versions, which are very well suited to town driving because they’re very quiet and efficient, unlocking the potential of some seriously low running costs.
XC60 – the best Volvo family car?
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The Volvo XC60 is a stylish family SUV that has proven incredibly popular for the manufacturer, which in 2023 confirmed it would concentrate on predominantly selling SUVs.
Although it’s an SUV, it’s almost a copy-and-paste job on the inside, which is almost identical to the S60 and V60.
That’s no bad thing because it’s both modern and luxurious, making it a worthy rival to models like the BMW X3.
You’ll find the usual mix of petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid, but all models offer a smooth and refined ride with composed handling and, in most cases, the reassurance of all-wheel drive.
Standard equipment generally includes child-friendly features like a panoramic sunroof and parent-friendly kit like a powered boot lid, but check each listing individually because Volvo has added more equipment over the years.
XC90 – the biggest Volvo car?
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A true seven-seater SUV, even adults can sit for short periods in the back of the XC90, making it a lot more useable than some other options.
Even so, boot space is great, with more than 300 litres of storage space in seven-seat format, which is the same as you get in the entire boot of some small hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta.
With the rearmost and middle seats folded, there’s enough space to rival some small vans.
Like any other Volvo model, there are plug-in hybrid models to choose from, but because it’s such a heavy car, it’s not as efficient as you might expect. Diesel variants are generally more popular.
Because it’s a flagship model, optional extras include massaging seats, a 360-degree parking camera and a handy head-up display.