Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90: which is better?
Two brilliant SUV options that stand out on a crowded market – but is the Volvo XC60 or XC90 best for you?
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Since Volvo quietly confirmed it would be ending the production of its saloon and estate cars in 2023, its SUVs have been given even more of the spotlight.
While the brand is focusing on SUVs and new electric models, they can be pricey and they aren’t for everyone.
The XC60 and XC90 are a pair of SUVs designed for family life, but they don’t forgo safety and a bit of fun.
Keep reading to find out which is best for you.
Volvo XC90 vs. Volvo XC60: which has more style?
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Although both are regular SUVs – not coupé-SUVs like the BMW X4 and BMW X6 – there’s a clear difference between the two models.
The Volvo XC60 retains the traditional and practical shape of an SUV, but has fairly aggressive styling that makes it look sporty. This is most true of R-Design trim models, which look great.
The key difference between the XC60 and XC90 is the size – the XC90 is a large seven-seater. To be able to accommodate the third row of seats, it has a boxier shape.
Both SUVs look clean and minimal, and this is more evident inside where the dashboard consists primarily of a large, modern-looking portrait-oriented touchscreen.
Despite their differences outside, both cars are fairly similar inside.
What is it like to drive a Volvo XC90 vs. XC60?
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Both the XC90 and the XC90 offer a comfortable and smooth driving experience, and the seats are built to be safe and supportive.
The smaller XC60 is arguably more nimble and doesn’t lean as much as you might expect in corners, like some other SUVs.
The XC90 is best driven in a sedate manner, because even the diesel versions weigh more than two tonnes, and plug-in hybrid versions are heavier.
Even so, all versions of the XC60 and XC90 are sufficiently quick. They all use 2.0-litre engines, unlike some other large SUVs that have 3.0-litre engine options.
The more powerful diesels, badged D5 PowerPulse, get some clever tech designed to minimise turbo lag, making them feel quicker to respond.
Volvo replaced its regular engines with mild hybrid versions (badged with a B) in the name of efficiency.
What is the technology in the Volvo XC60 and XC90?
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The large touchscreen infotainment system is great and even works when you’re wearing gloves, which is a neat touch for those living in colder areas.
Most of the car’s controls are managed from there, but there are still a couple of buttons beneath the screen for quick access to things like volume.
As you’d expect from a brand built on its safety credentials, there are plenty of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and autonomous emergency braking.
Specific equipment varies by model year and trim, but most models get a 360-degree parking camera to make navigating tight parking spaces easier, and some even have air suspension for a comfier ride.
Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 dimensions and boot space
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At 4,708mm long and 1,655mm tall, the XC60 is around the same length as a Mercedes GLC or BMW X3. It’s also 2,117mm wide with its mirrors extended.
The XC90 is much larger, and at 4,953mm, it’s within a few millimetres of a Land Rover Discovery.
With the mirrors out, it’s 2,140mm wide, which is wider than many other SUVs. It’s also a tall car, measuring up to 1,773mm.
In seven-seat mode, the XC90 has a 302-litre space, which extends to 680 litres with the two rear seats folded.
With only the front two seats in place, and fully loaded to the roofline, there’s 1,856 litres of space.
The smaller XC60 has a 483-litre space with all seats in place, but with just the two front seats in an upright position, there’s up to 1,410 litres of space.
Although many drivers are unlikely to take their Volvo off-roading, the XC90 can wade through 450mm of water (depending on the model), and it has up to 252mm of ground clearance when fitted with air suspension.
The XC60 has a still-impressive maximum wading depth of 400mm, and up to 209mm of ground clearance.
XC90 vs. XC60: which is more reliable?
Volvo’s cars regularly rank well in driver satisfaction surveys and are known for being durable, long-lasting and safe.
Both have full five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings, each with exceptional scores for child protection and near-perfect scores for adult protection.
Part of the company’s success is down to the fact that its models share some mechanical parts.
For example, the engines and plug-in hybrid setups are largely the same in both the XC60 and XC90, as well as its S60 and S90 saloon models and V60 and V90 estate models.
The brand’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty is less than what some other manufacturers offer, but few buyers end up needing to claim for any serious faults.
Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 recharge time
Although there are no electric versions of the XC60 and XC90, there are plug-in hybrid variants, which are handily badged ‘Recharge’.
The latest XC60 and XC90 models have 14.9kWh batteries, plus an additional non-useable buffer that means a total of 18.8kWh.
Plug either of them into a 3.7kW charger and a full charge would take around five hours.
Those with a slower supply, such as a regular three-pin domestic socket, would need around eight hours.
Earlier models have smaller 11.6kWh batteries but support the same charging speeds, so they’re quicker to top up.
Some other plug-in hybrids support up to 7kW, which is the standard speed for most electric cars, but this isn’t all that necessary in the case of a PHEV, which can be topped up overnight on a slower supply regardless.
Used Volvo XC90 vs. used Volvo XC60: which should I buy?
While the XC90 looks great, it can be a lot more expensive, it’s less efficient due to its size, and generally more expensive to maintain and insure.
Unless you need a seven-seater (in which case, it’s one of the most practical you can buy), we think it’s worth sticking to the smaller XC60 SUV.
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