Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: which is better?
Can't decide between a Volvo XC90 and a BMW X5? Read our comparison guide to find which SUV is best for you
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The Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 are two of the most popular high-end SUVs on the market. And thanks to the strong savings when buying used, they’re increasingly accessible to more and more families.
They offer a good balance of luxury, technology and performance, but each of the two has its own strengths and weaknesses.
We delve into aspects like driving dynamics, tech features, practicality and reliability to help you decide which SUV suits your lifestyle better in the battle of XC90 vs. X5.
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Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5
Is the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5 better to drive?
Does the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5 have better tech?
Which SUV has the better styling?
Is the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5 more reliable?
What are the Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 dimensions?
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: styling
 "Side-by-side image of Volvo XC90 and BMW X5")
The Volvo XC90 offers a sleek Scandinavian design, complete with clean lines and a minimalist look, both inside and out.
Its signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lights and upright grille set it apart from other large SUVs, and there’s plenty of chrome and attention to detail to remind you that this is a cut above the rest.
The BMW X5 has a more assertive and dynamic look, with its bold kidney grille and heavily sculpted bodywork giving it a lot of road presence.
Inside, you’ll find a more driver-centric interior with a good mix of physical controls and classic styling cues – more like a car than the posh hotel vibe you get in the Volvo.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: what are they like to drive?
 "Side-by-side image of Volvo XC90 and BMW X5")
The Volvo XC90 offers a really relaxing drive – all engines are 2.0-litre units, and whether you pick petrol, diesel, mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid, there’s always enough punch.
It’s designed to be as efficient and relaxing as an SUV of this size can be, and the well-insulated cabin and refined handling only add to this.
On the flip side, the BMW X5 is renowned for its engaging driving dynamics, offering precise steering and a smooth ride despite its added weight and large dimensions.
There’s a choice of four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines, each configured to deliver power for maximum performance and with a solid soundtrack to match.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: interior and technology
 "Side-by-side image of Volvo XC90 and BMW X5")
Inside the Volvo XC90 you get premium materials like soft-touch Nappa leather and open-pore wood – some versions even come with glamorous crystal touches, like on the gear selector.
Its portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system might not feel as smooth as the BMW’s, but it looks great and has all the smartphone connectivity you’d expect, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The iDrive infotainment system BMW uses in the X5 is one of the best in the business. You can control it with the touchscreen or the rotary controller in the centre console, which makes it far easier to use on the go.
It’s just as luxurious inside, with leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces where it matters, but it generally has a sportier feel with a range of metal and carbon fibre inserts where the XC90 tends to use wood.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: boot space and practicality
 "Side-by-side image of Volvo XC90 and BMW X5")
The Volvo XC90 is known for its excellent practicality, offering seven spacious seats and a healthy 302 litres of boot space with all of them in place.
While the X5 has been available with seven seats in the past, newer models aren’t, so you’ll need to make do with five if you buy a fourth-gen model, introduced in 2019.
Boot space with five seats in place is pretty similar for both models – 680 litres for the XC90 and 650 litres for the X5.
With the rear row folded flat, space increases to 1,856 litres (XC90) or 1,870 litres (X5), so there’s not much that separates the two storage-wise.
The biggest difference is if you go for a plug-in hybrid variant, like the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge or the BMW X5 xDrive50e. Space drops considerably to 500 litres (1,720 litres with the rear seats folded) in the X5, whereas the XC90 retains more of its space (640 litres, or1,816 with the rear seats folded).
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: safety and reliability
The Volvo XC90 has a top-notch reputation for safety, frequently earning top marks in crash tests around the world. In Euro NCAP tests, its adult protection and safety assist systems were rated outstanding.
The BMW X5 is also considered to be an extremely safe car, having also received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with strong performance for adult and child protection.
Both are solid choices, but Volvo’s long-standing focus on safety innovation does give it a slight edge in this category.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: dimensions
While both these SUVs are similar in size, the XC90’s taller and longer frame help it to be more spacious inside.
In contrast, the X5 is lower but noticeably wider, giving it a more aggressive and sporty stance on the road that helps with handling.
Volvo XC90
Length: 4,953mm
Width: 2,140mm
Height: 1,771mm
Boot space: 302 litres (all seven seats up), 680 litres (five seats up), 1,856 litres (rear seats folded)
PHEV boot space: 262 litres (all seven seats up), 640 litres (five seats up), 1,816 litres (rear seats folded)
BMW X5
Length: 4,922mm
Width: 2,218mm
Height: 1,745mm
Boot space: 650 litres (all five seats up), 1,870 litres (rear seats folded)
PHEV boot space: 500 litres (all five seats up), 1,720 litres (rear seats folded)
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Verdict: Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5: which should you buy?
Both the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 are exceptional luxury SUVs, but their appeals vary depending on what your priorities are.
You should pick a used Volvo XC90 if...
You need seven seats
Safety is important to you
A refined cabin appeals
You should pick a used BMW X5 if...
You're a driving enthusiast
Bigger engines are attractive
You want a sporty-looking car
Driving enthusiasts will love how the BMW X5 feels behind the wheel – it’s a truly enjoyable car that just happens to be a highly practical family SUV.
For safety-conscious buyers, such as families, or anyone who needs that extra bit of space, the Volvo XC90 stands out for its added practicality and years-long reputation for safety.