With a reputation built on safety and quality, Volvo entered the SUV space almost 20 years ago. With three sizes available, which is the best Volvo SUV on the market today?
Volvo originated in Sweden as a ball-bearing manufacturer before the first Volvo cars emerged in 1927. From the outset, safety was central in the design and marketing of Volvo cars.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Volvos tended to have more American-looking styling. However, by the 1970s, the boxy 240 was launched, cementing Volvo as a quality brand focused on safety and reliability in the minds of American and European consumers.
Although Volvo did not enter the SUV space until 2002, the development of SUVs and crossovers (CUVs) was a natural progression from their well-loved station wagons.
This article looks at five Volvo SUVs, discussing the pros, cons, and characteristics of the two generations of XC90 and XC60, and the newer, smaller XC40.
Volvo XC90 1st Gen. (2002-2014)
The Volvo XC90 launched in 2002 for the 2003 model year and was physically a little larger than one of its main competitors, the BMW X5. It went on to be named Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the Year and North American Truck of the Year for 2003.
The XC90 featured an innovative split tailgate, with a small section folding down like a pickup tailgate. When most of the competition was five-seaters, the XC90 had space for seven, although the third-row space was designed more for children than adults.
The second-row bench seat has a 60/40 split, and each section can be moved backward and forwards independently. The center console is removable.
When the XC90 was launched in North America, two models were available: the 2.5 T and the T6. The 2.5 T was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five-cylinder engine, which made 208 hp. It was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that Volvo developed with Aisin.
The T6 had a 2.9-liter turbocharged inline-six, making 268 hp, mated to a four-speed GM-sourced transmission. The 2.5 T was front-wheel drive, with an optional Haldex all-wheel-drive system (AWD), while all T6s had AWD. In other markets, a five-cylinder diesel was available.
Launched in 2005 was a new 4.4-liter V8 that was developed by Yamaha and made 311 horsepower. Toward the end of its long model life, Volvo updated the XC90 four times.
In 2007, exterior styling was revised and a new interior debuted. A 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, making 235 hp, replaced the base 2.5-liter. In 2009 and 2010, the XC90 received small changes to the exterior, such as a larger grille logo.
For 2012, LED taillights were offered on some models. A year later, LED lights became standard across the range, and new color-coded bumpers sharpened up the appearance of the XC90.
Confirmation of the XC90s excellent design comes from an unlikely source:out-spoken British automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who has owned three XC90s as his personal vehicles, describing one as “a faithful old labrador.”
One remarkable statistic about the first generation XC90 is that despite tens of thousands of sales and millions of miles driven, not one person in Britain has suffered a fatal injury in an XC90. Volvo’s safety-focused design features not only side airbags for all three rows but uses boron steel, which is more than four times stronger than regular steel.
Volvo XC90s have proven to be reliable cars easily capable of 200,000 miles or more if properly maintained. But, there are certain known issues: ABS brakes can fail, and the infotainment system control module often does not last the life of the vehicle.
Other known issues include fuel pumps, handbrakes, and window regulators breaking. High-mile AWD XC90s can also suffer from worn, noisy rear differentials. Early production cars seem to have more issues, so it might be best to avoid 2003 Volvo XC90s.
Volvo XC90 2nd Gen. (2015-Present)
Launched in 2014 as a 2015 model year vehicle, the second-generation XC90 is larger than the previous model. The focus of the XC90 remained outstanding safety, luxurious accommodation, and plenty of space for families. The second-generation XC90 was North American SUV of the Year in 2016, Cars.com’s “Best of 2016” and was one of Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Ten Cars of 2016.
Two gas motors are available, both 2.0-liter inline-four cylinders. The turbocharged T5 makes 254 hp, while the “twin-charged” (turbocharged and supercharged) T6 makes 320 hp. The range-topping Twin Engine model adds an electric motor, sitting on the rear axle, to the twin-charged motor to deliver 400 hp. As before, diesels are only available outside of North America. An eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission is used in all models.
The XC90s suspension was redesigned, with a double-wishbone arrangement at the front, and a transverse leaf spring at the rear made of a special high-tech material. The XC90 can be specified with electronic air suspension, which allows the car to be lowered to facilitate loading.
The British newspaper, the Daily Telegraph reviewed the XC90, commenting on the excellent headroom and large trunk even with the third-row seating in use. The third-row seating is now more generously sized, and comfortable for adults, unlike the first-generation XC90.
Volvo took care to de-clutter the controls of the XC90, and there are only eight buttons, with all other controls being operated from a large, tablet-like display screen. Summing up his thoughts after a long-term test of the XC90, one reviewer commented that the infotainment system is well designed, but it does require some time to learn how to use it properly.
The Telegraph noted that while the XC90 drives very well, the transmission can feel a little clunky on downshifts. One other criticism mentioned by more than one road tester is the difficulty in seeing what is behind the XC90.
However, this issue is remedied by the optional 360-degree camera. Testers frequently compliment the XC90 on the quality fit and finish of the interior, especially the comfortable front seats and the lack of wind noise at freeway speeds.
However, the second-generation XC90 has had several recalls. Model year 2016 XC90s had nine recalls, 2017s had six, 2018s had two, and 2019s had four. Faults tend to be electrical, with airbags not fully inflating, or the GPS software needing to be updated. Faults can be model year or trim level specific. So, if you are in the market for a used XC90, you should confirm that the necessary recalls have been carried out for the specific car you are looking at.
Volvo XC60 1st Gen. (2008-2017)
Building on the success of the first generation XC90, Volvo introduced the smaller XC60 to the US market in 2009 as a 2010 model. Despite competition such as the Mercedes GLK, the Lexus RX, the Acura RDX, and the BMW X3 the XC60 became the best-selling car ever built by Volvo.
North American market XC60s are typically powered by Volvo’s venerable 3.2-liter inline-six, now producing 281 hp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Motor Week felt the straight-line performance was strong, recording a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, although they found the transmission lethargic and were disappointed by the 20 mpg they recorded during real-world driving.
As with the XC90, two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models were available along with available hill descent control and a trailer stability package in addition to the standard electronic stability program.
Motor Week found the handling disappointing despite the electronics, commenting that the XC60 has been tuned for a smooth ride rather than dynamic cornering. This criticism was addressed in 2010 with the launch of the R-Design model, which had stiffer suspension and damping.
Styling was an evolution of Volvo’s traditional boxy design language. Auto Trader described it as a downsized first-generation XC90.
Motor Week commented on the dynamic, leaning-forward stance of the XC60, pointing out the coupe-like roofline and glasshouse. This style does not detract from the XC60’s load-lugging capacity, however, and second-row seating is quite cramped for adults. And with no third row, the XC60 can seat only five passengers.
As with the XC90, the XC60’s interior manages to combine practicality, like having the rear seat being split in an unusual 40/20/40 pattern, with a feeling of sophistication that gives the XC60 the gravitas to compete with the premium German offerings in the space. AutoTrader described the XC60 as having an “overwhelming feeling of refinement.”
Volvo has always led on safety, and the XC60 was no exception. A new “City Safety System” was introduced, which uses an infrared laser mounted by the driver’s mirror to continually scan the road ahead. If it perceives that the car in front has stopped, it will automatically bring the XC60 to a stop and thereby prevent a crash.
In 2013, the facelifted XC60 was launched with tweaks to the exterior appearance, including getting a new grille, a new interior design with upgraded materials, and a seven-inch touchscreen display.
The XC60 has had a small number of recalls, three for 2010, 2012, and 2013 models, four for 2011s, and only two for 2014s. One issue common to each model year is wear on a steel cable that holds the seatbelts in place, making the seat belt less effective in the event of a crash.
Ensuring any car you are considering buying has had this recall carried out seems important. Other issues include the keyless ignition not functioning properly, leading to wipers operating all the time, and/or headlights and turn signals not working, and an issue with the engine stop/start system which can blow a fuse, meaning the engine does not restart.
Volvo XC60 2nd Gen. (2017-Present)
In early 2017 Volvo launched the second generation of the XC60 at the Geneva Motor Show. The new car struck a careful balance between the virtues of the first generation XC60, which remained a very strong seller throughout its production life, and the second generation XC90.
The new XC60 is longer and lower than the outgoing model and borrows many styling cues and design elements from its larger sibling, such as the “Thor’s Hammer” headlight design.
It is built on Volvo’s “Scalable Product Architecture” (SPA), which underpins not only the XC90 but the S90 and V90 cars too. Due to the SPA design, the engine options, gearbox, and suspension are the same as those used in the XC90.
However, because the XC60 is smaller, it feels noticeably swifter and more agile, with the range-topping T8 managing the 0-60 sprint in only 4.9 seconds. Some testers criticized the gearbox for being a little clunky when downshifting and slow to kick down if the driver needs to accelerate swiftly.
Like the XC90, the XC60 has air suspension, allowing different suspension settings on the road, and for the car to be lowered to make loading easier. Although the XC60 is smaller than the XC90, the back-seat accommodation is similar.
Many testers mentioned the excellent seats and high-quality ambiance of the interior, with Drivers Seat saying that the XC60 “exudes class.”
In fact, noting these similarities, Cars made a point of comparing the XC60 and XC90, commenting that choosing which one is right for you is based upon whether you need third-row seating.
Model year 2017, 2018, and 2020 XC60s have had four recalls, while 2019s have had seven. Issues include fuel pump failure due to a fuse blowing, loose windscreen wipers, and a fault with the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system.
Volvo XC40 1st Gen. (2017-Present)
With the XC40 Volvo entered the compact crossover (CUV) market for the first time. It was launched in 2017 and won numerous awards, including European Car of the Year for 2018, and Car of the Year by the British magazine What Car?, with California-based reviewer Alex on Autos describing it as the “best small CUV. Period.”
The XC40 is built on Geely’s new CMA platform, which will be shared with other small Volvos in the future. Two 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engines are available in the North American market, making between 187 hp and 248 hp depending upon the trim level, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive XC40s are available.
A plug-in hybrid was launched in 2019, with an electric-only version, the XC40 Recharge, following in 2020.
Standard across the range of XC40s is “Intellisafe,” Volvo’s class-leading safety system, which allows the car to pretension seatbelts if it senses an imminent impact from behind, or that the car is running off the road.
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) praised the driving dynamics of the XC40, commenting that it can carry impressive speed through turns, and the steering is light and quick. Despite this agility, the ride remains excellent. One unusual feature of the XC40 is the shift lever requires two taps forwards to select Drive and two taps backward to select Reverse.
The XC40 excels inside, with KBB commenting that it offers “clever packaging and high style” with a power tailgate as standard, a large, square load area, and a backseat that is comfortable for adults, with plenty of head and legroom.
The 2019 XC40s have had four recalls, and the 2020 models have only one. Many of these recalls are the same as those on XC60s and XC90s, with the GPS needing a software update and an issue with the Automatic Emergency Braking system (AEB). One alarming recall involved brake pedals that have not been assembled properly, meaning the pedal might bend with obvious implications for losing control of the car.
So, Which is the Best Volvo SUV?
Perhaps Volvo’s most interesting SUV is yet to see the light of day. Volvo range of electric vehicles, developed under the Polestar name, gains an SUV addition in 2022, the Polestar 3. This is an SUV designed to rival the Jaguar I-Pace, the Audi e-tron, and the Volkswagen ID. 4.
Looking at the Volvo SUVs on the market today, each makes a compelling proposition. Early first-generation XC90s are now worth less than $3000 and finding a sound, well-maintained one is very attainable, especially if your budget could stretch to $5000-$10,000 for a more recent or lower-mile example. At this price point, a first-generation XC90 offers a spectacular bang for your bucks.
Due to its more recent design, a first-generation XC60 also offers award-winning design excellence for less than $10,000 although it lacks the third row seven-seater capacity of the XC90.
Both second generations of the XC90 and XC60 offer luxury, style, and clever design. It’s these aspects that impressed performance car-oriented testers like Jeremy Clarkson just as much as practicality-focused testers like Motor Week, Kelley Blue Book, and What Car? The XC40 incorporates most of its larger brothers’ safety features and panache in a smaller, more nimble, and lower-priced package.
Choosing between these excellent cars will probably come down to your budget and what size vehicle you need. In towns and cities, the size of the XC90 counts against it. However, if you need third-row seating, the XC90 is the model for you.
The XC40 offers much of what the larger cars do in a very urban-friendly package. But it is probably the middle-sized, top-selling XC60 that offers the best all-around compromise.
Photos: Volvo
