Volvo XC60 review

The Volvo XC60 is one of a number of models that has changed the public’s perception of the Swedish brand in recent years. Not all that long ago, Volvo was viewed as the fuddy-duddy, affordable estate-focused alternative to the premium German triumvirate of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Well, these days, with its revamped range, Volvo isn't simply knocking on the door of that exclusive premium club — it's partying hard inside.

Of course, when your price tag is reflecting your premium ambitions, your product needs to match up. That's the challenge faced by the Volvo XC60, which sits above the excellent Volvo XC40 family SUV in the brand's SUV lineup.

The XC60, though, is based on the same underpinnings as Volvo’s flagship SUV, the luxurious XC90. However, it's shorter, several thousand pounds cheaper, and comes with only five seats instead of the XC90’s seven. It’s aimed squarely at other large premium SUV rivals, including the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery Sport. 

Those rivals are well-suited to family life and have a multitude of qualities that the Volvo XC60 needs to emulate, namely space, a plush, well-built interior and a varied range of strong and efficient engines. 

Is the XC60 up to the challenge? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Which engines and trims make the most sense? Over the next few pages we'll tell you everything you need to know.

And if you decide it's the car for you, check out our New Car Buying service – you could save a small fortune on an XC60 without any awkward haggling.