Volvo XC60 vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC60 a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Volvo XC60 features a 11.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo XC60 stands out with Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Volvo XC60 uses a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 producing 183kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo XC60 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Volvo XC60 measures 4,708mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 245mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 483L in the Volvo XC60 and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Volvo XC60 a 182L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,400kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Volvo XC60's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 11.0 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Volvo XC60 costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $143 a year less for the Volvo XC60.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC60) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Volvo XC60), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Volvo XC60: the lower starting price ($74,990 against $97,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (483L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Volvo XC60.

The Verdict

Volvo XC60 scores higher, 69 vs 67

The Volvo XC60 scores 69 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Volvo XC60 ahead by 9 points), fuel economy (Volvo XC60 ahead by 4 points), performance (Volvo XC60 ahead by 3 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Volvo XC60 costs about $143 less (7.6 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 483L in the Volvo XC60, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions