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The Volvo XC60 was first launched in 2008 and brought a new style for Volvo's 60 Series models. The first generation was refreshed in 2013 before a second generation launch in 2017. The second generation brought with it only four cylinder engines and the option to choose a hybrid and in the 2017-2018 year the Volvo XC60 was named Car of the Year Japan.
The Volvo XC90 is the largest model Volvo SUV available and the only Volvo car to offer a 7 seat option, making it a great choice for growing families. It was launched in 2002 and given a second generation in 2014, with both versions winning Motor Trend's SUV of the Year on their launch years.
Our guide will compare the Volvo XC60 vs XC90 and highlight their differences to help you decide which one will suit you and your needs best as your next car.
The current versions of both cars have very similar designs as cars in the same family and category. You can recognise them by their rectangular and strong looking front grilles and signature headlights with "Thor's Hammer" detailing the running lights.
The Volvo XC90 is a little boxier at the back to accommodate two additional seats and it's tail lights don't wrap around towards the centre of the boot in the same way that they do on the XC60, which makes it look a little sharper. The XC60 also has a slightly more athletic shape thanks to it's raked rear window.
One of the main design differences between the two models comes from the chassis on each model with the XC60 using a dynamic chassis and the XC90 using a touring chassis. The latter has softer settings for the dampers and front and rear subframes to give a much smoother ride on poorer road surfaces.
Volvo have also made some changes to both SUVs, such as having the previously optional air suspension and introducing contour sports seats for the Recharge models, which have kept them current and ahead of some of the competition.
The biggest difference between the Volvo XC90 and the Volvo XC90 is the third row of seats that is available in the XC90 which allows you to travel with six or seven passengers. For this reason the XC90 is 245mm longer and 118mm taller to accommodate the additional passengers.
The Volvo XC90 has more cargo space too when you have the first and second row of seats in use, 680 litres in a petrol or diesel and 640 litres as a hybrid compared to 613 litres in a petrol or diesel Volvo XC60 and 598 litres as a plug in hybrid. If you're using all seven spaces in the larger SUV then it does reduce the cargo space further to 302 litres in a petrol or diesel and 262 in the hybrid.
It's easy to get comfortable in either Volvo SUV, although the XC90 offers four way climate control, a memory function for the seat adjustments, and front seat cushion extensions as standard so that you can really tailor the driving experience to your needs.
The Volvo XC90, as the top model in the range, has a few features that come as standard but would require a trim upgrade if you wanted like for like with the Volvo XC60.
Some of what is additionally included on the XC90 includes: keyless drive, pilot assist, adaptive cruise control, 19 inch alloys, 4 zone climate control, a semi automatic load cover, heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, front seat cushion extensions, blind spot information system with steer assist, and cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning.
At the Ultimate trim level both the Volvo XC90 and the Volvo XC60 offer the highest level of comfort and equipment such as dark tinted rear windows, a premium sound system by Bowers and Wilkins, and the previously optional air suspension.
Both Recharge plug in hybrid models will come with a 3 pin plug charging cable and a type 2/mode 3 charging cable, electric rear axle drive, Recharge aluminium tread plates, and drive mode settings.
Where the Volvo XC90 offers one petrol, diesel, and plug in hybrid engine the Volvo XC60 has more options with five in total across the three fuel types.
On both models the T8 All Wheel Drive plug in hybrid engine offers more power than any other engine in the range with 455HP and an all electric range of 47.8 miles in the XC60 and 42.3 miles in the XC90. The Volvo XC60 will offer you the best fuel economy with this engine with a combined mpg of 282.5 in comparison to 217.3 in the Volvo XC90.
If you decide to opt for a petrol or diesel engine then the most power comes from the 2.0 litre petrol AWD mild hybrid engine with 250HP. Performance is better in the XC60 again, with a combined mpg of 35.7 compared to 32.4 in the Volvo XC90.
It can be difficult when comparing the Volvo XC60 vs XC90 as they are very similar cars in terms of performance and equipment. Realistically the need for the XC90 comes from the need for more room for either passengers or cargo space whilst the XC60 offers a strong amount of equipment in a slightly smaller package.
Our teams at our John Clark Volvo sites in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee are always on hand to help you with any further questions you might have had or to guide you through both vehicles in person.
