Volvo XC60 vs. XC90

The Volvo XC60 follows closely to the design path created by the XC90 which helped establish this brand's current theme - simplistically modern on the outside yet packed with practical usefulness and the latest in safety and infotainment technology. Underneath the skin, the two share similar powertrains - down to the horsepower. But while they share many of the same mantras, they also put themselves into two different segments. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them different and which is better with a brief comparison.

Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 Price

The XC60 competes in the $45,000-$55,000 range (the plug-in hybrid model can go to nearly $76,000) while the XC90 is priced between $57,000 and just over $70,000 (the plug-in hybrid can take that to about $80,500).

Availability appears to be good, however, neither model is offered with a good lease deal or with any special financing deals. Volvo is offering rebates for returning consumers.

Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 Size

The two-row XC60 is nearly 10 inches shorter than the three-row XC90 (six or seven passengers) but its width, headroom, and legroom are within about an inch of each other. The XC90 uses its added length for the third row and a larger cargo room.

Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 Cargo Space

The XC90 is significantly better prepared for fitting the family’s worth of luggage and things with 41.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row (15.9 cubic feet behind with the third row occupied) which is almost double the XC60’s 22.3-cubic foot rating.

With the second row of seats folded, the interior space opens to 85.7 cubic feet in the XC90 and 63.4 cubic feet in the XC60.

Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 Engine Options

The XC60 and the XC90 share identical powertrains but the XC90’s larger size and potential to haul greater loads more frequently may lead to one offering being more desirable than another.

All three options start with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and a mild-hybrid assist setup that provides about 30 pound-feet of instant torque (and fast restarts) which primarily receives its power from the kinetic energy recovery braking system. It’s deemed the B5.

The middle tier of the powertrain hierarchy sees the same B5 engine except with an electric supercharger that helps to deliver 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This is the B6 powertrain. The XC60 is offered as a front-wheel drive model with the less powerful (B5) engine while all-wheel drive is standard elsewhere.

For those looking for maximum efficiency from their Volvo XC60 or XC90, a plug-in hybrid powertrain is offered that combines the B6 engine with an 18.1 kWh battery pack and a rear axle motor. The total output for the T8 powertrain is a stout 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque while being able to deliver about 35 miles of electric power. When rolling in hybrid mode, the T8 is expected to save at least $1,000 dollars annually in fuel costs over the gas-only B6 powertrain.

Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 Safety & Tech

As one would expect, Volvo didn’t hold back with offering its safety systems in either model. The XC60 is offered with all of the expected hardware such as automatic emergency braking blind spot detection, parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering, which are all also available on the XC90.

Both also offer the latest in technology with a nine-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, a digital gauge cluster, a color head-up display, air suspension with adaptive dampers, and a high-fidelity sound system with over 1,000 watts of power.

Which Is Better: Volvo XC60 vs. XC90?

The XC60 and XC90 operate in different segments. Those who might see the frequent need for more than five seats or often find themselves stuffing packages as the door is closing might want to take a closer look at the XC90.

If the benefits of the smaller size and greater maneuverability will ease the everyday stress of navigating unpredictable urban streets and narrow alleyways, then it will be easy to appreciate the tidier XC60 especially since the wide availability of features and powertrains allow one to not need to forgo a sense of premium.

Despite the XC90’s significant step up in price, its added everyday flexibility earns our vote over the XC60.

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, photos and more!

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