2018 Volvo XC60 vs 2018 Volvo XC90: Compare Cars
Volvo’s compact and mid-size SUVs are like nesting dolls. It looks like the three-row 2018 Volvo XC90 could open up and swallow the five-seat 2018 Volvo XC60.
Both are among our favorite family moving companies, mostly for the same reasons. Its understated style lends character to any driveway, while the high level of safety equipment comes as a surprise given the crossovers’ relatively affordable prices.
We rate the XC90 at 7.2 out of 10, while the XC60 comes in at 7.5 out of 10. Neither earns a number to be ashamed of.
More: Read our 2018 Volvo XC60 and 2018 Volvo XC90 reviews
At 194.9 inches bumper-to-bumper, the XC90 stretches about a foot longer than the XC60. The XC90 is also approximately 5 inches wider, helping it accommodate four passengers in exceptional comfort. The other three seatbelts on board aren’t worth fighting over, though the XC90’s third row is on par with rivals like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. The XC60’s relatively narrow interior reveals itself when three people are riding side by side in the back.
In terms of cargo capacity, the XC90’s hefty maximum of 85.7 cubic feet dwarfs the smaller XC60’s 63.3 cubes. Both make good use of available space, with low liftover heights, flat cargo floors, and convenient storage bins scattered throughout the cabin.
Under sheet metal
Sunbelts may find the XC90’s base model – a front-wheel-drive model – attractive, something the all-wheel-drive XC60 range doesn’t offer.
Both crossovers come standard with a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 that Volvo calls the T5. A 316-horsepower version of the turbo-4 with a supercharger and a turbocharger called the T6 in Volvo parlance is optional.
2018 Volvo XC60
2018 Volvo XC60
2018 Volvo XC60
2018 Volvo XC60
Topping the lineup in both crossovers is a 400-horsepower hybrid version of the T6 that’s boosted by an electric motor and a rear lithium-ion battery pack. These variants, called the T8, can get expensive, but the EPA quotes an electric-only range of 18 miles for the XC60 T8 and 19 miles for the XC90 T8 which could offset some of the higher initial purchase price.
Most of our time behind the wheels of these Volvo crossovers was in the T6 versions, which strike a good balance between lively acceleration and reasonable fuel economy. The larger XC90 doesn’t impose much of a penalty on fuel economy as T6 versions of both are rated at 23 mpg combined in EPA testing.
Both crossovers have a comfortable, quiet ride and are just a tick behind the Audi Q7 in our eyes. Air suspension is optional and helps dampen the noisy ride from the available 20-inch alloy wheels. Neither the XC60 nor the
Instead, these crossovers make great long-distance cruisers with their comfortable seats, quiet interiors, and excellent straight-line stability.
Dollar for every dollar
Although both Volvo models are available in a similarly wide range of trim levels — Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, depending on the powertrain chosen — the XC60 offers more bang for the buck at the entry level. It starts at about $42,000, money that buys leather upholstery and all-wheel drive. A similarly optioned XC90 costs about $9,000 more.
Otherwise, the XC60 almost mirrors its bigger brother in terms of standard equipment. Not only can these two crossovers automatically apply the brakes if they detect an impending collision, they can swerve out of the way to try to avoid a collision. Volvo’s Pilot Assist system — the second level of self-driving equipment — is optional on both. The system allows the car to take over steering, acceleration and braking for short periods of time before the driver regains control.
2018 Volvo XC90
2018 Volvo XC90
2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription – Fast Driving, July 2015
2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription – Fast Driving, July 2015
Both crossovers share a vertically mounted 9.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The infotainment software is tablet-like and easy to use after getting used to it, and it can be paired with the expensive (but totally worth it) Bowers & Wilkins sound systems that are among the best we’ve heard in any vehicle.
For hedonists, the XC90 Excellence is priced at well over $100,000 and pampers in an almost Bentley-like way. It’s an unusually well-equipped crossover SUV, but demand for Volvo’s massive SUVs has been predictably light.
Ultimately, we think the XC60 will satisfy most crossover SUV buyers. Think twice about how much of a car you actually need, chances are the XC60 is the right choice.
