Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90

Overall Average Rating - 84.9%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 52nd

WINNER OF CATEGORY - Practicality

Despite the XC90 being designed in the mould of a 4x4, Volvo knows that not many are bought for mud-plugging. In fact, the firm claims more estate-based XC70s go off-road than fully fledged four-wheel-drive XC90s. What the larger model is used for is transporting families. Clever folding rear seats give the option of carrying seven and let buyers tailor the cabin to perfectly meet their requirements. You tell us there’s nothing more practical on sale.

Ratings

Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 56th
Build Quality: 50th
Running Costs: 96th
Performance: 97th
Braking: 42nd
Ride Quality: 15th
Handling: 82nd
Practicality: 1st
Comfort: 5th
Ease of Driving: 12th

Your Quotes

“Generally very happy. An excellent family car (even if the anti 4x4 brigade don't think so), but it's a bit dull compared with my previous motors.”

Mr Robert Smith - Surrey

Advertisement - Article continues below

“Best car I have ever owned for overall value for money. Comfortable, safe, huge storage, great driving position. Brilliant in snow. The Green lobby make me feel bad about owning one though. The rabid taxation threats and the other charges associated with 4x4s are the only reasons why I am not certain to buy the same car again. A shame.”

Mr Greg Tanner - Middlesex

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

“Extremely practical, but lacks the wow factor in terms of acceleration. Cruises well on motorway. Diesel consumption down on stated mpg.”

Mr Keith Plumb - Leics

“Quiet, safe, with ability to carry seven people when required, and good for towing various trailers. Four wheel drive helps when launching / recovering boats on slipways as well as when pulling away quickly when turning at a junction, or on slippery surfaces. Excellent vehicle that does everything I expected.”

Mr C. Oakley - Brighton

“Provides armchair comfort, reliability and practicality. The only major problem has been excessive tyre wear and wheel alignment.”

Mr M. Malt - Guildford

“The best car for a large family by far. Excellent ride and handling. Twin turbo thirsty on petrol if driven hard.”

Mr Jonathan Hill - London

Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 12th)

Safety, comfort and durability –– these are the attributes that keep customers coming back to Volvo. But does the car maker live up to its reputation? You tell us that its cars are tough to beat for practical long-distance cruising, voting Volvo in at the top of the comfort chart. Yet this comes at a cost, and keeping your Swedish model on the road is leaving a considerable hole in many budgets.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volvo XC90 (2002-2015) review
Volvo XC90 front tracking

Volvo XC90 (2002-2015) review

The Volvo XC90 is a great-value alternative to newer 4x4s like the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class
In-depth reviews
20 Jun 2025
Volvo XC90 review
Volvo XC90 - front

Volvo XC90 review

Swedish Volvo XC90 SUV is still a strong contender after nine years on sale
In-depth reviews
8 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025