8. Volvo XC90
Way back in 2003, the Volvo XC90 was voted Auto Express Car of the Year, and it hasn’t changed a great deal since. It still scores with its practical seven-seat interior, and although the design is showing its age, there’s still plenty of equipment. All models get climate and cruise control, although it’s best to go for at least a mid-spec SE if you want leather and Bluetooth.
Safety is still impressive, with plenty of airbags included, while you’ll need the standard parking sensors because of the huge turning circle. Those large dimensions mean plenty of interior space, even if the two rearmost seats are best suited to children. With them in place, boot size is limited to 249 litres, but fold the seats into the floor and there’s 615 litres. Fold all five rear seats and you get a large 1,837-litre space.
These days, Volvo only offers the XC90 with a 198bhp 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel and a six-speed automatic box. This makes for smooth progress, and means a towing capacity of over two tonnes. But off road ability is limited, while fuel consumption is heavy, at 34.4mpg.
