Volvo XC60 MK1 vs Volvo XC90 MK2

Volvo XC60

MK1 · 2008 – 2017

The first-generation XC60 (MK1), on the P3 platform.

Volvo XC90

MK2 · 2015 – 2026

The second-generation XC90 (MK2), on the SPA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC60

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, safe and comfortable SUV with a strong D4/D5 diesel.

Best engine: The D4/D5 five-cylinder diesel, preferably post-2013 facelift.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC90

Pick the MK2 for a premium, safe seven-seat SUV with an efficient B5 mild-hybrid or quick T8.

Best engine: The B5 mild-hybrid (petrol) — or the T8 plug-in hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

D4 2.0 190 · Diesel vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol

	Volvo XC60	Volvo XC90
Power	190 hp	250 hp Winner
Torque	400 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,4 s	7,7 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,6 hp/t	119,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	129 g/km Winner	168 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,9 L/100km Winner	7,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Volvo XC60	Volvo XC90
Boot	495 L	720 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.455 L	2.005 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,77 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,64 m	4,95 m
Ground clearance	23,0 cm	22,3 cm
Turning circle	11,7 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.700 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Volvo XC60	Volvo XC90
Platform	P3 (shared with V70/S80)	SPA
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	2.0/2.4 five-cylinder diesel (D3/D4/D5) · 2.0 T5 · 3.0 T6 petrol	2.0 D5 diesel · 2.0 T5/T6 petrol · 2.0 B5/B6 mild-hybrid · 2.0 T8 plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed Geartronic automatic	8-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Diesel	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Volvo XC60

Neglected Haldex/AWD fluid services
Diesels: DPF/EGR with urban use
Timing belt (diesel) on interval

Volvo XC90

Infotainment software and Sensus glitches
12V battery drain (early cars)
T8: ERAD and battery need monitoring

Pros

Volvo XC60

Comfortable and safe (early City Safety)
Strong five-cylinder diesels
Affordable used

Volvo XC90

Premium interior and hushed comfort
Seven-seat practicality and safety
Efficient mild-hybrids and quick T8

Cons

Volvo XC60

Dated infotainment
Haldex/AWD needs fluid services
Early T6 can use oil

Volvo XC90

Infotainment can glitch
12V battery can drain
Not focused on sharp dynamics

Driving experience

Volvo XC60

Composed and secure for a mid-size SUV of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.

Volvo XC90

Composed and secure for a large SUV, with light, accurate steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, especially with optional air suspension, and firmer on larger alloys; body roll is present yet managed. Mild-hybrid petrols deliver usable performance with strong low-end torque; the T8 plug-in hybrid is notably quicker. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.