Volvo XC90 review

The best family SUV out there. Which, given the usage of most modern SUVs, makes this the pick of the bunch. Volvo was arguably the first firm to realise, back in 2003, that what people wanted was the functionality of a people carrier, but the image of a 4x4. The first gen XC90 was a runaway success, staying on sale until this version arrived in 2014.

Presumably it's been updated since then?

It was facelifted in 2019 with a bit of cosmetic work, and Volvo has recently announced a major update that will bring sharper looks and updated technology to the cabin in 2025. But more than 10 years on, it will ostensibly be the same car. Remarkable.

Of course, the engine line-up has evolved a number of times in its decade-plus on sale, and today just two powertrains are available, the cheapest being the 247bhp, mild hybrid B5 petrol at a smidge shy of £62k.

There's also the plug-in hybrid T8. Starting at nearly £71.5k, the combination of electric motor and engine brings power up to a mighty 449bhp, and 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. Hot hatch territory, in other words. A larger 18.8kWh battery now allows Volvo to claim a 42.3-mile e-range, with economy upwards of 188mpg (yeah, yeah) and CO2 emissions of 29-34g/km.

All versions are 4WD, have eight-speed automatic gearboxes and, of course, seven seats spread across three rows. 

Who's in charge of Volvo these days?

Volvo has been cleverly managed by Chinese parent company, Geely. They’ve invested in the firm, but let it decide its own course of action. Successfully, so far, with strong global sales annually.

And as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This is a handsome, cool car for forward-thinking people. Like you. And one that’s as well-mannered as it is safe to drive, given all versions feature Pilot Assist driver assistance as standard (providing radar cruise control and lane keep).

The XC90 is still built at the Gothenburg plant in Sweden and goes head to head with other seven-seaters such as the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery and BMW X5.

The incoming update (Volvo has already shoehorned it onto the configurator) means it'll be around for a while longer yet, although that's partly to safeguard against slowing uptake of EVs. The elephant in the room is the forward-thinking, fully electric and far more modern EX90, which starts at a frankly terrifying £96,255. Click these blue words for our full review.

Clarity of thought is what sets the XC90 apart. It knows precisely what sort of car it’s trying to be and sticks to its game plan religiously. It’ll go off-road, but it’s not a Discovery, there’s no big V8 option to spoil the packaging, or hardcore sports suspension ruining refinement (mostly). Instead it just drives cleanly and well. Undemanding.

What you have here is a car that’s been conceived to support family life, and that’s been kept at the forefront at every stage of its development. From the operation of the seats to the ambience of the cabin, the XC90 is a car that will carry you and your family in safety and security, with minimal fuss and hassle and look good while doing so. Can’t say fairer than that, really.