Volvo XC60 Vs. Volvo XC90: Which Luxury SUV Is Right For You?

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 at a Glance

  • The Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 comparison is between two popular mild-hybrid Volvo crossovers that share much of the same luxury and performance DNA.
  • The key difference between the two SUVs lies in their size; the Volvo XC90 seats up to seven across three rows, while the Volvo XC60 is a five-seat, two-row model.
  • The Volvo XC90 offers up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Volvo XC60 has up to 63.3 cubic feet.
  • Larger families who want a higher towing capacity tend to prefer the Volvo XC90, while city drivers looking for a smaller MSRP and model size typically lean toward the Volvo XC60.
  • Both are ready for your test drive today at the DARCARS Volvo Cars Fairfax showroom!

How to Choose Between the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 Luxury SUVs

When deciding between the Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90, it comes down to what you're looking for. Do you require a midsize luxury crossover with the maximum available passenger, cargo, and hauling capabilities? When properly equipped, the Volvo XC90 has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which might be just what your family's next cross-country adventure or camping trip needs.

The Volvo XC60 has a spirited towing capacity and AWD, too. While it's not a ​small Volvo SUV like the Volvo XC40 or all-electric Volvo EX30, its sleeker build and five-person seating arrangement are still ideal for city dwellers and just the right balance for many families.

Begin the exploration in this guide, and end it with a pair of test drives at DARCARS Volvo Cars Fairfax!

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 Specs Snapshot


2025 Volvo XC90 Core2025 Volvo XC60 Core
Standard Engine 2.0L turbo 4-cyl 2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower 247 247
Torque 266 lb-ft 266 lb-ft
Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (City / Highway / Combined) 23 / 30 / 261 23 / 30 / 261
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs2 3,500 lbs2
Maximum Seating Capacity 6 5
Length 195 in 185.4 in
Width (w/o side mirrors)79.1 in 78.7 in
Height 69.9 in 65.4 in
Maximum Cargo Capacity85.7 cu ft 63.3 cu ft
Comfort & Convenience Features
  • 4-zone climate system
  • Rain sensor
  • Rear center armrest
  • Keyless entry
  • Heated front seats
  • Quilted Nordico upholstery
  • Crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®
  • Comfort chassis with FSD damper tech
  • 2-zone climate system
  • Rain sensor
  • Rear center armrest
  • Keyless entry
  • Heated front seats
  • Leatherette upholstery
Technology Features
  • High performance audio system
  • Bluetooth®
  • App-Connect
  • 11.2" center display
  • 12.3" driver display
  • Wireless charging
  • High performance audio system
  • Bluetooth®
  • App-Connect
  • 12.3" driver display
  • 9" center display
  • Fog lights
Safety Features
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Blind-Spot Monitor
  • Collision Mitigaton
  • Lane-Keeping Aid
  • Pilot Assist
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Blind-Spot Monitor
  • Collision Mitigaton
  • Lane-Keeping Aid

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 Specs: Power & Comfort

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 Specs: Power & Comfort

Both the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 come with the B5 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, which produces 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The three-row model has an available engine, the B6, which is turbocharged and supercharged to achieve 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. In terms of acceleration, the Volvo XC90 equipped with the B5 can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

Its smaller counterpart, the new Volvo XC60 for sale, crosses that same speed gap in 6.5 seconds. However, if you opt for the B6 for your Volvo XC90, your acceleration time zips to 60 mph in an impressive 6.3 seconds.

A Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 size comparison reveals the most obvious difference between the two SUVs: the Volvo XC90 is the larger model. Despite this, the Volvo XC60 has surprisingly spacious seating and ample cargo space. We suggest choosing a new Volvo XC90 for sale if you need up to seven seats or 85.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, but the Volvo XC60 does well, too, with five seats and up to 63.3 cubic feet. Explore the Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 dimensions here in person at DARCARS Volvo Cars Fairfax.

Volvo XC60 Versus Volvo XC90 Trims: Three Levels of Luxury

Volvo XC60 Versus Volvo XC90 Trims: Three Levels of Luxury

As with many of the new Volvo cars and SUVs for sale in our showroom, both the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 come in three premium trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultra. Although they share names, the trim offerings are narrowly different between the two SUVs.

The Core model puts forth a compelling balance between accessibility and luxury. The Volvo XC90 Core and Volvo XC60 Core both come with a panoramic roof, wireless charging, and Blind-Spot Monitor. Exterior roof rails also come standard for each model.

For both premium SUVs, the Plus trim adds a 360-Degree Camera, Park Assist (for the front, rear, and sides), and more luxuries you'll love. The Volvo XC90 Plus has heated rear seats and an integrated booster cushion, while the Volvo XC60 Plus exclusively adds HomeLink®.

The Volvo XC90 vs. Volvo XC60 interior is brought to new heights for the Ultra trim, which delivers a Head-Up Display, power side bolsters, a premium Harman Kardon® audio system, and all the bells and whistles each SUV has to offer.

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90: The Verdict

Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90: The Verdict

Will you choose the higher Volvo XC90 towing capacity and extra row of passenger seats or the more agile build of the Volvo XC60?

You don't need to make the decision alone! Give our Volvo specialists a call or visit DARCARS Volvo Cars Fairfax. We'll guide you through the decision-making process, even making common comparisons, like the differences between the Volvo XC60 vs. Mazda CX-5. We're here to steer you toward the luxury model with your name on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: Volvo XC60 or Volvo XC90?

When calculating the difference between the Volvo XC90 vs. Volvo XC60 cargo space, you'll see the three-row model has a larger maximum capacity. Behind the third row, you'll have more than 12 cubic feet, or fold down those rearmost seats for 66 cubic feet. At most, 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space is available. The two-row Volvo XC60 has a maximum of 63.3 cubic feet.

Is the Volvo XC90 worth the extra cost over the Volvo XC60?

It depends on your needs. If you're seeking a larger model with three rows and seating for up to seven, the Volvo XC90 is the SUV for you. The Volvo XC60 is more agile and has seating for up to five people. Because it's more lightweight, it can only tow up to 3,500 pounds,2 while the Volvo XC90 can pull up to 5,000 pounds.2

Does the Volvo XC60 or Volvo XC90 have better fuel efficiency?

A B5 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard for both the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 with a fuel efficiency of 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 When you opt for the muscular B6 turbocharged/supercharged engine, available on the Volvo XC90, your fuel economy dips slightly to 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 This is still impressive for a three-row SUV!

Featured Customer Reviews for Volvo XC60 Vs. Volvo XC90

Bonnie Pacheco

11/02/2024

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We purchased a 2024 Volvo XC60 and highly recommend this dealership. We appreciate the excellent service we received from Dexter Watts, Sales Consultant. He answered all of our questions and ensured us that he is always there to provide further assistance if needed. Overall a great experience!

Vasilia Contos

11/02/2024

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The service at DARCARS in Fairfax was exceptional! This location has an extensive selection of Volvo cars with different color combinations and styles. The sales manager Jon and our salesperson Miriam took the time to understand our needs and preferences. They were patient and attentive, making the entire process run smoothly. I never felt rushed or pressured. We’ve had the Volvo XC90 for a week and absolutely love it!

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1EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/

2When properly equipped.

3EPA estimated range is 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/