How to Choose Between the Volvo XC60 and XC90?
Drivers looking for a Volvo dealership near Pittsfield that has all the most up-to-date vehicles from Volvo's lineup should look no further than Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars! We have Volvo sedans, wagons, and SUVs to suit any lifestyle and have been helping drivers in our community pick the right ones for their families for years. However, knowing where to begin can be challenging, especially as Volvo continually innovates. Popular SUVs among Massachusetts drivers include the XC60 and the XC90. On first inspection, these SUVs might look pretty similar from an outside perspective. But while they certainly have some similar characteristics, they were designed with different audiences in mind. From size to overall feature set, there are several distinct differences that you should consider before deciding on a new Volvo! We're going to break down how the Volvo XC60 and the Volvo XC90 differ and what makes them similar so that you can get an understanding of which SUV is right for you!
Seating and Cargo
The biggest difference between the Volvo XC60 and the XC90 is size and space. The XC60 is classified as a compact SUV, whereas the XC90 is a three-row SUV! Right from the outset, the seating capacity will make it clear to many folks which SUV is the right choice for them. If you need seating for up to seven passengers, the XC90 will work better for you, especially if you have a larger family or frequently transport your kids and their friends to and from activities. The XC60 comfortably seats up to five people, with plenty of room for small families or individuals who need less seating capacity.
Both the XC60 and XC90 have similar widths, but the larger SUV is almost ten inches longer and has additional cargo room in addition to its third row of seats. In the XC60, you get a generous 63.3 cu.ft. of storage space in the back. In the XC90, there is 85.7 cu.ft. of room to store groceries, luggage, sporting equipment, or anything else you might need to transport. It's worth noting that the XC90 is also a taller vehicle than its smaller cousin, boasting almost five inches more height. If you're looking for a little more headroom, the XC90 can provide it.
Style and Features
Both of these luxury SUVs boast a sleek and sophisticated external design. The XC90 has a commanding stance that makes it clear that it is Volvo's flagship SUV model. Large windows contribute to the airy cabin feel and provide excellent visibility to the driver. Inside, you'll find a spacious cabin appointed with high-quality materials and a minimalist design with an eye for comfort. Everything has been engineered for precision and simplicity so that each and every drive can be serene and comfortable. There are a couple of additional features available in the XC90 that you won't find in the smaller XC60. These include rear door sun curtains and heated rear seats. You can also get power-folding second-row head restraints in the XC90.
Like the XC90, you'll find high-quality materials and a superb driving experience standard on every trim level of the XC60. However, the exterior design is different from the XC90, as its body is that of a compact SUV. The XC60 has a sporty and athletic build, making the viewer keenly aware of its power and fine-tuned driving experience. The side profile of the XC60 showcases a sloping roofline design and pronounced wheel arches for added character. Although a compact SUV, the thoughtfully designed layout creates excellent space for passengers to relax in comfort. There are more color options for the 2024 XC60, including Fusion Red and Thunder Grey, two body colors that aren't available on the 2024 XC90.
Performance and Mileage
Both the XC60 and the XC90 come standard with Volvo's state-of-the-art B5 powertrain, which produces excellent power and will have you getting up to speed in no time, no matter the cargo you're hauling. However, the larger XC90 also offers the more powerful B6 powertrain, giving it comparable acceleration to its smaller counterpart. Both are what is known as "mild hybrids." This means the B5 and B6 include a traditional turbocharged gasoline engine but augment it with an electric motor that provides extra power, especially while accelerating. These electric motors are powered by electricity generated through regenerative braking, reducing fuel consumption and shrinking the SUV's overall emissions. If you're looking to cut your environmental footprint, either of these SUVs will make a great choice for you!
As a smaller vehicle, the XC60 gets slightly better fuel efficiency compared with the XC90. The 2024 XC60 gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined, while the 2024 XC90 gets 24 MPG combined. Both SUVs come equipped with standard all-wheel drive for extra traction and control on the road. This can be especially helpful in the Pittsfield area during the winter. We all know that sometimes you need to get somewhere before the plows have fully cleared the roads or when snow is still falling; all-wheel drive can make this a little safer for you. If you like to get away on the weekend to the lake or into the woods for a hike, either SUV can handle a little rough terrain with no issue.
In terms of driving experience, both offer extremely smooth and comfortable rides. Folks who commute frequently in and out of the city may find the smaller XC60's dynamic maneuverability an added benefit. It's easier to park in smaller spaces. The XC90 excels in the towing category, however. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs, while the XC60 can tow an impressive 3,500 lbs. If you have a small trailer for your adventuring gear or sporting equipment, decide how much towing capacity you need before choosing a new Volvo! If you need your SUV to be capable of more, look more closely at the larger XC90.
Which Volvo Are You Choosing?
Both the XC60 and XC90 are exceptional luxury vehicles that blend beauty, power, and comfort into an ideal SUV package. As the smaller offering, you can expect a new or used XC60 to clock in at a lower price than an XC90 of the same trim and model year. For 2024, the XC60 starts at $46,900, while the XC90 starts at $56,600.[a] This is due to the extra space and some additional features and capabilities you'll find in the XC90. If you're looking to save some money, both at purchase and at the pump, the XC60 may be the model that is right for you!
Shopping for a new Volvo is an exciting experience. There are so many great cars and SUVs in the Volvo lineup that you feel spoiled for choice. If you're looking for an incredible SUV that will have heads turning up and down North Street, you want to check out the XC60 and XC90. Depending on how much space you need, whether you value towing performance, fuel efficiency, or exterior design, one might be more up your alley than the other. We recommend test-driving both to see these great SUVs in action so you can make a more informed decision! Stop by our Volvo dealership near Pittsfield to speak with our knowledgeable staff about these superb vehicles, and we will answer any and all of your questions! We look forward to seeing you at Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars!