Used Volvo XC60 2008-2017 review

The Swedish certainly understand a thing or two about design. Ikea is one obvious example – and Volvo is another.

Its XC60 large SUV is proof of the manufacturer's ability to blend style, luxury and ease of use into a particularly alluring package.

In first-generation form, it found significant success from its 2008 launch right through to its eventual replacement in 2017, and confidently rivalled the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. As a used car, it's an excellent buy.

There are two petrol options to choose from: the T5 and T6. The T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-litre five-cylinder engine developing 236bhp, while the T6 uses a 3.0-litre V6, which initially produced 281bhp, before being uprated to 299bhp in 2011. Both engines give the XC60 quick acceleration, but the T6 gets through fuel faster.

To keep fuel costs down, you’re better off choosing one of the diesels. They range from an economical 2.0-litre-engined car, badged Drive, to the gutsy D5. The D5 was revised in 2010 and 2012, with power rising from 185bhp to 205bhp and then 211bhp.

You sit high up in the XC60, so you get an excellent view down the road. Most people will be comfortable driving it, because the seats are very supportive and offer plenty of adjustment. You also get lots of storage compartments, including a nifty little shelf for your mobile phone behind the XC60’s ‘floating dashboard’.

The dashboard takes its name from the slim centre console, which is attached to the rest of the car at the top and bottom, but is otherwise free standing, giving a modern, airy feel to the interior. However, the sat-nav system is rather dated by post-2017 standards.

In the back, there’s plenty of space for three adults and the seats are slightly raised to give their occupants a good view out. The boot offers great practicality, with a large square storage area and a floor that sits flat with the boot lip, making loading and unloading heavy items much easier. You’ll easily fit three large suitcases (or two big dogs) in there, and an underfloor storage compartment lets you hide your valuables away.

Most versions of the XC60 have a comfortable ride. The optional four-wheel-drive system improves traction when needed, before reverting to predominantly front-wheel drive, which helps save fuel.

The XC60 also grips well in corners, but the comparatively soft suspension allows a lot of body lean and the steering feels somewhat numb. The sportier R-Design trim has firmer suspension to reduce body lean, but that's at the expense of some comfort.

Think of the XC60 as more of a lifestyle SUV than an all-out off-roader – in other words, don’t expect it to climb many mountains. Good ground clearance means it’ll easily cope with the odd over-the-kerb expedition, though.

If you're interested in buying a used XC60 or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classified pages here.

Early models from 2009 or 2010 with more than 100,000 miles on the clock are available from £4500 from private sellers and £5000 from trade dealers.

Spend between £6000 and £8000 on something with an average mileage for the year, or between £8000 and £10,000 on a good, clean car bought from an independent dealer. Up the ante to around £12,000 for 2012 models. Spending around £14,000 should net you a 2014 version.

Around £15,000 starts to get you good 2016 cars, and up to £19,000 will buy you one of the last models before the all-new car came along.

MPG

Early versions of the T5 returned 33mpg in official tests. While this improved to 42mpg in cars built after April 2016, a figure in the mid-30s is still more realistic. As for the T6, you’ll do well to top 20mpg.

You’re much better off with a diesel, with the D4 Drive returning an impressive claimed 62.8mpg and emitting just 117g/km of CO2. The least efficient diesel is the early version of the powerful D5, which achieved just 37mpg and emitted 199g/km of CO2. However, this improved to 40 and then 53mpg, while emissions lowered to 183 and then 139g/km following engine updates.

Road tax

Cars registered before the tax changes of April 2017 came into force will attract annual road tax (VED) based on the car's CO2 emissions, while anything registered after that date attracts a flat-rate charge, currently £155 per year. Cars that cost more than £40,000 new will attract a supplementary luxury car tax, currently £335 per year for years two to five of the car's life. You can find out more about the current road tax costs here.

Insurance and servicing

The XC60 isn’t cheap to insure, and owners report that servicing is quite expensive. In addition, the XC60 doesn’t hold its value as well as the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, although this does make it cheaper to buy in the first place.

Due to the thirsty nature of the petrol offerings, we recommend going down the diesel route. More specifically, going for one of the 2.0-litre options in any of its available power outputs – they all provide good performance.

Every model comes with plenty of standard safety equipment, including six airbags, anti-whiplash seats, electronic brake assist and stability control, to mention just a few.

The entry-level S-spec cars also get alloy wheels, and climate and cruise control, while SE adds powered seats, auto wipers and electric folding mirrors. SE Lux brings heated leather seats and parking sensors, and R-Design models get a sporty bodykit with 18in alloys and firmer suspension.

Our favourite used Volvo XC60: D4 Drive SE

The XC60 faces tough competition from premium brands such as Audi and BMW while the Nissan Qashqai offers similar qualities for a lot less money.

BMW’s second-generation X3 has been around since 2010 and continues to win plaudits for its all-round capabilities. It's one of the best-driving SUVs, has a high-quality interior and is comparatively cheap to run. SE trim provides you with lots of standard equipment.

The Audi Q5 comes with four-wheel drive as standard, is practical, well made, quiet and holds its value well. It’s also good to drive, although it’s not the cheapest to run and the offset clutch pedal can be annoying in manual cars.

As for the Qashqai, it’s the UK’s best-selling SUV for a good reason. It might not have the badge appeal of the other cars here, but it makes up for that by being one of the best all-rounders on the road. It has a well-designed interior, excellent build quality and offers superb refinement. It’s also much cheaper to buy and run than its premium-brand rivals.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Find a used Volvo XC60 with What Car? >>