Volvo V60 vs. Volvo V90: which is better?
Volvo's known for its estate cars and its most popular are these two, but which is best for you?
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Volvo has long been associated with building some of the best and most practical estate cars, alongside its reputation for safety.
The Swedish manufacturer recently announced it would stop selling saloons and estates in the UK, including the V60 and V90, instead focusing on the much more popular SUV models.
Because no new supply will enter the used car market, making sure you understand which one is best for you is crucial.
Below, we outline all the similarities and differences you need to be aware of.
Styling
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All Volvo cars use a very similar design language, which means you’ll spot similarities between the V60, V90, and other models, including its so-called ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight designs with T-shaped daytime running lights.
Volvos also have their taillights illuminated at all times, which not only makes them more visible (and safer) but also makes them stand out among other cars on the road.
There are some minor differences between the two, though, such as that the V90 is designed to be more elegant-looking, while the V60 looks slightly sportier and has sharper body lines.
Both are available in sporty-looking R-Design trims, however, which gives them even more aggressive angles and eye-catching upgrades.
What are they like to drive?
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Both models are incredibly comfortable to drive long distances in, especially if you find one with optionally fitted air suspension, which does a great job of smoothing out poorly surfaced roads.
All of the engines in the V60 and V90 are 2.0-litre units, with the cars sharing most of the same engines.
Newer models are no longer available with diesel power, but mild hybrid assistance does at least make its petrols slightly more efficient.
If you’re after something truly exciting, consider one of the plug-in hybrid models.
You’ll spot them under badges like ‘Recharge’ and ‘Twin Engine’, where they may be referred to as T6 or T8.
Both have previously been available with a T8 hybrid capable of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds (V60) or 5.3 seconds (V90).
There’s also a ‘Polestar Engineered’ version of the V60 with 405hp, cutting the sprint time to 4.6 seconds, but these are expensive to buy and run.
Interior and technology
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Although their interiors are incredibly minimalist, a lot of car tech lies beneath the surface.
The large, portrait-oriented touchscreen is powered by an Android operating system, which makes it easy to use. It even has Google Assistant in newer models.
Volvos are also among the safest cars on the road, so you can expect things like a blind spot monitoring system, collision detection and prevention aids, and, for higher-spec models, 360-degree parking cameras.
Newer cars also work with Volvo’s smartphone app, so hybrid drivers can keep tabs on charging the car.
Dimensions and boot space
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The V90 is similar in size to other estates like the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate.
It’s 4,945mm long, 2,019mm wide, and 1,472mm tall.
Cross Country versions of the V90 are a touch longer and wider, and 6.5cm taller. They also have 4.7cm more ground clearance, so they should be better at going over small rocks in the forestry car park.
The Volvo V90 has a 551-litre boot, which extends to 1,517 litres with the rear seats folded. It’s a long space, too, at just 1.2cm short of two metres, so there’s a lot of floor space to carry furniture or suitcases.
The Volvo V60 isn’t an awful lot smaller, and it’s actually slightly larger than rivals like the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate, at 4,778mm long, 2,040mm wide and 1,432mm tall.
Again, the Cross Country version is slightly larger, and has 5.5cm more ground clearance.
The 519-litre boot is bigger than you’ll find in its main competitors, but at 1,431 litres with the rear seats folded, it becomes slightly smaller than those.
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Which is more reliable?
Volvo’s cars are some of the longest-lasting models on the roads, and its latest-generation cars are no different.
The brand on the whole often outperforms its key German rivals – like BMW and Mercedes – when it comes to consumer feedback.
Furthermore, the brand has made things really simple for itself by using the same parts across most of its models.
For example, both cars use many of the same engines and gearboxes, so it can funnel its resources into making sure they’re top-notch.
Verdict: Volvo V90 vs. Volvo V60: which should I buy?
On paper, the differences are minimal, with the key deciding factor being whether you need a big estate or an even bigger estate.
For most drivers, the V60 is the most sensible option – it has plenty of passenger and boot space but it’s smaller and lighter than the V90, so it’s more efficient.
The V90, however, has one of the longest boot floors of any car, so if you find yourself needing to carry long items or you prefer not to carry your bike on the roof, then there’s a lot of appeal in having a V90.