Introduction

The XC90 SUV was a real landmark car for Volvo - both when it was first launched back in 2002, and when this second-generation model arrived in 2014. Clever and practical inside, with the finish of a luxury car, it’s also forward-looking in the engines it uses, decent value for money and smartly styled enough to appeal to the many while offending few. And you certainly can’t say that about all SUVs.

Did you know? The current XC90 is longer and wider than its predecessor - but surprisingly, it’s also a little lower

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict:★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)

The sublime Volvo XC90 is the car that began the Swedish firm’s current momentum. Replacing a model that seemed to miss out an entire lifecycle upgrade, it was a huge leap on at launch and remains so today. Now a genuine alternative to an Audi Q7 or BMW X5, it’s good enough to have given Land Rover engineers a few headaches when developing the new Discovery. Those in any doubt about Volvo’s future as a premium brand had their concerns quickly assuaged by the XC90 - it really is that good.