When you think of Volvo, what comes to mind? For years, it was probably a boxy but brilliant estate car, renowned for being safer than a bank vault and about as exciting. But how things have changed. In the last decade, Volvo has transformed itself into a genuine premium contender, giving the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz a serious run for their money with a range of cars that ooze cool, Scandinavian style.
Today’s Volvo line-up is packed with desirable models, from award-winning SUVs to sleek electric cars and, yes, still some of the best estates on the market. They combine minimalist, high-tech interiors with supreme comfort and that legendary focus on safety. Whether you’re looking for a compact family SUV, a luxurious seven-seater, or a cutting-edge EV, Volvo has a car that deserves a spot on your shortlist.
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
The Best Volvo Cars and SUVs 2026
- 2026 Volvo XC40
- 2026 Volvo XC60
- 2026 Volvo XC90
- 2026 Volvo V60
- 2026 Volvo V90
- 2026 Volvo EX30
- 2026 Volvo EC40
- 2026 Volvo EX40
1. 2026 Volvo XC40
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 20.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish, chunky looks | Rear seats not the most comfortable |
| Excellent safety kit | Electric version is expensive |
| Comfortable as well as good to drive | Infotainment system on earlier models a bit fiddly |
The Volvo XC40 is the award-winning compact SUV that truly cemented the Swedish brand’s return as a premium contender. Its appeal starts with the sharp, modern exterior design and continues into the stylish, airy cabin. Inside, you'll find an ample 507-litre boot, a level of sophistication that rivals more expensive cars, with a tasteful mix of high-quality materials, glossy veneers, and satin chrome details. As is tradition for Volvo, the front seats are a highlight, offering superb long-distance comfort and excellent support, making the XC40 a genuinely pleasant place to spend time.
The XC40 backs up its style with a comfortable and reassuring driving experience. Volvo has engineered the car to feel relaxed and easy-going, with a suspension that does a good job of isolating you from bumps in the road. While it's not the sportiest SUV, its high levels of grip and light steering make it feel secure on country lanes and effortless to navigate through city traffic. Over its life, the XC40 has been available with a wide range of powertrains, including efficient mild-hybrid petrol engines that deliver around mid-forties mpg, making it a versatile choice for many different types of drivers. New cars are offered with a mild-hybrid petrol engine producing either 161bhp or 194bhp.
The CarGurus Verdict: "You could be forgiven for buying an XC40 purely on its desirability factor, but there’s a good deal more to admire about this small SUV than just its cool, Scandi image." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo XC40 review
2. 2026 Volvo XC60
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Looks classy both inside and out | No seven-seat option |
| Efficient petrol and plug-in hybrid engines | Not exciting to drive |
| A very practical family vehicle | Pricier than many similarly sized SUVs |
As Volvo's best-selling model, the XC60 perfectly embodies the brand's modern premium identity. Its cabin is a masterclass in understated Scandinavian luxury, with high-quality materials and a clean, minimalist design that feels every bit as upmarket as rivals from Audi and BMW. Where the XC60 truly excels is on the move, particularly on long journeys. The ride comfort is sublime, smoothing out motorway imperfections with ease, while impressive sound insulation creates a serene and relaxing environment. The entry-level B5 mild-hybrid petrol engine offers 247bhp, providing smooth, strong performance that makes for an excellent all-rounder. To cut down on running costs, the plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 51 miles, enough for most daily commutes.
Beyond its luxurious feel, the XC60 is also a very practical family SUV. Passenger space is generous for adults in the front and back, and thoughtful touches like a standard electric tailgate make daily life easier. The boot offers a useful 613 litres of space (dropping slightly to 598 litres in the plug-in hybrid), which is capacious enough for most family duties, even if some rivals offer more on paper. Technologically, models from late 2021 onwards benefit from a slick Google-based infotainment system, which is a big step up. Combined with Volvo’s legendary safety credentials, the XC60 is an upmarket, cosseting and family-friendly SUV that hits the spot where it matters most.
The CarGurus Verdict: "What the XC60 gets wrong pales into insignificance compared to what it gets right. Most of all, that means the lavish interior, which manages to feel luxurious in a particularly Scandinavian way." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo XC60 review
3. 2026 Volvo XC90
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tastefully designed interior | Slightly noisy engines |
| Hugely comfortable over long distances | Infotainment system not the best |
| Practical, spacious and safe | No head-up display on all but top-spec Ultra model |
The Volvo XC90 has long been a benchmark for families wanting a premium seven-seat SUV, and this second-generation model is brilliantly practical. The three seats in the middle row slide independently, allowing you to balance legroom between the second and third rows, and those rearmost seats are spacious enough for adults on shorter trips. Boot space in the mild hybrid is a useful 301 litres with all seats in place, but fold the third row and this expands to a huge 980 litres. Drop the middle row as well and you’re left with a van-like 1,950 litres of capacity. However, the plug-in hybrid does sacrifice some of this cargo space to accommodate the battery. The interior itself is a highlight, with a tasteful, minimalist design and high-quality materials that create a truly luxurious feel.
Recent updates have seen diesel engines dropped in favour of petrol-only power. The range consists of a B5 mild-hybrid with 247bhp and a powerful T8 plug-in hybrid. The T8 combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 143bhp electric motor for a total of 449bhp, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds. Its 19kWh battery also provides a claimed electric-only range of 44.1 miles, making it ideal for zero-emission school runs. Whichever version you choose, the XC90 delivers a cosseting and relaxing driving experience. Its refined ride and plush cabin make it a superb long-distance cruiser, effortlessly soaking up motorway miles.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s a charm and level of quality to the XC90 that has been present since the very first example landed on UK shores more than two decades ago. It’s an expensive machine, whichever powertrain you choose, but it’ll be a lovely car to live with on a daily basis, whether for short journeys or a long-distance cruise." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
4. 2026 Volvo V60
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp styling inside and out | VW Passat and Skoda Superb offer bigger boots |
| Supreme long-distance comfort | A 3 Series is more exciting to drive |
| An interesting alternative to a BMW or Mercedes | Interior quality good rather than sparkling |
Volvo is a brand synonymous with estate cars, and the V60 is a prime example of why. It blends the company's modern, crisp styling with the practicality that has been a hallmark for decades. While SUVs dominate sales, the V60 makes a compelling case for the traditional estate, offering a generous 648-litre boot that's larger than its key German rivals. Inside, the cabin is a paragon of Scandinavian understatement, featuring high-quality materials and a smart, nine-inch portrait touchscreen. As you'd expect from a Volvo, safety is paramount, with a comprehensive suite of driver aids like City Safety and Lane Keeping Aid fitted as standard, making it a reassuring choice for families.
The V60 delivers a driving experience that is calm, comfortable, and refined. It excels on long journeys, where its supple ride quality and quiet cabin make motorway miles disappear effortlessly. There's a range of hybrid engines to suit different needs, from a smooth mild-hybrid petrol to powerful Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models with up to 57 miles of fully electric range. The flagship T8 AWD Polestar Engineered model is particularly impressive, with a petrol engine and electric motor combining to produce 449bhp for rapid, straight-line performance. For those wanting a more rugged look, the now-discontinued V60 Cross Country adds raised suspension and all-wheel drive, enhancing its all-weather capability.
The CarGurus Verdict: "What the V60 does is add that same desirability to Volvo’s traditional, sensible heartland of estate cars. It is a vehicle with all the style, plentiful standard equipment, comfort and class that you’ll find elsewhere in the Volvo range, only this time in the body of a conventional estate car." - Kyle Fortune, contributor
Read our full Volvo V60 review
5. 2026 Volvo V90
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable on long journeys | Not all that exciting to drive |
| Superb safety equipment | A Mercedes, BMW or Audi feels more premium |
| Diesels powerful but gruff-sounding |
The Volvo V90 is the brand’s flagship estate, blending the company’s traditional focus on practicality with a dose of modern Scandinavian style. It’s a handsome car with a clean, uncluttered cabin that feels both luxurious and built to last. While its 488-litre boot is smaller than a Mercedes E-Class Estate’s, it’s still a practical space for family life. Where the V90 really excels is passenger comfort; there’s generous space for adults in the back, and the fabulously supportive front seats make it one of the best cars you can buy for covering long distances.
As you'd hope, the V90 is an effortless cruiser. It’s designed to soak up motorway miles with ease, offering a quiet and refined ride that leaves you feeling relaxed at the end of a long journey. The engine line-up has evolved over the years, but whether you choose an older D4 diesel, a newer B5 mild-hybrid petrol with 247bhp, or the efficient T6 Recharge plug-in hybrid, you’ll find a smooth and capable powertrain. All versions come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that further enhances the car’s easy-going nature, making it a superb choice for anyone who values sophisticated design and supreme comfort.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Whether you are looking to buy a new V90 or a used one, this is one of the best premium estate cars you can buy. As a comfortable, practical family car, the V90 has much to recommend it." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Volvo V90 review
6. 2026 Volvo EX30
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great to drive | Poor infotainment setup |
| Attractively priced | Boot is smaller than rivals offer |
| Generous standard equipment | Rear legroom could be better |
The EX30 represents a new, more accessible entry point into Volvo's all-electric family. As the brand's smallest SUV, it packages the company's signature minimalist design and premium feel into a compact and competitively priced vehicle. Inside, the cabin is a highlight, featuring clever, centralised storage solutions and a choice of appealing interior 'rooms' that use sustainable materials, such as recycled denim. This focus on high-end aesthetics and thoughtful design makes the EX30 feel every bit a modern Volvo, offering a premium experience that stands out against rivals from both mainstream and premium brands.
Despite its compact size, the EX30 delivers impressive performance and a comfortable, refined driving experience. Even the entry-level 268bhp Single Motor model is brisk, while the 422bhp Twin Motor Performance version offers frankly outrageous acceleration. However, Volvo has tuned the chassis for a cushy ride that irons out poor road surfaces better than most rivals, making it a relaxing car for any journey. Buyers can choose between two battery sizes, with the Extended Range model offering up to 296 miles on a charge. While its 400-litre boot is not the largest in the class, it's a practical shape, and the car's blend of pace, comfort, and usable range makes it a compelling electric choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s a huge amount to like about the little electric Volvo – so much that it’s very easy to see how it deserves to sway many buyers from the raft of competitors. If you’re after a comfort and tech-oriented small family EV, the Volvo EX30 is absolutely one of the best." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo EX30 review
7. 2026 Volvo EC40
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent driving range from all versions | Not cheap |
| Lovely interior packed with equipment | Practicality is limited compared with EX40 stablemate |
| Ride is really comfortable | Rear visibility is pretty dreadful |
The Volvo EC40 (formerly known as the C40) is the Swedish brand’s stylish take on the electric SUV. As the coupe-style sibling to the more traditional EX40, it trades a little practicality for a sleeker, more distinctive look. Inside, the EC40 delivers a beautifully crafted cabin with high-quality, sustainable materials and clever design touches, all centred around a brilliant Google-based infotainment system. While the raked roofline slightly reduces rear headroom and the 480-litre boot is only average for the class, the interior feels premium and is a wonderful place to spend time, upholding Volvo’s reputation for sophisticated design.
The EC40's ride is impressively smooth, soaking up bumps with ease, and the cabin is exceptionally quiet, making it a superb long-distance cruiser. Buyers have a choice of three powertrains, from a capable 235bhp Single Motor version to a blisteringly quick 436bhp Dual Motor model that offers all-wheel drive and a 0-62mph time of just 4.6 seconds. Most efficient is the single motor with the larger 82kWh battery, good for up to 358 miles on a single charge. Regardless of the version, the EC40’s light steering and effortless performance make it an easy and calming car to drive, perfectly embodying the modern Volvo ethos.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Those buyers that do find themselves with an EC40 on their driveway will have a lot to like. With a gorgeously trimmed interior, generous luxury equipment and some clever tech, it’ll be a pleasure to live with, and a pleasure to drive thanks to strong performance and an impressively comfortable ride." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo EC40 review
8. 2026 Volvo EX40
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 10.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-built, plush-feeling interior | Not as practical as some |
| Great infotainment system | A bit so-so to drive |
| Generous equipment levels | Not cheap |
The Volvo EX40 is the new name for the all-electric version of the hugely popular XC40, a small premium SUV that has won countless fans for its cool Scandinavian design and upmarket feel. The EX40 continues this tradition, offering one of the most tasteful and high-quality interiors in its class. The cabin is a real treat, combining soft-touch surfaces with responsibly sourced natural panels and sparkling satin chrome detailing. Comfort is also a highlight, with supportive front seats and plenty of adjustment, making it easy to find the perfect driving position for long journeys.
Buyers have a choice of four powertrains. The entry-level Single Motor version offers 235bhp and a range of up to 295 miles, while the Extended Range model boosts this to 355 miles. For ultimate performance, the 436bhp Twin Motor Performance version provides explosive acceleration, hitting 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. Despite this pace, the EX40 remains a relaxed and easy-going car to drive, with a quiet electric powertrain and suspension that soaks up bumps well. Practicality is decent, with a 536-litre boot and a handy 31-litre storage space under the bonnet for charging cables.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The EX40 has cool styling inside and out that’ll delight owners, while cabin quality is high and equipment levels are generous. It’s a convincing and compelling all-rounder that many customers will favour simply because of its cool Scandi style and attitude." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo EX40 review
FAQs
What is the most reliable Volvo model?
Volvo as a brand enjoys a solid reputation for reliability, often performing well in owner satisfaction surveys. Models like the XC40 and XC60 consistently receive high ratings from owners on CarGurus for their dependability. However, reliability can vary by model year and powertrain, so it's always a good idea to check the specific user reviews for the car you're considering.
Are Volvos expensive to maintain?
As a premium brand, you can expect servicing and parts costs for a Volvo to be higher than for mainstream brands like Ford or Volkswagen. However, they are generally on par with their direct German rivals such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Using an independent Volvo specialist for maintenance after the warranty period can be a good way to save money compared with main dealer prices.
What do the 'B' and 'T' mean in Volvo engine names?
Volvo's engine naming can seem a bit confusing, but it's quite simple once you know the code. 'B' stands for a mild-hybrid powertrain (either petrol or diesel), which uses a small electric motor to assist the engine and improve efficiency. 'T' denotes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which has a larger battery and electric motor, allowing for a significant electric-only driving range. Fully electric models now use the 'EX' or 'EC' prefix, like the EX30.
Which Volvo is best for families?
This depends on the size of your family. For those needing seven seats, the XC90 is the undisputed champion, offering fantastic space and practicality. If you only need five seats, the XC60 is a brilliant all-round family SUV with a luxurious interior and great comfort. For those who prefer a traditional estate car, the V60 offers a huge boot and a stylish alternative to the SUV crowd.
Is a new Volvo a good investment?
Like any new car, a Volvo will depreciate in value, with the steepest drop occurring in the first three years. However, thanks to their strong brand image and desirability, modern Volvos tend to hold their value quite well compared to many rivals, often performing similarly to other premium German brands. Buying a nearly-new or approved used Volvo from a dealer can be a savvy move, letting the first owner absorb the biggest hit of depreciation.
What is Volvo's Pilot Assist?
Pilot Assist is Volvo's advanced driver-assistance system. It's a 'Level 2' semi-autonomous technology that combines adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance to the car in front) with active steering assistance. It helps to keep the car centred in its lane on motorways and A-roads, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It's a clever system, but it's important to remember that it's an assistance feature, and the driver must always keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
