Used Volvo XC60 for sale nearWatford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,100
Average Price: Around £23,000

Volvo XC60 (2008-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Handsome styling and a premium feel	A BMW X3 is slightly better to drive
Impressive equipment, including high-tech safety kit	Diesels can sound a little gruff
Powerful and efficient engines	Automatic gearboxes can be a little slow to react

Quick Summary

The Volvo XC60 (2008-2017) marked an important step in Volvo's transformation from a functional, mainstream brand into a maker of desirable, upmarket cars. This five-seat SUV combines Swedish design flair with practical, safety-focused engineering. The raised driving position offers excellent visibility, whilst the minimalist cabin design has aged remarkably well. Build quality is very good, and the 495-litre boot provides reasonable storage, though rivals can better it. The XC60 prioritises comfort over sportiness, delivering a pliant ride that's more forgiving than a BMW X3 of the same era.

Engine options are diverse, with strong diesel choices dominating sales. The 2.4-litre D5 offers impressive performance with 220bhp at the end of production, whilst the economical DRIVe achieves around 47mpg officially and low 40s in real-world driving. Petrol models (T5 and T6) are thirsty but quick. The XC60 was ahead of its time with City Safety autonomous braking, and Euro NCAP awarded it a five-star safety rating in 2009. Servicing costs are reasonable compared to German prestige rivals, and Volvo offers flexible servicing plans for used car owners.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium, safe, and practical SUV with excellent build quality, those prioritising comfort and technology over driving dynamics, and families wanting a well-equipped vehicle with strong safety credentials.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting the sharpest handling (BMW X3 rivals this), those seeking the lowest running costs (petrol models are thirsty), or buyers uncomfortable with gruff-sounding diesel engines or occasionally hesitant automatic gearboxes.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the XC60 if: You seek a premium, safe, and practical SUV with excellent build quality, prioritise comfort and technology over driving dynamics, or want a well-equipped vehicle with strong safety credentials for family use.

Consider alternatives if: You want the sharpest handling (BMW X3 excels here), seek the lowest running costs, or are uncomfortable with gruff-sounding diesel engines or occasionally hesitant automatic gearboxes.

Competitive Position: The Volvo XC60 (2008-2017) is a strong contender in the premium used SUV market, offering handsome styling, impressive equipment, and powerful, efficient engines. Whilst the BMW X3 F25 edges ahead for driving dynamics and the Audi Q5 offers similar prestige, the XC60 distinguishes itself through superior safety technology, excellent build quality, and a more comfortable, forgiving ride. It represents excellent value for buyers prioritising practicality and premium feel over sportiness, making it a highly sensible choice for families and those seeking a well-rounded, dependable SUV.

Read our full Volvo XC60 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.