Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is large but manages to look elegant and understated, even. It’s even better on the inside. There’s a generous use of high-quality materials and the minimalist dash gives the cabin a soothing look. As with some of the other Volvos, however, the touchscreen being your go-to control for even some basic functionality is an irritant. Front-seat comfort is really good on all XC90s and the last row on seven-seat versions is useable too; but the middle row is a touch firm. Excellence trim XC90s ditch the bench seat for individual chairs at the back and comfort is superb. Excellence Lounge versions do away with the front passenger seat altogether to allow the boss at the back to really sprawl out.
The Volvo XC90’s 235hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine is strong but when it comes to refinement, it can’t compete with its rivals’ V6 engines. It’s a similar story for the plug-in hybrid, too. The complex 2.0-litre supercharged turbo-petrol engine sounds a bit coarse. Then again – with enough juice in the batteries the powertrain can operate in silence in pure-electric mode too. Do note: while the 407hp plug-in hybrid engine is fast, its performance is not invigorating. Air suspension is standard across the range but the ride is a bit firm at low speeds.