Many drivers are familiar with Volvo because of its luxury wagons, a body style that has become uncommon amongst new cars. The V90 wagon is an excellent combo of value and performance. The V60 wagon is also very popular, and some collectors even value the Polestar version over Ferrari sports cars. The Swedish automaker is also known for manufacturing consistently reliable and luxurious SUVs. One of its most popular models is the 2020 Volvo XC60, which has a famously comfortable interior.

Consumer Reports also recommends the Volvo XC60 as one of the best SUVs for toting a lot of luggage.

The Volvo XC60 has plenty of storage space

The 2020 Volvo XC60 offers the most cargo space out of any other small luxury SUV. For 2020, drivers get 22 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63 cubic feet once the seats are folded. It also comes standard with a power liftgate and a cargo cover that can be adjusted for different heights.

The seats fold easily with a simple push of a button. If you need to squeeze in a long item or suitcase, it should fit nicely in the seat passthrough area. Consumer Reports also noted that just like the rest of the interior, the cargo area has a high-quality finish.

A highly efficient powertrain

The Volvo XC60 has quite a few engine options to choose from. The standard offering is a turbo four-cylinder engine that can produce 250 hp and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, U.S. News recommends the turbo 316-hp four-cylinder engine instead, which can also be supercharged.

The Plug-in model produces up to 400 hp and it’s also the fastest version of the XC60. It’s also expected to earn up to 58 MPGe, but the gas-operated engines are also quite conservative on fuel. The standard engine with front-wheel drive equipped earns 24 mpg combined city/highway, which is good by SUV standards.

Top-of-the-line tech

The 2020 XC60 definitely justifies its luxury price tag with all its included safety features. The forward-collision warning system automatically scans the road to detect pedestrians and large animals as well as busy intersections. According to Consumer Reports, it’s one of the best collision-avoidance systems you’ll find in any car.

This SUV also comes with lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and a driver drowsiness warning. Optional equipment includes a surround-view parking camera, blind-spot monitors, and a Pilot Assist system. 

Great interior quality

The Volvo XC60’s cabin lives up to Volvo’s top-notch quality standards, complete with matte wood trim and synthetic leather upholstery. Leather also surrounds the steering wheel and serves as padding for the insides of the doors. Both rows are equally comfortable and spacious for even the tallest of passengers.

The front seats can have heating, ventilation, and even massaging controls on higher trims of the XC60. However, U.S. News notes that the standard seats are still highly supportive and comfortable even without any upgrades. The armrests are also nicely padded and comfortable, which drivers will appreciate for long trips.

The Volvo XC60’s few drawbacks

Most of the Volvo XC60’s infotainment and safety controls can only be activated through the touchscreen. This often involves navigating through multiple menus, which could be distracting for the driver. However, the system is intuitive overall and the graphics are sharp.

Another downside is the 2020 XC60’s underwhelming agility. While it provides a very comfortable ride, the base engine can’t accelerate as quickly as its rivals. The steering wheel is responsive, but it lacks the engagement of rivals like the BMW X3. Still, the Volvo XC60 is one of the best compact SUVs on the market, especially in regard to cargo space.