10 Cars Similar to Volvo XC60: The Best Alternatives

The Volvo XC60 is a favourite for many. Families love it for its top-tier safety ratings and comfortable cabin; urban drivers appreciate its sleek design and stress-free ride. It’s a well-rounded SUV that manages to feel both practical and premium. However, it’s not without its downsides.

If you’re weighing your options, here are 10 cars similar to the XC60 that might suit your needs just as well or even better.

1. Audi Q5

The Audi Q5, brings together style, comfort, and just the right amount of punch. Its clean, modern design feels upscale without being flashy, and the cabin is as polished as you’d expect from a luxury SUV.

The Q5 is quick when you need it to be, with engine options that offer plenty of power. It handles with a sense of precision that makes it easy to enjoy behind the wheel. Ride quality offers a nice middle ground between comfort and control. It also holds up well when it comes to reliability.

2. BMW X3

The BMW X3 strikes a rare balance—it’s roomy and capable without losing its edge behind the wheel. The cabin sits high with clear sightlines, and there’s plenty of space to stretch out yet the or load up, especially with 1,600 litres of cargo room. Even with the rear seats up, it offers more boot capacity than many rivals.

The 248-horsepower engine feels lively, and the rear-wheel-drive setup gives the X3 a surefooted, athletic feel that’s more engaging than most in this class. It also manages to stay efficient and quietly edge out some competitors at the pump.

3. BMW X4

The BMW X4 is a sportier, sleeker take on the X3—less about space, more about style and sharper handling. It’s lower, firmer, and more fun to drive, especially with the wider stance and taut suspension. You feel the bumps a bit more, but cornering is confident.

Most models come with smooth, punchy diesels like the 2.0-litre 20d or the stronger 30d. If you want serious power, the M40d and M40i deliver over 320bhp.

Inside, it’s classic BMW: reliable build, driver-focused layout, and the excellent iDrive system that’s easy to use on the move. The front space is great, but the sloping roof limits the rear headroom and boot height.

4. Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F‑Pace gives you SUV practicality without losing that driver-focused feel. Whether you go for a 2.0-litre diesel, a V6, or the wild V8 SVR, there’s no shortage of performance. Best of all, the F-Pace genuinely handles like a sporty saloon. It’s light on its feet and corners with confidence. Few SUVs this size are as fun to drive.

Inside, it feels upmarket and spacious. The driving position is spot on, rear passengers have a decent amount of room, and the boot easily handles luggage or a family’s weekend gear. The infotainment system is slick and improves as you move up trims.

5. Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is the kind of SUV that makes every trip feel a little more calm and collected. Its bold design gives it a presence, but it’s the quiet, comfortable cabin that really sets it apart. The seats are deeply cushioned and supportive, which is great for long trips.

Under the hood, the V6 delivers smooth, confident power, and the ride stays composed no matter the road. Lexus doesn’t skimp on safety either, with features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning as standard. And if you need extra seating, the RX 350 L adds a third row to carry up to seven.

6. Mazda CX‑5

The Mazda CX‑5  is sharp for an SUV, with good body control and eager cornering, especially with four-wheel drive. The ride is on the firmer side, though the smaller wheels help soften the experience. The diesels feel powerful and more relaxed, especially at low revs, but the petrols feel a bit flat unless pushed.

Inside, there’s space for five, with good legroom and a boot that’ll easily take a couple of buggies or suitcases.

Even earlier models come well-specced: SE-L Nav versions include essentials like climate control and parking sensors, and Sport Nav adds leather seats, a powered tailgate, and a head-up display.

7. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is quiet and pulls well thanks to its electric boost and responsive CVT gearbox, even capable of towing in four-wheel-drive form.

The handling isn’t very sharp, and the ride can feel a bit firm, but overall, it’s an easy car to drive. Where it really impresses is space: there’s loads of room for passengers and a deep, wide boot.

Trims are well-equipped. Even base models come with alloys, Bluetooth, and air-con, while mid-spec Icon adds a touchscreen, rear camera, and power tailgate. Top-spec Invincible brings leather seats, heaters, and extra comfort touches.

8. Honda CR‑V

The Honda CR‑V is a smart pick if you want a roomy, dependable SUV without spending a fortune. It’s not built for sharp handling, but the CR-V is easy to drive and feels stable and comfortable most of the time. The steering takes a bit more turning than expected, and it’s not the quickest to respond, but it’s nothing too frustrating.

Inside, space is generous in the first two rows, and the boot is a good size in the five-seat version. The third row in petrol models is cramped, and hybrids don’t offer it at all due to the battery placement.

9. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is built for adventure first and comfort second. Most used models run on diesels with up to 197bhp, and petrol versions are less common. Most come with a five-speed automatic, though a few have a manual gearbox.

There’s a short two-door version for off-road fans and a more practical four-door with easier rear access and a bigger boot. The interior’s tough and basic, built to handle dirt, rain, and even a hose-down if needed. Later models got a better infotainment system, but the cabin still feels utilitarian.

The Rubicon, with its chunky tyres, adds more noise and even less comfort. But off the beaten path, few SUVs feel as unstoppable.

10. Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan packs sports car punch with SUV practicality. Even the entry-level 2.0-litre is quick, while higher trims like the S, GTS, and Turbo serve up serious power. There’s also a diesel that’s surprisingly fast and efficient.

The Macan handles like a smaller, sharper Cayenne, meaning it’s planted, grippy, and refined, even on firmer setups. Inside, the cabin feels every bit Porsche: high-quality and driver-focused. Rear legroom is a bit tight, but upfront, it’s spot-on.

Just keep in mind that not all features come standard, so check the spec before buying.

Verdict

Did you find what you were looking for? Maybe it’s the Q5, with its refined ride and polished interior. Or perhaps the RAV4, with its strong reliability and hybrid efficiency, feels like a better match. Whatever it is, the right car is the one that fits your priorities, not just on paper but also in how it makes you feel behind the wheel.