Volvo used to be known for its estate cars, but the Swedish brand's default family car is now the XC60 SUV.
Its appeal is self-evident. You get the handsome, timeless styling found on other modern Volvos, plus a spacious cabin, luxurious trimmings and an easygoing driving experience.
However, if this Swede doesn't meet your needs, what should you consider instead? We've brought together our 10 favourite Volvo XC60 alternatives – most are available as nearly new or used cars for sale at Motorpoint.
- BMW X3
- Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Audi Q5
- Mazda CX-60
- Mercedes GLC
- Lexus NX
- Tesla Model Y
- Range Rover Velar
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Genesis GV70
BMW X3
The BMW X3 is arguably the car to beat in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. It's nearly all things to all people – luxurious, high-tech, spacious, and with that whiff of sporty character we expect from a BMW. Compared to the XC60, the X3 feels much more agile and tied-down to the road, with less body roll if you throw the car into a corner. It can still relax, however, with just enough compliance to handle craggy UK roads, and an engine range that'll tackle everything from city driving to long motorway jaunts. Find out what the BMW X3 is like hands on.
Shop used BMW X3 cars or read our review of the previous-generation BMW X3
Land Rover Discovery Sport
A German alternative is the obvious choice, so why not try something from our shores? The Land Rover Discovery Sport translates the appeal and experience from the full-fat Discovery into a more reasonably sized platform. Despite its diminished stature, the Discovery Sport still does a convincing impression of the full-sized car, with a substantial, weighty sensation from behind the wheel, and a very practical cabin. No, it can't match the Discovery's limo-like rear-seat space, but there's still room for adults in the first two rows, plus a handy third row for quick trips with smaller passengers. All without paying full-fat Discovery money.
See used Land Rover Discovery Sport cars or read our Land Rover reviews
Audi Q5
Another of the usual three German premium rivals, the recently renewed Audi Q5 doubles down on the brand's impressive infotainment technology. We're not sold on the extensive use of glossy black plastic on the dashboard, but the abundance of touch-sensitive controls and screens makes you feel like you're helping the Starship Enterprise. Refreshingly, despite the huge screen real estate, Audi's menus and graphics are clear and mostly monochrome, cutting visual clutter and making menus easier to understand.
Browse used Audi Q5 cars or read our Audi reviews
Mazda CX-60
One of several XC60 alternatives from beyond continental Europe, the Mazda CX-60 is the Japanese brand's most convincing assault on the premium SUV class yet. It's spacious inside, and feels tough and truck-like on the road – something that might put off drivers who expect Mazdas to have a sportier flavour. Nevertheless, cabin quality is excellent and the design is both attractive and ergonomically intuitive. There's a choice of a plug-in-hybrid petrol that's great for mixed motoring, or a six-cylinder diesel that's perfect for long-range driving.
Search used Mazda CX-60 cars or read our Mazda CX-60 review
Mercedes GLC
The final of the big three German premium brands, the Mercedes GLC is a little pricier than other alternatives. That means you might need to pick an older or higher-mileage example to match XC60s in your budget. You might want to make the stretch, however, because the GLC just has the edge for cabin luxury and it cuts a more imperious form than the Volvo in the metal. Ride quality, performance and on-board tech are all some of the best you'll find in the class, but you'll have to pay for the privilege.
Shop used Mercedes GLC cars or read our Mercedes reviews
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is an example of the classic Lexus formula. It starts with a tried-and-tested Toyota powertrain – in this case, from the Toyota RAV4 – then gets outfitted with desirable bodywork and a plush cabin. The result is a premium car that's uncommonly efficient and remarkably durable, all with the reassurance of Lexus' 10-year service-activated warranty. It also has a marginally more old-fashioned take on interior design which, in this case, means more physical dials and buttons to control important functions, rather than the oh-so-fashionable touchscreens afflicting many rivals.
Browse used Lexus NX cars or read our Lexus NX review
Tesla Model Y
Ever the disruptor, the Tesla Model Y is the brand's most popular car and probably its most well-rounded model. You get masses of interior space within its aerodynamically optimised bodywork, all with the ultra-minimal aesthetic Tesla's made so popular. You'll probably need to spend several minutes learning what the myriad functions in its touchscreen do but, once you've found your way round, you'll appreciate its flexibility and versatility. Facelift Model Ys (like the one in our picture) have substantially improved the driving experience too, with much better suspension and sound deadening to make the car feel calmer and quieter.
View used Tesla Model Y cars or read our review of the pre-facelift Tesla Model Y
Range Rover Velar
Volvo often flirts with luxury-car status but why not go all out? The Range Rover Velar delivers mostly the same imperious driving experience and effortless luxury as top-level Range Rovers, but in a more manageable and affordable format… relatively speaking. Inside its long, lavish bodywork is a spacious two-row cabin which, with no need to fit a third seating row, has a usefully spacious boot too. Expect chunky running costs regardless of what engine you pick, though slow depreciation does take some of the sting out of long-term ownership.
Check out used Range Rover Velar cars or read our Range Rover Velar review
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
We like the Volvo's calm character and comfortable setup. But, if you're the kind of driver who want some 'sport' from your sports utility vehicle, it's not the best choice. Instead, try the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. This is a mid-size SUV based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and, like that car, the Stelvio feels impressively agile and keen when driven enthusiastically. Its technology and practicality all earn middling scores, but Stelvio buyers will probably care more about its styling and entertaining handling.
Browse used Alfa Romeo Stelvio cars or read our Alfa Romeo Stelvio review
Genesis GV70
Genesis is to Hyundai as Lexus is to Toyota, and the striking GV70 is the Korean brand's alternative in this hotly contested segment. As much as the Bentley-aping styling catches your eye, it's the sumptuous cabin that leaves the most lasting impression. Material quality is impeccable, and the design is cohesive and attractive, with a good blend of physical and touchscreen controls. There's a choice of turbo petrol and diesel engines, though we prefer the serene quietness and smoothness of the battery-powered GV70 Electrified.
See used Genesis cars or read our Genesis reviews
Find the perfect family SUVs
Save thousands on nearly new and used SUVs for sale at Motorpoint. For more choices, see the best family SUVs on sale.
