XC60 comfort compared to XC90

[TomW]

I run a standard diesel XC90 Reg 2006 and really comfortable ride. Thinking of downsizing to an early XC60 but will it be as compfortable? Which model XC60 was the bog standard no frills one when they were first introduced?

[Tannaton]

I've had two of both and simply put - no.

That's not to say the XC60 isn't comfortable, it certainly is, but seats and ride are no match for the Mk1 XC90.

Avoid R-Design models with stiffer suspension, avoid any model with wheels bigger than 18" diameter.

Base models where the Driv-E and ES. However SE Lux is the one to go for with very good ABL lights and other improvements.

Check carefully if you want AWD as unlike the XC90 not all base models had it (check for the AWD badge on the boot).

[Simeon90]

I swapped out my 2005 XC90 for a 2015 XC60 and while I prefer the more modern drive (when it's not in the garage for its annual EGR valve of course), I seriously regret it and wouldn't recommend you swap. The XC60 is surprisingly small inside, no way near as comfortable and better the devil you know and all that..

[RDesign4Life]

The bigger and heavier the car the longer the wheelbase and usually the result is a more comfortable ride.

Sizewise the XC90 is on a par with X5 and Range Rover Sport and will give similar comfort (very very good).

The XC60 is smaller so whilst very good on decent roads is not going to be quite as comfortable or forgiving on potholes and ropey ground.

Major benefit of the XC60 is it's easier to park in public car parks than it's larger counterpart which can be really useful. I got tired of my X5 not fitting in bog standard car park spaces and being a nightmare in multi storeys.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Simeon90

I swapped out my 2005 XC90 for a 2015 XC60 and while I prefer the more modern drive (when it's not in the garage for its annual EGR valve of course), I seriously regret it and wouldn't recommend you swap. The XC60 is surprisingly small inside, no way near as comfortable and better the devil you know and all that..

Is yours the 2.5 or 2L ?

[Simeon90]

2.0 VEA 8spd auto Lux

Part of the reason to downsize was to reduce running costs, my 163 XC90 was £365 yr tax and 32mpg, whereas the XC60 is 135 (I think) and 45-50 mpg. I imagine your 2006 is over £500 quid in tax now?

However, don't buy a 2.0 as the EGRs appear to be a service item and it cost £1500 to replace valve and cooler. If I'd researched properly I'd have bought a petrol Octavia like I'd planned to.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Simeon90

I swapped out my 2005 XC90 for a 2015 XC60 and while I prefer the more modern drive (when it's not in the garage for its annual EGR valve of course), I seriously regret it and wouldn't recommend you swap. The XC60 is surprisingly small inside, no way near as comfortable and better the devil you know and all that..

Having done the same swap, twice, I wouldn't describe the difference as that profound and the XC60 is still a very comfortable car (in non R-Design spec) but the 90 is just sublime. The tech is a significant issue, no DAB no streaming music, no voice commands, and very old SatNav.

I think you must have been very unluckly, I had a 2016 2.0 VEA XC60 which I kept until 50k miles and I know the chap who still has it - now on 160k miles - no EGR issues.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Simeon90

2.0 VEA 8spd auto Lux

Part of the reason to downsize was to reduce running costs, my 163 XC90 was £365 yr tax and 32mpg, whereas the XC60 is 135 (I think) and 45-50 mpg. I imagine your 2006 is over £500 quid in tax now?

However, don't buy a 2.0 as the EGRs appear to be a service item and it cost £1500 to replace valve and cooler. If I'd researched properly I'd have bought a petrol Octavia like I'd planned to.

What kind of mileage are you doing per year?

[Simeon90]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

What kind of mileage are you doing per year?

Not enough, hence why I should have bought a petrol car, but the change from an XC90 to a 'normal car' was too much for the wife, she felt it was unsafe ..

The XC60 has done 80k miles and I bought it with the fault (unknowingly obvs). I don't think I've been unlucky Tannaton, you only have to glance at the EGR fault thread to see this is a widespread problem with the VEA in this era of cars.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Simeon90

Not enough, hence why I should have bought a petrol car, but the change from an XC90 to a 'normal car' was too much for the wife, she felt it was unsafe ..

The XC60 has done 80k miles and I bought it with the fault (unknowingly obvs). I don't think I've been unlucky Tannaton, you only have to glance at the EGR fault thread to see this is a widespread problem with the VEA in this era of cars.

I understand.

The newer Volvo's just aren't built the same. I've had multiple mechanics say the same thing. The older 5 cylinder ones were far better engines in terms of reliability and longevity, but at the sacrifice of refinement and fuel economy. I assume your XC60 is a 4 cylinder D4?

One thing that makes the XC90 so comfortable in my opinion is the size of the tyres. They have a big sidewall, which absorbs bumps more. I don't think the XC60, being smaller and not as high up, has the same option for such a big sidewall on the tyres.

I may be wrong on that, but whenever I see an older XC90, the tyres alone make them look comfortable! Pity about the high road tax on the older diesel XC90's though. I see its creeped up to £415 a year now.