In the past, Volvo mostly had a reputation of making somewhat odd cars that were ultimately very safe to drive. Fast forward to the present day, and they have now established themselves as a genuine powerhouse in the current automotive market. If you’re looking for safety, style and value, look no further than a Volvo.
No matter what kind of vehicle you are looking for, there’s a good chance that a Volvo will be able to satisfy your wants and needs. On top of that, they’ve managed to uphold their position as one of the safest names around.
Volvo is doing its best to be an innovator in the market space. This includes developing their range of both hybrid and full electric cars. There’s a growing demand for vehicles that don’t rely completely on gasoline, and they have positioned themselves very well to fill that need. They have also experimented with alternatives to traditional car ownership.
Safety
Through the changes over the years, Volvo is still near the top when it comes to safety. They were the first to introduce the three-point safety belt, and have continued to make their vehicles very safe to operate. This includes having rearview cameras standard on all models along with an array of advanced airbags. In addition, the majority of their lineup also comes with features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and a lane departure warning system. In 2023, they became the first company to have LiDAR as a standard feature for a vehicle line. For those not in the know, this is a laser system that allows the car to help identify dangerous obstacles a driver might not notice in time.
Off-Roading
If you ask most car enthusiasts what Volvo is most known for other than safety, they would most likely say off-road ability. Many of their vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive, which allow them to chew through difficult terrain. Even if you never plan on straying off asphalt, AWD is a feature that can be very useful on roads. The increased traction makes them adept at handling poor weather conditions, and also provide a boost of power. It’s important to remember that all the performance in the world is useless if it can’t be transferred efficiently onto the road. That’s something that all-wheel drive can accomplish.
Turbocharging
Even if a Volvo doesn’t have a turbocharged engine as standard, it’s likely still an option you can purchase across their lineup. While a turbocharger might sound like something that only speedsters desire, there are many real-world benefits to having one installed. In today’s economy, getting the most mile per gallon is becoming a huge selling point to most consumers. Because turbochargers allow for smaller engines without giving up horsepower, it also means they are more fuel efficient when compared to a vehicle with similar power. Other benefits are being quieter and also outputting less pollution than an engine without turbo. If you are concerned with being more eco-friendly, this is definitely something to look into.
Design
As previously mentioned, Volvo design choices in the past could be considered a little odd or quirky. Nowadays, their vehicles hold onto that creative spark while also infusing a level of elegance into all of their models. Ultimately, a car’s looks is truly down to the individual. However, one thing that doesn’t boil down to personal preference is the fact that Volvos have a distinct and unique styling that is all their own. Where some luxury brands end up making units that just look alike to one another, that isn’t something that Volvo has a problem with. If you are someone that like to march to the beat of their own drum, this might be the brand for you.
Practicality
In many cases, luxury cars eschew practicality in the name speed or design. That isn’t an approach that Volvo buys into, which is evident when you examine their top-end models. Their sedans have a surprising amount of space for both passengers and cargo. For the ultimate in carrying power, the elegant XC90 can seat seven people while still having ample room for luggage or anything else you need. This makes it a top choice among all luxury vehicles if capacity is one of your requisites.
Volvo XC90
Speaking of the XC90, many consider it to be the reason for Volvo’s resurgence to the top of the mountain. It made a splash when its second generation was introduced in 2015, and has continued being a strong seller for them through the present day. It has several seating options all the way up to 7, which makes it a great buy for families. It’s starting price tag of around $48,000 also helps it stay very competitive with the rest of the field. Currently, you can purchase an XC90 with several different engine options, which includes a plug-in hybrid offering. For those looking for a full electric option though, the EX90 is aiming for an early 2024 release.
Volvo XC60
If you can’t decide on compact or spacious, there’s always the XC60. Classified as a compact crossover, you get the best of both worlds without sacrificing too much of either. Matching with its smaller profile, the XC60 carries a smaller price tag with an expected starting value of around $40,000. Hybrid aficionados will be very interested in the fact that this model received an extended range option in 2023. Where the previous PHEV had a range of around 20 miles on just electricity, this update pushes that total up to 32. Keep in mind that as a hybrid, this number does not represent the total range of the vehicle, but only how much you can travel on battery alone.
Volvo XC40
The smallest of the Volvo SUVs is the subcompact XC40, which was first unveiled to the public in 2017. There’s a lot of tech goodies that come standard here, including a power tailgate and smartphone compatibility. Among the features you can pay extra for are a large 12.3-inch center display and a premium Harmon Kardon sound system. As with the models above, the XC40 can be purchased in a variety of engine options. What sets it apart is the full-electric XC40 Recharge, which has a projected range of 208 miles.
Something worth mentioning is the XC40 was rolled out alongside a subscription plan. Offered as an alternative to owning or leasing, it lets drivers have access to the newest Volvo models without having to continually buy the latest and greatest. Not only that, but the price covers insurance, tires, servicing, and roadside assistance. It might not be for everyone, but having more of a choice is definitely better for the consumer in the long run. It’s still too early to see if this is the way of the future, but it seems like a good step in the right direction.
Volvo V90
Want something similar to an SUV without actually buying an SUV? The Volvo V90 has ample room for passengers and cargo within its station wagon form factor. For those who find larger vehicles a little unwieldly but love having that space, this could be the answer for you. The all-wheel drive V90 Cross Country is even more of a tweener, toeing tightly across that pseudo-SUV line. It’s important to note that the standard V90 is no longer being manufactured for sale in American markets. If you live inside the US, only the Cross Country version is available.
Final Word
No matter how you look at it, Volvo is definitely positioned well above average in many categories if you are looking for a new car. Their approach to alternative ownership models is something to keep an eye on, especially if these plans can continue to evolve with the market. With Volvo’s dedication to innovation and a commitment to go fully electric by 2030, the world can continue to expect exciting things from the brand.
