If you're looking for a large family SUV, there's a good chance the Volvo XC60 has already appeared on your shortlist.

It's consistently one of Volvo's best-selling models and has built a reputation for combining practicality, comfort, technology and safety in a way that few cars manage.

But is the Volvo XC60 actually a good family car?

In our experience at Thame Cars, absolutely. Here's why so many families continue to choose the XC60.

Space where it matters

One of the first things you'll notice about the Volvo XC60 is how spacious it feels.

The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making longer journeys more comfortable for adults and older children alike. If you're regularly transporting teenagers, grandparents or a growing family, that extra space quickly becomes appreciated.

The boot is equally impressive. Whether you're loading pushchairs, sports kit, luggage for a family holiday or the weekly supermarket shop, the XC60 has room to spare.

Many models also feature a powered tailgate, allowing you to open and close the boot remotely when your hands are full.

Comfort designed for real life

Volvo has always been known for creating some of the most comfortable seats in the automotive world. The XC60's ergonomic seats are designed to support your back properly, reducing fatigue on longer journeys. It's one of those features that doesn't sound exciting on paper but makes a huge difference when you're spending hours behind the wheel.

Many XC60 models also come equipped with:

• Heated front seats
• Heated rear outer seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated windscreen

Perfect for those cold winter mornings when nobody wants to scrape ice from the car.

In summer, the panoramic sunroof transforms the cabin, flooding it with natural light and making every journey feel a little more special.

Technology that makes driving easier

The latest Volvo XC60 models are packed with technology designed to make everyday driving simpler.

Features often include:

• Built-in Google Maps navigation
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Digital driver display
• Rear parking camera
• 360-degree camera system

The 360 camera is particularly useful for parking in tight spaces or manoeuvring a larger SUV around busy car parks. Many owners tell us it's one of those features they wouldn't want to be without once they've experienced it.

Safety is where Volvo really stands out

When people think of Volvo, they think of safety. And for good reason.

Volvo has spent decades pioneering safety innovations that have influenced the entire automotive industry. The company developed the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), helping improve occupant protection in side collisions.

The Volvo XC60 continues that legacy with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a wide range of driver assistance systems designed to help protect you and your passengers.

For many families, that peace of mind is one of the biggest reasons they choose a Volvo in the first place.

Is the Volvo XC60 expensive to run?

This is another question we're asked regularly.

Compared to other premium SUVs, the Volvo XC60 offers a sensible balance between luxury and running costs. Here are some of the key costs to consider:

Road Tax (VED): Because all modern XC60 models have a starting price well above £40,000, every version is subject to the government's luxury car surcharge. This means for years two through six, you will pay the standard rate plus an additional premium tax each year.

Fuel Economy: With the mild-Hybrid Petrol (B5) you can expect to acheive around 30 to 35 mpg from these nearly 1.8 tonne vehicles. When it comes to the plug-in-hybrid models, they offer excellent fuel economy when the battery is at full capacity. For longer journeys you might see fuel economy drop to around 40mpg.

Insurance: Insurance groups are relatively high, generally ranging from group 31 for older diesels to between groups 41 and 44 for higher-spec plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Maintenance & Servicing: The XC60 beats the luxury SUV average in 10-year maintenance and repair projections. Servicing is typically required every 18,000 miles or 12 months.

For a large SUV, the XC60 is efficient and the servicing costs are competitive for a vehicle in this class. Combine that with Volvo's reputation for reliability and ownership can often be more affordable than people expect.

As with any used car, choosing a well-maintained example with a good service history is key.

Our verdict

If your priorities are safety, comfort, practicality and technology, it's easy to see why the Volvo XC60 remains one of the UK's most popular family SUVs.

It's spacious enough for everyday family life, comfortable enough for long-distance travel and packed with features that make driving easier and more enjoyable.

Most importantly, it delivers something that's increasingly difficult to find in modern cars: genuine peace of mind.

Looking for a Volvo XC60 in Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire?

At Thame Cars, we regularly stock carefully selected Volvo XC60 models, including the highly sought-after Black Edition Dark Plus specification.

If you'd like to experience one for yourself, browse our latest stock online or visit our showroom in Thame for a closer look.

Want to chat it through with a real person? We get that. Why not give Peter or Shelim a call on 01844 21 55 66.