Volvo

Volvo is a popular car option for buyers looking for a premium, European-designed package, particularly with SUV models like the XC40, XC60 and the XC90. Volvo’s range of plug-in hybrid and all electric SUVs like the C40, XC40, XC60 Recharge and the XC90 Recharge remain popular options within their segment here in Australia.

Volvo has expanded its production base for its passenger car lineup, with the company operating manufacturing facilities in its home market of Sweden, as well as Belgium, China and a production line in the United States.

Volvo reported its best-ever year of passenger car sales here in Australia in 2022, with the XC40 compact SUV remaining by far the company’s most popular and best-selling model. Other popular models of Volvo Cars behind the XC40 include both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs, as well as the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge.

Volvo has received mix reports when it comes to long-term reliability of its passenger vehicles. Using the latest JD Power Dependability Study, 2023, which is one of the most comprehensive compilation of owner reports, Volvo ranked behind the industry average of 186 problems per 100 vehicles, with a score of 215 problems per 100 vehicles. For reference, this placed Volvo alongside manufacturers like Subaru and Volkswagen when it came to reliability, according to the study.

With a lineup made entirely of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine options, fuel economy figures for Volvo Cars are impressive. The entry-level XC40 Plus B4 has fuel economy figures of 6.9L per 100km, while the S60 sedan returns 7.2L per 100km on a combined cycle and the V60 Cross Country wagon is rated at 7.4L/100km. The XC60 Plus midsize SUV is rated at 7.6L/100km, while the XC90 is rated at 8.2L/100km. Opting for Volvo’s plug-in hybrid options for the XC60 Recharge bring fuel use down to just 1.6L/100km, while the XC90 Recharge is rated at 1.8L/100km; so long as their batteries are charged.

Prices for Volvo Cars here in Australia range from $53,490 for the entry-level XC40 Plus B4 to $125,990 for the range-topping XC90 Recharge Ultimate T8. The S60 Sedan is priced from $66,990 while the V60 Cross Country Wagon is priced at $69,490. The XC60 midsize SUV range kicks off from $72,990, while the XC40 Recharge is priced at $72,990 and the C40 Recharge is priced at $75,990. Volvo’s XC90 range kicks off from $95,990, while the XC60 Recharge is priced at $101,990 and its bigger sibling, the XC90 Recharge is priced from $125,990. Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety features, and has actually invented some world-first safety tech like three-point seat belts, anti-lock brakes, rear-facing child seats, side-impact protection and curtain airbags. 

As a result, it’s modern lineup receives five-star ANCAP safety ratings atop a comprehensive list of safety features like autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras and lane-keep assistance.

Volvo offers everything from mild hybrid engines to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains and even battery-electric (BEV) vehicles. The entire range, including the XC40, V60 Cross Country Wagon, S60 Sedan, XC60 and XC90 SUVs come powered by a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Volvo powers the XC60 and XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrids with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired with two electric motors, while the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and C40 receive can be optioned with a single and dual electric motor.

Volvo Cars sold here in Australia are packaged with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with eight years of roadside assistance also included as standard. For its plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, Volvo offers an eight-year battery warranty.

Volvo Cars, like all other manufacturers of cars cannot escape mechanical issues over time. The most common problems reported by owners with Volvo Cars include issues with the transmission and cooling issues, oil leaks, air conditioning issues, sensor failures and suspension issues.

Volvo is one of the leading European manufacturers, all of which have solid reputations when it comes to technology and innovation. Volvo’s most impressive mark in terms of innovation has come in the form of a number of industry-first safety features in its passenger cars. Volvo has invented key safety tech like three-point seat belts, rear-facing child seats, anti-lock brakes and curtain airbags. These features have solidified Volvo’s reputation as an innovator for safety equipment, while its plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles are high-tech offerings fitting Volvo's position as a leader for innovation and technology.