Volvo XC60 SUV (2008-2017) - Practicality & boot space

The Volvo XC60's tall body means there's plenty of headroom front and back and five adults should be able to get comfortable. The boot doesn't have the largest capacity in class, but it's well shaped and easy to load. Even two-wheel-drive models can pull heavy caravans, while four-wheel-drive models are better still.

Volvo XC60 interior space & storage

With its upright design, the Volvo feels very spacious inside. There's plenty of space in the front – even for tall adults – and the Volvo's back seat is wider than the one you get in the BMW X3, so there's enough elbowroom for three adults. Unlike the Nissan X-Trail, the XC60 can't be specified with seven seats – something that's offered in the larger Volvo XC90.

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There should be plenty of storage space inside for a family's odds and ends. The glovebox has room for a large bottle of water and plenty more besides, plus there's a huge cubbyhole between the two front seats. The door bins are also large enough to swallow a bottle of water.

Boot space

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With a 495-litre boot, the Volvo lags behind rivals such as the Audi Q5, which has a 540-litre luggage area. However, folding down the rear seats reveals a total load capacity of 1,455 litres. The seats fold away completely flat and are easy to operate. Loading large, heavy items is simple thanks to the Volvo's huge boot opening and the lack of a load lip, which means items can be slid straight in.

Towing

Diesel XC60s also make excellent tow cars, with the ability to tow a maximum of 2,000kg when fitted with four-wheel drive. Even front-wheel-drive models can pull up to 1,600kg. It's worth mentioning that the BMW X3 30d and 35d can pull even more, with a limit of up to 2,400kg.