Hi!

Congrats!
My firstborn will turn one in a few days and we went for the XC90.
Ordered in January, delivery should be around august (but has been pushed twice already…)

I can’t speak of it just yet, but don’t underestimate everything you’ll have to carry with you.
My wife never packs lightly and our V90CC used to be packed and we even used a roofbox.

Now we’re driving with a loaner (XC40) from the dealer until the XC90 arrives and it’s way too small.

So, IMHO, go big! [emoji6]

 

Thanks all! This makes my decision a lot easier

Hi!

Congrats!
My firstborn will turn one in a few days and we went for the XC90.
Ordered in January, delivery should be around august (but has been pushed twice already…)

I can’t speak of it just yet, but don’t underestimate everything you’ll have to carry with you.
My wife never packs lightly and our V90CC used to be packed and we even used a roofbox.

Now we’re driving with a loaner (XC40) from the dealer until the XC90 arrives and it’s way too small.

So, IMHO, go big! [emoji6]

Thanks! This is kind of concerning though that you ordered in Jan and it's coming in August? If I order now should I expect big delays?

 

We have had a 2017 XC90 T8 (Plugin) for over 4 years. One of the largest SUVs that is a plugin. Now thinking about a XC60 Recharge 2022+ We are concerned about the cargo space in the back as we have a big dog. The XC90 is a bit more luxurious than the XC60 maxed out. The XC60 is about a foot shorter and several inches shorter. The XC90 has air conditioning vents in the 3 row seat area. One of the few cars that has that. While the air volume is not anything to write home about it is unique. The best advice is to drive both equally optioned. Yes the XC40 is too small.

 

Congrats! I'm also new to the forum but largely found it due to similar circumstances. Would strongly recommend the XC90.

We have a 2020 XC60 that we love but we had our first born last fall and it's a very tight fit. Even just going across town to visit grandparents, when you add in the stroller, toys, travel crib (if needed), plus the car seat (which will take up even more room once they graduate from the infant car seat). Then add on top of that any roadtrips you might want the car for (e.g., we're going to the beach in a few weeks) and the prospect of packing all of that stuff and then having to add our our suitcase(s) into the car is going to be a challenge.

We are also thinking about more in the future but even if that doesn't happen, the XC90 is a better choice even for 1.

In retrospect, I wish I'd just started with the XC90, hence why I found this forum as I'm searching and deciding on T8 vs. non-T8 and OSD vs. non-OSD and whether to stick it out and wait for MY23 or the potential Embla or just see if I can find a good deal now and pull the trigger.

 

Love our XC90. You will never never ever regret the extra room.

 

If you have the space it will get used.

We started with a V40 while we had only a 55lbs lab/border collie mix and before we had kids. It did great even with one (no dog by then) and even two. We also used a roof box sometimes for big trips. For our follow on to replace our Honda Integra 4dr in 2010 considered V70, XC90, and Q7. We picked XC90 as it was the roomiest of those choices and it has been a great choice for our family (we truly have traveled everywhere it can go on-road, off-road, snow, desert, forests, arctic, and sometimes even while towing - Volvo makes awesome safe and comfortable family adventure vehicles 😁). We used a Bugaboo Chameleon as our pram/stroller (it's big) for all of our kids and even traveled with it when we had our V40 (Volvo Weekender roofbox was great for it on big trips), and even took it with us for our 2010 XC90 OSD 8 weeklong summer trip across Europe with 2 rear facing seats.

Return home from Christmas trip to visit family 1600 miles away with 7 month old, Christmas gifts, Bugaboo, and some extra contraband.

Our V40 stopped working well for us for family trips when we became a family of 5. In 2017 we ordered another XC90 to replace our V40. By this time we had 3 kids and same trip to Europe for OSD taking our Bugaboo again. PLUS a mountain bike in a bike travel box for our oldest to do summer camps in Belgium.

If you have the space you will use it. For 2017 during our OSD 7 week summer vacation across Europe. The hard case on the bottom had the mountain bike, soft case propped up was the Bugaboo Chameleon, behind that there were 3 suitcases and other bags for the 5 of us (11yr old, 7yr old and 23 month old for that trip) traveling with one rear facing seat.

Last year during our 8 week long summer vacation across the US. We were 6 (5 + our puppy), carrying 6 bikes, a paddle board, food, clothes, camping gear, extra fuel, etc. If you don't have the space, you will find a way. 😉 You'll be fine with either, it all depends on how long you plan on keeping it and how you plan on using it over that time. Our youngest is still in a rear facing although is likely to outgrow it any day now 🙃 - our baby. We keep our cars 10+ years (V40 we kept 18yrs) and overlapped with having both XC90. It was nice having a small car to run about in sometimes.

Sometimes we need both at the same time 😆.

 

we have an XC 60..no kids and 1 dog and when we go on longer trips, wished we had the XC90!!

 

Similar use case. Married with one pre-teen, plus a small and a medium/large dog. For regular errands, my wife's Forester XT fits the bill, and is similar to the XC60. On longer trips (weekend house 150 miles away) the Mercedes R320 is the default (close to XC90 in size).
Fitting a full size suitcase, carry-on, a small cooler, and two backpacks with reasonable space for doggos requires using the R Class.
When my wife's twin comes into town with her hubby and teen, the R class is up again.

Short version: Couldn't go back to something smaller and put a deposit down on an inbound 2022 XC90 ER.

 

Congrats!

We were in the same boat... actually did OSD as a babymoon. We both had small sedans prior to ordering and were debating between the XC60 and XC90, ultimately going with the XC90 as the incremental cost wasn't that material and I preferred the look of the XC90. Fast forward a few years and the XC90 is starting to feel small, especially on road trips. You'd be surprised how much stuff babies require (e.g. pack n play, stroller, etc.).

 

Have an XC60 and looking for an XC90 - it's tight with kids. P3 XC60 doesn't have enough room in the rear for some car seats which is wild.

 

Congratulations and welcome aboard!

With a young growing family I don't think you'd ever regret getting a bigger car.

 

When facing the same circumstances we went with the XC90. It was absolutely the best decision. The XC60 is great but the car seats take a lot of space. The XC60 simply doesn't have the leg room or space between the front and rear seats. At the time we purchased an XC90 without the 3rd row of seats. It was/is the best thing.

(We subsequently purchased an XC60 and it was fine without car seats.)

 

When looking around, Asaldworth's comment "the incremental cost wasn't that material" is a big one. I considered going with a loaded XC60 that I would give to my wife when the kid is old enough to drive the Forester. The incremental increase was not a big percentage, so I just went with the 90. Did elect for the 6 seat model for better back row ingress and a smidge more storage space.

 

Congrats! Previously family of 3 (early teen, wife, myself) and our cx5 was just big enough for trips…add in our 85 lb dog, and it was a Tetris/balancing act to get everything/everyone in there. With our new baby coming last year, upgraded from cx5 to xc90, and figured it would be plenty big enough for any situation. Now with baby added to fam, it’s just big enough without the dog (strollers, etc take up tons of room as mentioned). Add in the dog and it’s too small again. Bought a Thule hitch mount cargo box and again it’s just barely enough room with some Tetris.

So to answer your question, xc60 will likely be just big enough for the 3 of you most of the time. Save yourself the trouble and go with the 90…and imo if you can swing it, air suspension, luxury/lounge package, and B&W (in that order - all require inscription trim) are options that make the xc90 feel special.

 

We recently took an 8-10 hour roadtrip in our 2013 xc60, with 2 teens (incl. 1 6' 4") and 2 near 6' adults, and a small dog. With some tetris we fit everything and no one seemed uncomfortable. The plus is that it is more maneuverable in the cities, parking, and a little more fun to drive, and a little more fuel efficient. Having said that, my plan going in was an xc40 Recharge (or similar) for around town and an xc90 T8 ER for my occasional driving and long trips. We were unexpectedly looking to replace our 3 row Honda Pilot. The current car market being what it is, there were no Recharges and I was waiting for xc90s with AAOS (future proofing). Ended up with an xc60 ER (picked up this week). It has been fantastic and its range/size might fit the smaller car bill.

Still prolly will end up in an xc90 or next model as we have teen friends and college moving in our future...

We made it for many years with smaller cars/SUVs when we had 1 baby/toddler. Added a 3rd row car when we had our second. If it is your only car, as others said, would go 90. A nicely appointed Inscription Expression/Plus or a limited optioned Inscription/RD is only marginally more than a loaded 60. I could have gotten a decent Expression for about $3-4K more than what I paid for my 60. It is only slightly less fuel efficient. The 2nd row seats adjust, whereas the 60s do not. Don't forget the extra seats are also good for hauling an extra 2-3 people who will visit to oogle your newborn! .

 

You're getting tons of good replies, but I'll add my own:

Rear facing car seats are absolutely space killers in practically anything. I have a Subaru Forester now which has a ton of rear legroom and it barely fits with me in a comfy position in the passenger seat. Just be aware of this.

You're likely to think "boy I maybe could use some extra room" with a 60, but it's not like a 90 will just overwhelm you with extra space. It's a meaningful but not life changing amount of space.

For my part, I ordered a V90 as a splurge instead of a V60 (I have a 1.5 year old). I was confident the V60 would be just fine, though. I don't think it's necessarily the best idea to go with a 90 just for space, but perhaps for the extra space combined with the higher fit and finish. But that's just me.

 

I was worried the 90 would be a little small coming from an R320. I was trying to get a used 2020 GLS 450 but they weren't depreciating fast enough to be worth it. Wish we could get a luxury minivan in the states. Who knows? Maybe the new MB minivan will be here in a couple years.

 

Well I have 2 kids now and I wish I got a minivan instead of a XC90. You will never regret the extra space.

 

When you have the second kid, this is the right answer. When Kid A came along, we had a 1993 Pathfinder which was great. Once Kid B came along, we were pressed for space and bought a Ford Expedition. That had plenty of room and a nice 5.4 liter V8, but when the kids got a little older ingress/egress became an issue as we didn't want to continually have the rear doors smashing against adjacent vehicles. Enter the 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD van, which ironically we still have to this day because it's so handy. Sliding doors, kids and carpools go together very well.

 

My bride and I don't have any kids, but we find her XC40 just big enough for some of our travels and we have no room for passengers in the back seat. We just ordered a V90CC to replace our Jeep GC.

We had a XC90 Inscription the past couple of days for a loaner and I've driven the XC60 in the past. I would go with the XC90. It doesn't drive like a big vehicle and I thought it was relatively nimble for its size. The XC60 wasn't noticeably bigger in the cargo area vs. the XC40 so we would have considered the XC90 if we didn't feel drawn to a wagon.

 

A baby travels with more gear than you can imagine. You will need to learn how to pack the gear tight to get it all in a XC90.

 

My friends have said that the XC90 is one of the few 3-row SUVs that can fit three child seats across the second row. That means that someone can prob sit (snuggly) between the two child seats.

 

We have a 17 XC60 (that we’ve had since new) with a 6 year old a 3 year old, and a dog. I’ll say a few unhelpful and conflicting things!

• everyone here will have an opinion right for them, and we will all be wrong about what’s right for you!
• the 60 is PLENTY big for one and all the gear
• you’ll find after the first you carry way less gear as with the second it is way more a “whatever” attitude
• all that said, the 90 would have given more flexibility than the 60 did.

Both will be great, the real question is one just for you to think about regarding budget. Every dollar that goes into the car you won’t have for kid stuff. If that’s inconsequential, go with the 90. If that moves the needle, get the 60.

It’s highly likely we will replace it with a 90 but my wife loves the 60 so even at 5 years old it’s a non-starter to her when I bring up replacing it.

 

I had an XC60 with a newborn and have an XC90 now. You might not yet know this but a car seat will make your passenger or driver seat TINY. I mean that. In the XC60 it was really tight for the passenger. In the 90 it’s better.

You won’t regret the extra room for storage, passengers, etc. The XC90 is also nicer and sturdier. Safer, too, due to bigger size.

If you have the money to spend, I would recommend the 90. You can definitely make it work in a 60 but you’ll quickly wish you had more space. Cheers

 

I had an XC60 with a newborn and have an XC90 now. You might not yet know this but a car seat will make your passenger or driver seat TINY. I mean that. In the XC60 it was really tight for the passenger. In the 90 it’s better.

You won’t regret the extra room for storage, passengers, etc. The XC90 is also nicer and sturdier. Safer, too, due to bigger size.

If you have the money to spend, I would recommend the 90. You can definitely make it work in a 60 but you’ll quickly wish you had more space. Cheers

This is an excellent point. I’m 6’2” and could not sit in the passenger seat with the rear facing behind it.

 

if 90, think deeply re: 6 vs 7 seater. We’re 2+3 family, last two being (surprise!) twins. 2nd row captains chains in the minivan have been essential. Planned MY24 90 will be 2+2+2.

 

if 90, think deeply re: 6 vs 7 seater. We’re 2+3, last two being (surprise!) twins. 2nd row captains chains in the minivan have been essential. Planned MY24 90 will be 2+2+2.

You can always remove the middle seat but you can’t add it back. If you have three kids, it’s not so clear cut that captains chairs make the most sense.

 

Can’t beat the 90. The 60 is cool but just so small…

 

We haven’t even used the 3rd row. Just leave it folded down at all times to be able to fill up the trunk nicely for trips etc.

 

We’re a family of 4 similar to yours (2 adults, 1 4-year old, 1 french bulldog). The XC90 is perfect for us and we fill it to the brim for road trips, beach trips, camping trips, etc. I sometimes dream of going even bigger but we live in NYC and it’s already challenging enough to park 😂.

Keep in mind that infants take a lot of space with the rear facing car seat and adding a dog can easily chew up (ha!) the rest of the 2nd row. Having that extra space in the back for the stroller, suitcases, diaper bag, etc is critical!

OTOH we have friends with two kids and a honda accord and they get along just fine (I have no idea how)… so it mostly comes down to your desire to haul things!

 

Made the exact same decision in December (first child, 90 or 60).

Ended up going w/ a fully loaded 60 R-Design T8.

Satisfies my fast car, fun to drive desire - has plenty of space (it's our first SUV).

60 and 90 have roughly the same amount of space in the seating area of the cabin (first two rows) - the extra space comes in the back (and the 3rd row, obv).

We were going to "future proof" our car with a third row, but looking back - that was a dumb thought.

One thing to be weary of (whether 60 or 90) - having a carseat behind passenger seat gives the passenger barely any leg room. We have a Nuna Pipa.

DM if any questions.