Classy, roomy and well equipped, the Volvo XC60 has a lot going for it. But it’s not quite good enough to trouble the best cars in the 1700-1899kg weight class.

Take the Volvo’s stability at speed. At 60mph in still air we had no trouble with stability, but whenever a crosswind picked up the XC60 moved around more than the BMW X3 or Jaguar F-Pace.

Likewise it completed the lane-change test at all three speeds, but with a lot of lean and lacking the assurance of the very best tow cars.

It certainly can shift, though. Pulling a caravan weighted to 85% of the Volvo’s kerbweight, the XC60 accelerated from 30-60mph in just 9.8 seconds.

The hill-start test was straightforward, and the car reversed back a short distance up the slope without difficulty.

As an everyday drive, the XC60 can’t match the Audi Q5 for refinement or the F-Pace for thrills. The ride is relatively soft, but can feel lumpy over sharp bumps.

The cabin is superb, though, with a fresh and contemporary look and a quality finish. There’s lots of head and legroom front and rear, and the boot is big enough to take most of our holiday luggage.

Towing-friendly touches include trailer stability control, self-levelling rear suspension, and a reversing camera with a good view of the towball.

The price tag of over £45,000 is high, but the Volvo does come well equipped and has the reassurance of a five-star rating from the safety experts at Euro NCAP.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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