If you’re looking for a premium mid-size SUV, you’re not short of options, but two of the most stylish contenders come from Britain and Sweden: the Jaguar F-Pace and the Volvo XC60. While both compete with German alternatives like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, they offer two very different flavours of premium motoring.
The XC60 is the embodiment of modern Volvo, focusing on Scandinavian cool, a relaxing driving experience, and top-tier safety. The F-Pace, on the other hand, was Jaguar’s first-ever SUV and was designed to be the sports car of the segment, prioritising driver enjoyment and sharp handling. So, which of these stylish SUVs is the right fit for you: the comfortable cruiser or the sporty crossover?
Volvo XC60 vs Jaguar F-Pace
Practicality
Volvo XC60 practicality score: 4/5
Jaguar F-Pace practicality score: 4/5
On paper, the Jaguar F-Pace has a clear advantage in boot space, offering more than 600 litres compared to the XC60’s 483 litres. That’s a useful difference if you regularly carry bulky items or pack heavily for family holidays. The F-Pace’s boot is also a good, square shape with a standard powered tailgate, which is a nice touch. It’s worth noting that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of both cars lose some boot space to batteries, with the F-Pace dropping to 485 litres and the XC60 to 468 litres.
For passengers, both cars are spacious enough for a family of four. The F-Pace offers generous legroom and headroom in the back, and the middle seat is wide enough for occasional use. The Volvo is also comfortable for rear passengers, with just a fraction less headroom and legroom than the Jaguar. Despite the Jaguar’s bigger boot, both cars are well-matched for overall family-friendliness, earning them the same practicality score.
Driving Impressions
Volvo XC60 driving score: 4/5
Jaguar F-Pace driving score: 4/5
This is where the two cars really show their different personalities. The XC60 is all about comfort. With its soft suspension and light steering, it delivers a calm and relaxing drive. It’s not trying to be a sports car; instead, it glides over bumps and potholes, making it one of the most comfortable cars in its class. It’s particularly good on the motorway, where it feels quiet, stable, and effortless.
The F-Pace, true to the Jaguar name, offers a genuinely sporty feel. The steering is accurate and nicely weighted, it grips the road well, and it feels more agile and fun on a twisty road than you’d expect for an SUV. The trade-off for this sportiness is a firmer ride, especially on models with larger alloy wheels. It’s also not quite as quiet inside as the Volvo. Both cars offer a range of powerful petrol, diesel (on used models), and plug-in hybrid engines, so you won’t be short of performance whichever you choose.
Technology and Equipment
Volvo XC60 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Jaguar F-Pace technology and equipment score: 4/5
Both SUVs come with plenty of modern tech. The XC60’s cabin is defined by a large, portrait-style touchscreen that controls most of the car's functions. On models built after autumn 2021, this system is powered by Google, making it slick and easy to use. However, the reliance on the screen for simple tasks like adjusting the air-conditioning can be a bit distracting while driving.
The F-Pace’s technology has improved significantly over its life. Early cars were a step behind rivals, but a major update in 2021 introduced a much better Pivi Pro infotainment system. It has sharp graphics, responds quickly to inputs, and is logically laid out. While some may still prefer a physical control dial, it’s one of the better touchscreen systems out there. Standard equipment is generous on both cars across their various trim levels.
Running Costs
Volvo XC60 running costs score: 4/5
Jaguar F-Pace running costs score: 3/5
Running costs can vary quite a bit depending on which engine you choose. The XC60 generally has the edge here. If you’re buying a used model, the D4 diesel offers a good blend of performance and economy, returning around 40-45mpg. For newer models, the T6 and T8 plug-in hybrids promise excellent fuel economy, but only if you can charge them regularly and do most of your driving on electric power.
The F-Pace’s costs cover a much wider spectrum. At one end, the P400e plug-in hybrid can be very cheap to run if charged frequently. At the other, the high-performance SVR V8 model will deliver thrilling speed but also single-digit mpg if you enjoy it too much. The popular D200 diesel is a sensible middle ground, managing around 42mpg. However, the F-Pace can be more expensive to maintain, particularly when it comes to replacing the large tyres fitted to top-spec models.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Volvo XC60 |
Jaguar F-Pace |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.6 out of 5 |
4.8 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
32.4% |
37.0% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.4 out of 5 |
4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Volvo XC60 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
Jaguar F-Pace Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
This is an incredibly close contest, and choosing between the Volvo XC60 and Jaguar F-Pace really comes down to your personal priorities. Based on our comprehensive CarGurus Buyer Insights, both cars achieve an identical Overall CarGurus rating, making this comparison a dead heat.
The verdict, therefore, is a draw. Your winner will depend on what you value most in a premium SUV. If your priority is a supremely comfortable, quiet, and relaxing car with a beautifully designed, high-quality interior, the Volvo XC60 is an outstanding choice. It soothes away the stresses of driving and feels like a true luxury product.
If, however, you want your SUV to have a sporty soul and be genuinely fun to drive, the Jaguar F-Pace is the one to go for. It offers sharper handling and a more engaging experience, combined with a slightly more practical boot. While its ride is firmer, post-2021 models have a fantastic interior that closes the gap on rivals. Both are great cars, but they appeal to different drivers.
Volvo XC60 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Supremely comfortable and refined ride |
Smaller boot than the F-Pace |
| High-quality and stylish interior |
Not as engaging to drive |
| Strong safety credentials |
Touchscreen can be distracting to use |
Jaguar F-Pace Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Engaging and sporty handling |
Firm ride, especially on large wheels |
| Large and practical boot |
Less refined than the Volvo |
| Improved interior on post-2021 models |
Running costs can be high |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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