Volvo XC90 Vs. Volvo XC60: Comparing Towing Capacity & Performance
If you are considering a midsize SUV from our dealership, both the Volvo XC60 and the Volvo XC90 are appealing options – and knowing the Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 towing capacity is important for making your final decision. Even if you don't plan on towing much, we recommend asking our Volvo Cars of Cary team in Cary, NC, for this information since you never know what the future will bring, and you should be prepared to tow safely with the necessary knowledge and tools. Read on to learn about the past and present capacities of these bold Volvo machines.
Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90: An Overview
The Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 are two SUVs that have a lot in common. Each is luxurious, powerful, and stylish. One area they do differ in, however, is their towing capacities. On the whole, the Volvo XC90 towing capacity is slightly higher than the Volvo XC60 towing capacity. This is due in large part to the fact that the Volvo XC90 is simply a larger SUV; it offers you three rows of seating instead of two.
If your needs can be met by a lower towing capacity, your preference may lie with getting the Volvo XC60 for sale near Durham, which can be a bit more maneuverable – and competitively priced. If you need both the extra towing capacity and a little extra space on the inside, going with the Volvo XC90 is a smart choice.
Which Do I Choose?
Below, we're going to go into a more in-depth explanation of the tow ratings of each of these Volvo vehicles. We'll touch on model years going back as far as 2004, in case you are also considering a pre-owned SUV.
Different years of the Volvo XC90 and Volvo XC60 have seen massive variations, upgrades, and changes to many elements of each. Facelifts are common across these SUVs' history – as are trim updates, engine upgrades, and variations in capability. Towing capacity is one of the specs with a decent amount of variation over the years.
If you're coming into our dealership to get one of our pre-owned Volvo XC90 SUVs, you'll want to take a look below to see the towing capacity charts for this automobile – keep scrolling for information about the Volvo XC60.
2004-2010 VOLVO XC90 TOWING CAPACITY | |
|---|---|
| Year | Max Tow Rating |
| 2004 | 5,000 pounds1 |
| 2005 | 5,000 pounds1 |
| 2006 | 5,000 pounds1 |
| 2007 | 4,960 pounds1 |
| 2008 | 4,960 pounds1 |
| 2009 | 4,960 pounds1 |
| 2010 | 4,960 pounds1 |
As you'll see, slight variation occurred over the lifetime of the Volvo XC90 towing capacity from 2004 to 2010. These numbers indicate the maximum tow rating, so keep in mind that FWD models will often be rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds less than their AWD counterparts. Jumping ahead a bit, we can see more recent Volvo XC90 towing specs:
2016-2025 VOLVO XC90 TOWING CAPACITY | |
|---|---|
| Year | Max Tow Rating |
| 2016 | 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds with FWD)1 |
| 2017 | 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds with FWD)1 |
| 2018 | 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds with FWD)1 |
| 2019 | 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds with FWD)1 |
| 2020 | 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds with FWD)1 |
| 2021 | 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds with FWD)1 |
| 2022 | 5,000 pounds1 |
| 2023 | 5,000 pounds1 |
| 2024 | 5,000 pounds1 |
| 2025 | 5,000 pounds1 |
2025 Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity by Powertrain
For 2025 models, the Volvo XC90 towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. While that's consistent with the hefty figure of previous iterations, there are other factors to consider when determining the towing capacity of your Volvo XC90 SUV. Namely, sometimes your choice of powertrain can impact your vehicle's towing capabilities. So, here's how the Volvo XC90 towing capacity varies with available powertrain options:
Volvo XC90 B5 Towing Capacity
The B5 powertrain provides up to 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque generated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system. As a part of its recent model refresh, every Volvo XC90 now comes standard with AWD. This powertrain uses its AWD system for additional precision and a more robust towing capacity.
With the B5 AWD powertrain, the 2025 Volvo XC90 offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This 2025 Volvo XC90 towing capacity is complemented by a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds; you can handle your next towing trip with ample passing power. Drivers can take advantage of this capability with our Volvo XC90 lease deals in Cary or by financing this dynamic SUV.
Volvo XC90 B6 Towing Capacity
A turbocharger helps increase horsepower and fuel efficiency by compressing air through a process similar to a jet engine. Many vehicles are lucky to have a turbocharger, but when you choose the B6 powertrain, your 2025 Volvo XC90 will gain a supercharger on top of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This combination, called "twin-charging, " is a muscular offering that allows this variant of the Volvo XC90 to lay down 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
The B6 powertrain also comes standard with AWD, providing a speedier 6.4-second 0-60 mph time and a maximum Volvo XC90 towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.1 If you're looking for a more powerful Volvo XC90 for sale in Cary, this option is for you.
Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid Towing Capacity
Alongside the B5 and B6 towing capacities, you'll find strong efficiency and a hefty towing capacity with Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid models. It comes with the T8 AWD setup, discussed below.
Volvo XC90 PHEV T8 Towing Capacity
Combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kWh battery-and-motor system, the 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid T8 powertrain provides a standard AWD layout and a whopping 455 combined horsepower. As a result, you'll achieve a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time and a 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds1 when properly equipped.
Volvo XC60 Towing Over the Years
2010-2016 VOLVO XC60 TOWING CAPACITY | |
|---|---|
| Year | Max Tow Rating |
| 2010 | 3,300 pounds1 |
| 2011 | 3,300 pounds1 |
| 2012 | 3,300 pounds1 |
| 2013 | 3,300 pounds1 |
| 2014 | 3,300 pounds1 |
| 2015 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2016 | 3,500 pounds1 |
As you've noticed, there is only a slight 200-pound increase in the Volvo XC60 SUV's maximum tow rating between 2010 and 2016. While the numbers aren't as high as the Volvo XC90 towing capacity, they're still impressive for an agile two-row SUV. So, if you're looking for a strong towing capacity on a smaller sport utility vehicle, come by and discover our Volvo XC60 lease deals in Cary
2017-2025 VOLVO XC60 TOWING CAPACITY | |
|---|---|
| Year | Max Tow Rating |
| 2017 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2018 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2019 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2020 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2021 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2022 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2023 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2024 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| 2025 | 3,500 pounds1 |
The Volvo XC60 towing capacity has remained steady for the past several years leading up to the 2025 model, which also has a max rating of 3,500 pounds.1
2025 Volvo XC60 Towing Capacity
The 2025 Volvo XC60 has one mild-hybrid powertrain: the B5 AWD setup, which delivers 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This is a simplification from recent models, which often offered three powertrains – some of which you may still be able to find on our lot at Volvo Cars of Cary. When properly equipped, the 2025 Volvo XC60 towing capacity will be a maximum of 3,500 pounds in every trim level.
2025 Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Towing Capacity
When you buy Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid models, you'll see that its T8 powertrain offers the same 455 combined horsepower output that you'll get with a Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid. That said, the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid does 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and its towing capacity differs from that of Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid SUVs; the 2025 Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.1
What Does This Mean?
Because the ratings are different for each vehicle, it's important that you know the weight of whatever it is you're going to want to tow with your new Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 towing capacity. If it's sitting just at or above that 3,500-pound mark, it is going to be safer to opt for the Volvo XC90 and its additional towing capacity.
To give you some examples, most ski boats weigh around 3,500 pounds, while a lot of deck boats and pontoon boats are generally going to sit around that 3,100-pound point. If you don't need to tow something quite as massive as this – a small trailer with some extra hiking gear or luggage for the trip to Grandma's, for example – you'll have no problem working with the Volvo XC60 towing capacity. Please remember that whatever items you put in the boat or trailer should also be weighed.
Tow Wisely With the Help of Volvo Cars of Cary
There can be some complex mechanisms involved in towing. That's why we've put this Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC90 towing capacity comparison together to take a little bit of the guesswork out of the picture. However, if you still have questions after this, we understand. We invite you to give us a call if you need help walking through any of your towing equipment or need to know how to safely set up your boat, trailer, or other gear for towing. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of towing, so we're ready to help you no matter what questions you have.
Volvo XC60 & Volvo XC90 Towing Capacity FAQs
What can a Volvo XC90 tow?
Different powertrains are rated for different amounts, which impacts what the Volvo XC90 can tow. Some used Volvo XC90 trims that come with FWD are going to be able to tow up to 4,000 pounds,1 while many AWD trims can tow up to 5,000.1 The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5, B6, and T8 powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1
Can a Volvo XC90 tow a boat?
A Volvo XC90 can tow a boat as long as it's within the appropriate weight range. The majority of Volvo XC90 SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds,1 so a simple leisure boat will be no problem for them, as they usually clock in below this weight. This makes the Volvo XC90 a great candidate to bring your boat out to Lake Michie near Durham.
Can a Volvo XC60 tow a horse trailer?
When considering a horse trailer, you also have to take into account the weight of the horses you'll be putting inside of it. While an empty horse trailer can be easily towed by the Volvo XC60 (as most will weigh around 2,900 pounds), a full one will be a different story. The final weight numbers may exceed the max tow rating of the Volvo XC60.
How much can the 2019 Volvo XC60 tow?
A used Volvo XC60 from 2019 can tow up to 3,500 pounds,1 no matter what engine option you choose. This trend stretches from the 2015 to 2025 models, meaning that any SUV you find in this age range will offer a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.1 Search for your next Volvo vehicle today and learn how the Volvo XC60 towing capacity rises to the challenge.
What factors affect the towing capacity of a Volvo XC90 or Volvo XC60?
Factors that affect both the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 towing capacity include the powertrain, added equipment like a tow hitch, and whether it's a new or used Volvo XC90 or Volvo XC60. With standard AWD introduced in 2022, you will often find that recent Volvo XC90 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds;1 every Volvo XC60 from 2015 onwards can tow up to 3,500 pounds.1
What are the different types of trailers that can be towed by a Volvo XC90 or Volvo XC60?
A properly-equipped Volvo XC60 can tow most types of trailer that have a loaded weight of under 3,500 pounds,1 and a properly-equipped Volvo XC90 can handle a trailer with a loaded weight of under 5,000 pounds.1
Volvo Model Research In Cary, NC
1When properly equipped. See owner's manual for more information.