Best Volvo to Buy Used – Used Volvo Buying Guide for 2026
What Makes Volvo Pre-Owned Vehicles So Popular?
The reason why Volvo pre-owned vehicles are so popular is that the things that make new Volvo vehicles so popular are qualities that age well. A safe car with a 5-star crash test rating, if properly maintained, is still a safe car a few years down the road. Volvo’s minimalist Scandinavian styling aims for timeless sophistication over trendiness, and the looks of Volvo vehicles age much better than their German competitors. The same goes for the interior, where high-quality materials take priority over tech gimmicks. Here are the models that give you the most advantages.
Volvo XC40
The XC40 is the smallest gas-powered model in the Volvo lineup, and also the lowest-priced. Obviously, this translates into some attractive pricing for pre-owned examples as well. The XC40 is small, but mighty, with a towing capacity that far exceeds expectations for this segment. It’s also got a surprisingly roomy interior, so you can seat five with cargo space left over, all without sacrificing the ability to parallel park with ease. There were certain model years where all-wheel drive was standard, and even for those where it wasn’t, it’s still not a difficult option to find.
Volvo XC60
The XC60 is the best-selling Volvo model of all time, even more popular than those boxy 240 wagons that used to practically define the brand. The XC60 became so popular because Volvo made so many popular features standard, including all-wheel drive. It gives you more space than the XC40, but so much more that you lose the practicality, and that Goldilocks-like sizing is another big reason for the popularity. The XC60 is also the quickest-accelerating gas-powered Volvo model when equipped with the T8 PHEV drivetrain, which is why it’s offered in a performance-oriented Polestar Engineered trim.
Volvo XC90
Volvo is a company built on practical family vehicles, and the XC90, with its three rows of seats, is very family-friendly indeed. It has won countless awards over the years for being the pinnacle of luxury practicality. The XC60 might sell in larger quantities, but only just barely. The XC90 is popular enough that it’s not any more difficult to find a good used example, and a long list of standard equipment means it’s not difficult to find a well-equipped version either. The XC90 comes with a choice of three different drivetrains, the most of any Volvo model, and all-wheel drive is standard.
Certified By Volvo
If you’re looking for a little peace of mind to go with your pre-owned Volvo vehicle, the Certified by Volvo program is just what you need. To qualify, vehicles have to undergo a 170+ point inspection and have fewer than 80,000 miles on them. You also get a 12-month unlimited-mile warranty, a complimentary CARFAX history report, and even a 3-month trial subscription to Sirius XM. There is special financing for CPO vehicles as well.