Finding a used luxury SUV that offers space, safety, and refinement for under $30,000 can be a challenge, but one model stands out as the best blend of value and sophistication. It brings upscale comfort, modern tech, and timeless design, all at a price that’s surprisingly attainable.

This mid-size SUV offers three rows of seating, a sleek and minimalist interior, and a reputation for safety that rivals the best in the industry. Despite its premium feel, it’s also practical, with solid fuel efficiency, plenty of cargo room, and advanced features that still feel modern today.

For families or individuals looking to enter the luxury segment without overspending, this used SUV checks every box. It’s refined, reliable, and remarkably well-equipped for the money. Here’s why it stands out as the smartest used luxury SUV you can buy for under $30,000.

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The 2020 Volvo XC90 Can Be Had For An Absolute Bargain

While it isn’t always the first brand that people think of when looking to buy something luxurious, Volvo creates some of the most comfortable, feature-packed vehicles on the market. If you’re looking for a used luxury SUV under $30,000, you’ll be hard pressed to find something more impressive than the XC90.

Average Used Price and Depreciation

According to CarEdge, the XC90 depreciates at quite a rapid rate in its first five years, with it losing 54 percent of its value in this time. This is likely in no small part due to the fact that Volvo doesn’t have the strongest brand presence in the U.S. For used buyers, however, this means that you’re getting a fantastic deal on a five-year-old XC90. The overall average price for a 2020 XC90 currently sits at $29,160, which is much lower than its MSRP of $49,345 from back in 2020.

There are three trims to choose from and three different powertrains. The T5 and T6 are inline-fours, with the T6 being the more powerful option. There is also a plug-in hybrid T8 model. We think that the T6 is the way to go, delivering a satisfying amount of power without inflating the price too much. We also think that the Inscription trim delivers the best when it comes to luxury.

A Heavily Refreshed SUV

When buying a five-year-old luxury SUV, we understand that there might be concerns around just how modern it is. This isn’t something that you really have to worry about with the 2020 XC90, with the SUV having undergone a major refresh that year, giving it contemporary styling and a plethora of tech features.

Along with new exterior styling, Volvo included a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in every XC90 for the 2020 model year. The SUV already came with a ton of safety and driver assist features, but these were also bolstered. Alongside this, the Momentum and Inscription models could be had with second-row captain’s chairs for this model year, creating a six-seat layout.

Reliability and Maintenance

• Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $851 (RepairPal)
• Avg. Maintenance Cost Over Ten Years: $13,224 (CarEdge)
• Reliability Score: 77/100 (J.D. Power)
• Recalls: 7

There is a lot to love about the XC90, but there are some things you should consider before you run out and buy one. A major factor here is that the Volvo is not exceptionally cheap to maintain, with CarEdge estimates putting it close to the average for luxury SUVs. There have also been a number of recalls issued, so be sure that these have all been seen to if you are going to bring an XC90 home.

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Volvo Delivers One of the Best Interiors in the 2020 XC90

The three-row XC90 features one of the nicest interiors of any luxury car in our opinion. Where a lot of high-end automakers rely on gimmicks or flashiness to sell you on how impressive their cars are, Volvo keeps things simple, letting the quality of the materials used and the impressive tech features speak for themselves.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort

Interior space is definitely a strong suit of the three-row Volvo XC90. Those in the first two rows of seats will feel spoiled by how much legroom they have on offer. However, it should be noted that the third row is a little bit cramped. Adults are not going to be particularly happy if you ask them to sit in the way back. The trunk is roomy, though, and you can increase capacity up to 49.6 cubic feet if you fold the third row away.

Even by today’s standards, the 2020 XC90 is one of the nicest-looking SUVs on the inside. It oozes class without being too over the top. Every surface is covered in high-quality soft-touch materials and seats can be upholstered in Nappa leather. Front seats are heated as standard, but you can definitely find models with ventilation and second-row heating. Other high-end features include four-zone automatic climate control with an air purifier and a heated steering wheel.

Infotainment and Technology

Standard in all 2020 XC90s is a sleek nine-inch infotainment screen that sits flush on the dashboard. As mentioned earlier, there is also a second 12.3-inch screen which acts as a digital gauge cluster. Every model comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

There are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin for your devices, with some trims also coming with a wireless smartphone charging pad. A 10-speaker sound system is standard, with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system. The 14-speaker system is standard in the Inscription and R-Design models, with the option of a 19-Speaker Bowers Wilkins system also being available.

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The 2020 Volvo XC90 is One of the Safest Cars On the Road

One of the biggest things that Volvo is known for is their safety. They are innovators when it comes to using technology to keep the roads safer. The XC90 definitely showcases this tech. However, if you think that this SUV is going to bore you from behind the wheel, think again.

Performance Specifications

The 2020 Volvo XC90 can be had with three different powertrains. The T5 turbocharged inline-four is the base powertrain and is reasonably nippy. If you want more grunt, the T6 adds a supercharger to the mix, boosting power by 66 horses. The T8 PHEV adds a powerful electric motor to the rear axle on top of the T6’s turbocharged/supercharged engine.

While it may lean a little into corners, the XC90 delivers some decently impressive handling for its size. The SUV’s ride is exceptional in standard form and absolutely sublime if you get the optional air suspension. There is also a ton of noise insulation used throughout the cabin that adds to the serenity offered in the Volvo.

Fuel Economy

The less powerful T5 model is the most efficient here, especially if you opt for front-wheel drive. Jumping up to the T6 definitely means your efficiency takes a pretty big hit. The plug-in hybrid model, however, features a pretty efficient setup, which is fairly impressive given its level of performance.

The T8 comes equipped with a 11.6-kWh battery pack. This means that it can go up to 18 miles on all-electric power when fully charged. The EPA claims it will take three hours on a 240-volt system for the battery to be completely recharged.

Safety and Driver Assists

• City Safety with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Blind Spot Information System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Road Sign Information

The 2020 XC90 is equipped with some of the best safety and driver assist technology on the market as standard kit. As well as standard collision detection and avoidance systems, the Volvo also has a city driving mode which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system is also on offer here.

The XC90 excelled in crash tests as well. The NHTSA awarded it five stars out of five for safety and the IIHS has given it the Top Safety Pick+ award due to its stellar performance.