Shopping for a new three-row family SUV with a $40,000 budget usually means choosing between practicality and premium comfort. Most new options in that price range focus on value first, offering solid space and features but rarely delivering a truly upscale experience. The used market, however, opens the door to something far more special.

For roughly the same money, buyers can step into a lightly used European luxury SUV that offers far more refinement, stronger road presence, and a cabin designed to feel genuinely premium. Think rich materials, advanced comfort features, a quieter ride, and the kind of effortless long-distance comfort that mainstream family crossovers often struggle to match.

It also brings the versatility families actually need, three usable rows, generous cargo space, and the kind of safety-focused engineering that makes daily driving feel less stressful. For buyers willing to skip the showroom-fresh option, this kind of used luxury SUV can feel less like a compromise and more like a clear upgrade.

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A 2023 Volvo XC90 is one of the best three-row deals out there right now

Tons of space, plenty of luxury, and a palatable price tag

If you’re looking for your next family car, you’ve probably already realized just how expensive a new three-row SUV is. Even if you’re able to stretch your budget, you could still end up behind the wheel of a fairly spartan base model. If you’re willing to shop on the used market, though, you’ll be able to stretch your dollars much farther. The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a great example of this, matching the price of a new mainstream three-row SUV but coming loaded with luxury features.

2023 Volvo XC90 trims and pricing

Back when it was new, a 2023 Volvo XC90 came with a starting price tag of $57,095, going up to $70,295 for the most expensive trim level. This means, thanks to some steep depreciation, you’re saving yourself quite a lot of cash by going with a used model. Most new mainstream three-row SUVs start at around the $40,000-mark, meaning that the 2023 XC90 has a strong price advantage over those models as well.

We think that going with the Plus model gets you the best bang for your buck. This model comes with a ton of standard features, including a 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second row seats. The XC90 is highly customizable when new, meaning that you’ll have to shop around to find a model in a spec that attracts your attention. We’d specifically look for one with the more powerful B6 powertrain.

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The XC90 is a masterclass in quiet luxury

Practical and exceptionally upscale

A lot of traditional luxury SUVs come with loud interiors loaded with gimmicks which, more often than not, detract from the luxury experience rather than adding to it. Volvo understands interior comfort and design better than most brands, and the XC90 showcases the absolute best that the automaker has to offer. It does so while offering plenty of room for the whole family.

Interior dimensions and comfort

The first two rows in the XC90 are very spacious, and even particularly tall passengers will find themselves extremely comfortable. The third row is definitely better suited for kids, with legroom and headroom being somewhat limited. The Volvo comes standard with a second-row bench, but captain’s chairs are available. Behind the third row, there is a usable amount of space, with the capacity of the trunk growing to 35.6 cubic feet if you fold the third row away.

Everything in the XC90 is neatly laid out and oozes a sense of class. Nice materials are used throughout the cabin, from plush leathers to open-pore wood. Four-zone automatic climate control is standard, as are heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and an advanced air purification system. Top trims can come equipped with some really plush options, including Nappa leather upholstery, massaging seats, and an optional air suspension system.

Material

Oxford

Organizer Dimensions

21″L x 14.6″W x 10.3″H

Special Feature

Foldable

This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.

Infotainment and technology

A vertically oriented nine-inch screen sits in the center of the dashboard, housing the infotainment system. It might not be the largest screen, but its graphics are sharp, it responds quickly to inputs, and menus are easy to navigate. Every model comes equipped with a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on every model. The Volvo comes standard with a 10-speaker sound system, but a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon system and 19-speaker Bowers Wilkins system are optional. Things like ambient interior lighting and a heads-up display are available on some models, but it’s better to think of the XC90 as more of a luxury lounge than a tech showcase.

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Choose between two perky powertrains in the 2023 XC90

Both are responsive and powerful

Credit: Volvo

The XC90 comes with one of two powertrains. The Core and Plus trims could be had with either the B5 or the B6 engine under the hood, with the B6 being the more powerful option. The Ultimate trim, however, only came with the B6. Regardless of which powertrain you opt for, you’ll be impressed with just how smooth and comfortable the driving experience of the XC90 really is.

Performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

247 hp

Base Trim Torque

258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

Fuel Economy

22/28 MPG

Make

Volvo

Model

XC90

Segment

Midsize Luxury SUV

Both the B5 and the B6 are turbocharged four-cylinder engines with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. The B5 is standard and puts down a reasonable 247 horses. The B6 increases output up to 295 horsepower. There is also a 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid T8 model, but that pushes the price up beyond our budget-oriented approach here. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are standard regardless of which model you get.

The XC90, like many SUVs in this segment, isn’t quite equipped for spirited driving. The steering here is well weighted and the Volvo responds well to inputs, but it leans more towards comfort than performance. Its ride quality is excellent and there is a good amount of sound deadening at work here. The optional air suspension takes things to the next level.

It also comes with a number of driver assists, many that other automakers don’t even offer, and one of the highest safety ratings out there.

Skip the mundane choice and get this plush Volvo instead

With the average list price of a 2023 XC90 sitting at $41,074, it is priced similarly to a new mainstream three-row SUV, as long as you stick with an entry-level trim. Instead of spending your money on something basic, you can get a lightly used XC90 with a couple of miles on the clock and get a far more refined experience. This Swedish three-row SUV delivers a plush and comfortable cabin, one that the whole family can be proud of.