The Volvo XC60 is now the best-selling Volvo car of all time.

With over 2.7 million units sold worldwide, the Volvo XC60 has just surpassed a monument of Swedish automotive history: the Volvo 240. 

This ranking is more than just a sales figure; it illustrates the evolution of family needs and how Volvo has adapted over the decades, all while maintaining its DNA centered on safety, quality, and reliability.

The Volvo 240: The Family Icon of the 70s to 90s

Launched in 1974, the Volvo 240 remained in production until 1993, with 2,685,171 units built. At the time, it represented the best in family cars: solid, spacious, simple to maintain, and above all, exceptionally safe for its era.

Indeed, it introduced major safety innovations: front and rear crumple zones, a reinforced structure, side-impact protection, and even the very first integrated child booster cushion, launched in 1978. 

For nearly two decades, the 240 was considered the benchmark for family cars in many countries, including Canada.

The Volvo XC60: The Modern SUV with Deep Roots

Launched in 2008, the first generation of the Volvo XC60 marked a strategic turning point for the Swedish brand. As Volvo's first compact SUV, this model succeeded in attracting a new, more urban and family-oriented clientele by combining innovative safety with high-end comfort.

From its launch, the Volvo XC60 introduced a major technological advance: the City Safety system, a world first at the time. Capable of detecting obstacles at low speeds, it automatically braked up to 30 km/h to avoid collisions in urban environments.

Then in 2017, the second generation of the Volvo XC60 allowed the brand to consolidate its position in the premium SUV segment, while initiating a new era.

Built on the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) modular platform, already used by the XC90 and the 90-series sedans, this version offered a more rigid base, improved passive safety, and full compatibility with electrified powertrains. 

The design was refined, featuring a more elegant silhouette and distinctive elements like the "Thor's Hammer" headlights, which have become emblematic of Volvo's new visual identity.

Inside, the Scandinavian ambiance is enhanced with natural materials, a clean cabin, and the integration of a large vertical touchscreen, centered on the Sensus infotainment system.

In terms of safety, the Volvo XC60 continues to stand out, notably with the introduction in 2017 of the Oncoming Lane Mitigation system, capable of correcting the trajectory in the event of unintentional drift towards an oncoming lane. Furthermore, Volvo has perfected its City Safety technology, which is now capable of detecting not only vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Finally, the Volvo XC60 has also established itself as a leader in the brand's progressive electrification. Its plug-in hybrid version has even become the best-selling one in Europe. 

In 2026, the model benefits from a major update: modernized design, a more responsive infotainment system, and still a wide range of cutting-edge driving aids, including trajectory correction in case of intrusion into the opposite lane (Oncoming Lane Mitigation).

The Symbol of a Technological and Societal Shift

This passing of the torch between the Volvo 240 (the family car era) and the Volvo XC60 (the SUV era) also embodies the transition towards even safer and more sustainable mobility. 

Today, nearly half of the trips made with a plug-in hybrid Volvo XC60 are done in 100% electric mode, a testament to Volvo's commitment to a zero-emission future.

In any case, we salute the Volvo 240 for its incredible career and thank it for the legacy it leaves to the brand and to all the drivers who had the chance to get behind its wheel.

Discover the New 2026 Volvo XC60 at Volvo Cars Saint-Léonard

It is now possible to order the new Volvo XC60 from one of our new vehicle sales representatives at Volvo Cars Saint-Léonard. Don't want to wait? Click here and discover our online stock of quickly deliverable 2026 Volvo XC60s.