What is the best Volvo for a family with two children?

Choosing a Volvo when you have two children isn't just a matter of design or horsepower—cabin space and cargo volume become equally important for driving the kids to school or going on vacation without sacrificing comfort and safety.

In this regard, Volvo stands out as an obvious benchmark. But among SUVs, wagons, and the various available powertrains, one question frequently arises—which model truly fits a family with two children today?

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the relevant vehicles for you in the Volvo lineup, including a new addition in 2026 that is sure to satisfy many families.

The Volvo XC60 T8 and B5

The Volvo XC60 is the "perfect size" for a family with two children. In the back, it offers about 96–97 cm of legroom, leaving plenty of space for two child seats without passengers feeling cramped. Additionally, the ride height makes it easier to buckle in the little ones, especially in winter with heavy coats and boots.

As for the trunk, the Volvo XC60 offers around 480 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up. In practical terms, this is enough for a stroller, sports bags, and the weekly groceries without having to play Tetris. Folding down the rear seats expands the volume to over 1,400 liters, allowing room for luggage for a long weekend at the cottage, camping gear, or the children's bikes with the wheels removed.

In Canada, the XC60 is available with two powertrains: a 247 hp gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid that allows for the majority of daily commutes in all-electric mode, while retaining a gasoline engine for long distances. On this note, expect 50 to 60 km of all-electric range under realistic conditions.

For a family that primarily does daily commutes, the XC60 T8 Recharge can offer significant fuel savings while keeping a highly usable trunk, extended driving range for long trips, and a generous rear seat area for two growing children.

To view our new Volvo XC60 inventory, click here.

Volvo XC90 T8 and B5

If you love to travel, entertain friends, transport grandparents, or simply want an abundance of space, the Volvo XC90 deserves your full attention.

The second row provides nearly 94 cm of legroom, making it possible to combine two child seats with an adult sitting comfortably in the middle without feeling claustrophobic.

The third row offers just over 80 cm of legroom—perfect for children and teenagers during family outings or vacations.

Another major highlight of the Volvo XC90 is its cargo flexibility. In a 5-seat configuration (third row folded), the cargo volume reaches around 700 liters. In practice, this means hard-shell suitcases, hockey bags, ski equipment, and grocery bags can all fit with ease. Even with all 7 seats occupied, over 250 liters of trunk space remain, which is sufficient for soft bags, backpacks, or sports gear.

By folding down more seats, you reach a maximum volume of nearly 1,800 liters, enough to turn the XC90 into a capable little cargo van for moving, large purchases, or transporting bulky equipment.

Regarding powertrains, the B5 and T8 Recharge versions allow you to choose between simplicity of use and the ability to drive on electric power part of the time—a substantial benefit for a large family SUV.

Furthermore, in all-electric mode, the XC90 T8 Recharge can cover around 50 to 60 km without using a single drop of gasoline under ideal conditions.

During a Quebec winter, it is safer to count on about 40 kilometers of real-world range, which remains more than enough to cover a good portion of daily commutes if you plug in the vehicle every night.

Finally, for those who need to tow, it offers a towing capacity of up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lbs). Ultimately, it is the ultimate "do-it-all" vehicle for families with two children who love to travel.

To view our new Volvo XC90 inventory, click here.

The Volvo V90CC

The Volvo V90 Cross Country is aimed at families who prefer the elegance of a large wagon over the silhouette of a sport utility vehicle, without compromising on ground clearance, All-Wheel Drive, and overall versatility.

In the back, there is just over 91 cm of legroom—ideal for growing children, as well as teenagers or adults on a road trip.

However, the V90 Cross Country’s strongest selling point for a family is its cargo area. With around 560 liters of space with the seats up, a square shape, and a generous tailgate opening, it is exceptionally practical.

You can easily load a large stroller, multiple suitcases, a large dog, or ski equipment without breaking a sweat. When you fold down the rear bench, the volume exceeds 1,500 liters, making it an excellent companion for long road trips across Quebec or Canada.

Finally, thanks to its wagon profile, the V90 Cross Country generally consumes around 7 to 8 L/100 km in mixed driving, making it an attractive option for high-mileage drivers.

As the V90 Cross Country nears the end of its production run, it becomes particularly attractive on the recent pre-owned market. For a family open to a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-equipped, large family Volvo with an enormous cargo space and handling that is closer to a car than an SUV, all while having already absorbed a portion of the initial depreciation.

Discover our competitive starting prices and browse our new vehicle inventory or our Certified Pre-Owned stock today.

The Volvo EX60 2027

The Volvo EX60 represents the next step for families ready to transition to fully electric driving. Conceived as the 100% electric alternative to the Volvo XC60, it retains an intermediate SUV format with rear seat space and cargo capacity tailor-made for family life.

Integrating the battery pack directly into the floor preserves a healthy loading volume and offers a relatively flat rear floor, which makes loading bulky items much easier.

Furthermore, the Volvo EX60 targets a driving range of over 500 km, with certain variants announced at over 700 km on the standardized test cycle. This makes it highly credible for demanding family duties: weekends at the cottage, long highway drives, and regional trips.

The goal for a family is to be able to use this vehicle as their primary car without making major compromises on space or driving range, all while enjoying the low running costs and smooth driving comfort of a 100% electric powertrain.

For a household that can install a home charging station and regularly travels between the city and the highway, the Volvo EX60 could easily become your go-to family vehicle for years to come.

Available starting at $77,500, you can contact a sales representative today to place an order for your Volvo.

Other Possible Options from Volvo

If you are looking for a Volvo to complement your household's primary vehicle, there are two models in the Swedish lineup that might suit your family's needs.

Volvo XC40: Perfect as a Second Vehicle

The Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV that can accommodate a family with two children, especially if it serves as the household's second vehicle. In the back, it offers around 90 cm of legroom, which is fine for young children in car seats but more limited than an XC60 for teenagers or adults on long journeys.

On the flip side, its roughly 430-liter trunk handles daily errands beautifully, easily holding groceries, school bags, or a stroller.

However, for a heavily packed multi-week vacation, the Volvo XC40 will quickly reach its limits. This is why it is best suited as an urban or suburban vehicle, or as a second car, rather than a long-term sole family vehicle.

Of note, the Volvo XC40 is available as a mild-hybrid gasoline version or as the EX40—a 100% electric model boasting a driving range of up to 418 km for the All-Wheel Drive Twin Motor version.

Explore our online stock by clicking here.

Volvo EX30: A Small Electric Vehicle for Specific Needs

The Volvo EX30 is a 100% electric subcompact SUV that suits a family with two children under specific circumstances: low annual mileage, primarily urban or suburban driving, and/or serving as a second vehicle.

When it comes to cargo, its trunk offers just over 300 liters of space. This works well for groceries, school backpacks, and a lightweight stroller, but quickly limits options for major family getaways. The EX30 is an excellent electric solution for daily life, but harder to recommend as a primary family vehicle over the medium or long term.

The Volvo EX30 delivers an estimated driving range between 407 and 420 km depending on the chosen powertrain. To browse available models in stock, click here.

Discover Our Available Family Volvos

To take the next step and find the Volvo that truly matches your family's lifestyle, the best approach is to view our immediately available inventory of Volvo XC60 and XC90 models.

Be sure to also check out our Certified Pre-Owned Volvo V90 Cross Country models—perfect if you want a large family vehicle with immense cargo space without switching to an SUV.

Alternatively, take this opportunity to ask about reservation details and the upcoming availability of the 100% electric Volvo EX60. In person or remotely, a consultant can take the time to evaluate your mileage, driving habits, children's ages, and everything you typically pack into your trunk, ensuring you get the Volvo best adapted to your family.