Holden Captiva vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?

Holden Captiva

$4,900 - $18,000

2017 price

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Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2017 Holden Captiva

2026 Volvo XC60

By Peter Anderson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

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Fuel Efficiency

8.2L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

It's cheap
It's big
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

Dislikes

It's old
It's a bit noisy
Lacks the finesse of the competition

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

2017 Holden Captiva Summary

Holden wasn't the first manufacturer to find itself bereft of a big SUV when the fuse was lit by BMW and Mercedes as the last millennium came to a close. Ford responded with the Territory while Holden jacked-up a V8 Commodore and slapped the Adventra badge on it. Sadly, it didn't work, and so the Captiva was the next best option, procured from what was then called Daewoo.

As a result of that that little blip on the economic radar, the GFC, and an on-going re-organisation of General Motors, the Korean-built Captiva has lasted rather longer than anyone expected.

It first launched with two bodystyles, but is now down to one, the bigger and more practical seven seat body shell.

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2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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Deep dive comparison

2017 Holden Captiva 2026 Volvo XC60

Verdict

The Captiva is very, very long in the tooth and is heading towards retirement some time in the next twelve months. Before then, it's a lot of car for the money, particularly the seven seat LS. It's not fast, flash or futuristic but it will do the job and with all of the early problems sorted, will probably do it for quite some time.

The Captiva's low scores are mostly to do with the car just being old and feeling it, with dodgier plastics, slightly undercooked ride and handling and a lack of engine and safety tech. It doesn't mean it's a terrible car, because it isn't and Holden papers up the cracks with a low starting price and good after-sales.

Verdict

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

Holden Captiva vs Volvo XC60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Captiva vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?