Expert Reviews

DriverSide Overview
Just like the V70 wagon it’s based on, the 2008 Volvo XC70 gets a redesign for the first time since 2003. While the interior and exterior have undergone a substantial facelift, overall the XC70 experience has changed very little – it’s an extremely comfortable car that attempts to bridge the gap between wagon and SUV. While it might not be able to fulfill the ‘Sport’ aspect of the SUV acronym (not many SUVs can either), the XC70 does an excellent job of combining wagon practicality with a comfortable and easy to drive all-weather capability.

What's to Like
Aside from having seats cozy enough to trump First Class on most airlines, the XC70’s biggest selling points are its cargo space, raised ride height and all-wheel drive.

What's Not to Like
The straight-six engine returns slightly dismal fuel economy, especially in city driving. The standard car comes with all the essentials, but a long, tempting and expensive options list means the XC70’s price can rise very quickly.

DriverSide Driving Impressions
The XC70 feels like a stereotypical Volvo from behind the wheel – soft, safe and a little bit slow. Despite its raised suspension it maintains a compliant and comfortable ride. Steering is direct although slightly vague on feedback, but fits the dynamics of the XC70 perfectly. The car feels just as at home at highway speeds as it does around town and insulates occupants from the outside world amazingly well. While the XC70 might not be the off-road vehicle its raised suspension implies, it can make effortless progress through all manner of weather conditions.

Engine and Drivetrain
The XC70 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-6 that produces 235 hp and 236 ft-lb of toque. While the engine isn’t overly powerful, it suits the XC’s “all conditions" mandate well, with plenty of low-end torque to keep the middleweight Swede accelerating at any speed. Power is put down through all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with an optional manual shift function.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Being a Volvo, the XC70 has an array of optional cutting-edge safety features. The Collision Warning with Brake Support system improves driver response to an impending accident by using radar to monitor the distance between the you and the car in front of you. If sudden braking is detected, red warning lights flash on the windscreen and the brakes move closer to the rotors for quicker braking response time. The same radar system is also the backbone of the Adaptive Cruise Control system, which dynamically changes the XC’s cruise control speed based on the car it’s following. A Blind Spot Information System, capable of warning drivers of vehicles sitting on the XC’s flanks, is also available.

Key Technology Evaluation
The XC70 features a Halidex all-wheel drive system which works by driving 95 percent of the engine’s power through the front wheels under normal driving conditions and is capable of transferring up to 65 percent of its power to the rear wheels if extra traction is needed. A Hill Decent Control feature can be activated by pressing the “HDC" button, after which the car will individually brake each wheel to safely control its downhill speed.

Green Evaluation/Gas Mileage
With its torque-rich inline-6 and a heavy all-wheel drive system to push around, the XC70 tends to be a bit thirsty, especially around town. Returning averages of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, the ULEV-II XC70 certainly manifests its SUV aspirations when it comes to fuel economy.

A Closer Look:  Vehicle Details
Interior
Volvo has been re-working its interiors to feature the new, ultra hip and quite Scandinavian ‘floating’ center console, which the XC70 has now picked up. The controls have a solid tactile quality to them and, as mentioned, the seats will force you to consider heading out to buy new living room furniture.

Exterior
The XC70 receives a similar rework to the V70, with less boxy front and rear ends and XC70 specific lower plastic fenders and side-sills. Front and rear skid plates as well as luggage rails are also added to give the XC70 more rugged and utilitarian styling.

Market Segment and Pricing
Coming in with a base price of $36,775, the XC70 initially seems like it’s fairly priced considering its luxury branding. However, thanks to plenty of tempting options including a $3,000 premium package and a $2,120 navigation system, most XCs will realistically end up in low-40,000 dollar range.

What We Think
The XC70 is a comfortable all-weather wagon which represents the perfect alternative for those looking for SUV versatility and car-like driving dynamics. It might be a bit pricey, but it’s got a unique personality that will likely win you over.