Overview & Reviews

The Volvo XC70 is an all-weather version of the now-discontinued V70 midsize wagon that boasts all-wheel drive as well as increased ground clearance and SUV-like styling cues. The latter two features are mostly for show, however, as the XC70 has never had much in the way of serious off-road hardware. What the XC70 has consistently offered is a more sure-footed demeanor in foul weather conditions, and it has become progressively more stylish and luxurious through the years, while maintaining its SUV-grade cargo space and superior reputation for safety.

The current generation Volvo XC70 is ruggedly handsome, and it continues to offer many of the same virtues as previous versions: confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive, top-notch safety, a luxurious cabin and enough cargo space to satisfy all but the most haul-happy families. With the base inline six-cylinder engine, however, performance is lackluster -- other midsize wagons and a handful of crossover SUVs are both more satisfying to drive and comparably or more frugal at the pump. The turbocharged T6 model addresses the speed issue at least. The XC70 is a solid family vehicle, especially for those living in colder climates. Still, there are competing models that have similarly appealing traits, as well as superior power and/or efficiency.

Current Volvo XC70
The Volvo XC70 technically competes in the midsize wagon segment, although its available all-wheel drive, raised ride height and SUV-like features make it competitive with crossover SUVs as well.

Offered in base, front-wheel-drive 3.2 or uplevel all-wheel-drive T6 trim, the XC70 comes well equipped with alloy wheels, skid plates, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface. The T6 adds bigger wheels, dual exhaust outlets, a power sunroof, leather seating and a "watch dial" instrument cluster. Major options include front/rear park assist, a navigation system, heated front and rear seats, a rearview camera and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Of course, there are also available cutting-edge safety features that include adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system.

Under the hood of the base model is a 3.2-liter inline-6 that sends 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels (all-wheel drive is optional) via a six-speed automatic transmission. Although those numbers aren't bad, the XC70's acceleration and fuel economy are both decidedly unimpressive. The T6 shares the six-speed transmission and AWD system, but adds a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that pumps out a more satisfying 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.

The stylish XC70 should please any family that requires all-weather capability, carlike handling and an upscale cabin with plenty of cargo space. But with the proliferation of crossover SUV offerings in recent years, there are numerous competing models that boast similar strengths along with better overall performance, particularly compared to the XC70 3.2. We'd recommend taking a good look at what the market has to offer before deciding on the XC70, though those who ultimately go with the Volvo likely won't be disappointed.

Used Volvo XC70 Models
The present-generation XC70 debuted in 2008. At first it was available only with the base, 235-hp 3.2-liter inline-6. But the following year Volvo brought out the more spirited T6 model with its turbocharged 281-hp 3.0-liter engine. For 2010, the grille's styling was tweaked (including a larger Volvo emblem) and the navigation system was revised, though still clunky to use due to its odd steering wheel controls. The next year saw both engines get their output boosted to current levels, and a front-wheel-drive variant debuted. These latter XC70s are similar to the current version, apart from their lacking the newer car's superior infotainment system (which boasts a 7-inch color monitor and more intuitive interface).

Prior to this, Volvo sold the second-generation XC70 from 2001-'07. Like its V70 sibling, this V70 XC sported a sleeker shape and a new platform shared with the first-generation S80 sedan, as well as a striking interior layout largely borrowed from the S60 sedan. In 2002, Volvo changed business tactics, dropping the "V70" from the car's title and marketing it separately from the V70 line as the Volvo XC. In 2003, the "70" designation returned, giving us the first official Volvo XC70.

Second-generation cars could be equipped with a navigation system for the first time. The 2.4-liter engine was tweaked to produce 197 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, yielding satisfactory if not thrilling performance. In 2003, the 2.4-liter mill was replaced by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that pumped out 208 hp and a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque, which made the XC70 feel rather quick. Rear-seat room was improved over the rather cramped first-generation car, though we still weren't overly impressed, and a third-row seat was available in every model year except 2007. Other available features included adjustable rear seats, four-zone climate control and a DVD entertainment system with front headrest-mounted TV screens.

Well-optioned second-generation XC70s were pricey in their day, but depreciation has helped matters somewhat. Still, the European and premium status of Volvos frequently translates to an expensive repair bill, should you run into problems. Those looking for a used Volvo XC70 should consider a certified pre-owned car or one that still has the factory warranty. If you care about performance, 2003 and later XC70s are the logical choice, as they offer a useful 26 extra lb-ft of torque as well as 11 more hp. Otherwise, you won't be missing much if you go with the 2001 or 2002 model.

The XC70 originally debuted in 1998 as the "V70 Cross Country" (XC for short), an upgraded trim level for the V70 wagon. With its advanced safety features (including side airbags from its inception), capacious interior, all-wheel-drive utility and trendy SUV looks, this endearingly boxy people mover quickly became a strong seller. Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, the first-generation V70 XC was rated at 190 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque -- adequate in its day, but not exactly scintillating.

User Reviews:

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  Electric network broke after 3 days - 2010 Volvo XC70
  By MM - September 7 - 5:36 pm

  Four days ago, I bought a new xc70. Was very happy and impressed by the look of the car & interior comfort. Yesterday, a brake failure signal start blinking & asked me to stop. I stopped & put the car in park & turned it off. Anyway, a big mess. The dealer service could not fix it the next day & gave me a loaner & stating it will take a week or more to find the problem. It is hard to digest this. Anyway, I hope they fix the car soon, although I do not know how I can be sure that the problem is fixed.

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  computer problems AGAIN - 2006 Volvo XC70
  By mabess - April 24 - 6:20 pm

  youd think the engineers at Volvo would get the electrical right. my 06 is the 2nd XC70 where the computer failed and the car stopped- this time in rural Vermont. call 800# and you get 25 miles towing and NOTHING else. this is my last Volvo- NOT DEPENDABLE!

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By Bwana - March 4 - 10:50 pm

  This is my second and last Volvo. My first Volvo (V40) was excellent and when we decided to buy a a new car, we went for another Volvo. Big mistake!! Nothing but problems (two engine breakdowns within 24 hours of each other, carpeting cut wrong - had to be replaced, battery and headlight failure in 1st 6 months of ownership. Cheap interior componments which break - radio knobs, control of electric rearview mirrors. Integrated cell phone suddenly quit working. Stitching coming off seats and shift knobs, etc.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By rdw - July 13 - 4:53 am

  I leased this car in 10/2006 and purchased the additional service feature on it. The car has 26K miles on it and I need rotors, brakes, a new side view mirror, alignment, tires and horn. $1,100 to repair a car that I put $4K down on and have been paying $470/month ever since. Im really disappointed and will not get another Volvo.

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  Stay away - 2009 Volvo XC70
  By luis - March 14 - 11:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 14 months and I cant wait for my lease to be up. Wait a couple years before Volvo puts everything together in this car. Every week there is one thing, electronic issues, alert messages, ratles, transmission jumps from one gear to another for no reason and in the mountains the car goes nuts. The dealer says it is normal in this model and Volvo is still trying to improve it. Resale value is horrible, reliability is even worse, check for yourself Consumer reports and see the ratings from the editors at Edmunds. Do not make the same mistake and wait until they do something about it, it is hard to believe that from the past model Volvo has done such a bad job.

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  Hate this car - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By Marie in Atlanta - February 24 - 1:00 pm

  Had the worst experience with this car than any other car I have owned. After 35,000 miles car broke down due to a fuel sensor. Had to wait for 3 hour in over 100 degree wather for Volvos road side assistance. Had to drive 75 miles to pick up the car only to get almost home for it to break again. Now the back seat seatbelt is not working and have to go up to the dealership again. Paid to have tires rotated, service did not do this. 35000 miles on the car and I need new tires. I do not drive cars hard and we always keep up with oil changes, tire rotation etc. I am a working mom who has to do the school run. However I recently feel every time I get in the car, there is a problem.

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  Big Disapointment - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By DaveJ - February 17 - 1:16 am

  Acquired on 2 yr 12K Volvo lease with promise that I could extend for 6 months. Now that I am at lease end Volvo and the dealer will not honor the original promise. I was offered a $29K buyout do not overpay. I am through with Volvo. I had a 2000 V70XC-SE. After 90K miles major systems failed and cost to keep it on the road were VERY high. Same experience with a prior 240 DL. You cannot afford to keep them going once they need major service. The 2008 has disappointing performance and mileage. It is underpowered. The BLIS sensors and ultrasonic sensors dont work in the rain or snow. Any load in the rear causes the springs to bottom out. Check Xenon headlight replacement cost.

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  Wish I didnt get it... - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By PBissonette - December 31 - 11:03 pm

  1) The washer reservoir was not hooked up. 2) Tire failed at 1500 miles, 3) a 73 year old man shut a door with his hip and bashed it in, 4) car electrical system failed at 20,000, 6) both headlights went out at 38,000, 6) replaced tie rod and bushings and tires at 40,000. I expect more.

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  Update to an earlier review - 2008 Volvo XC70
  By an update - July 3 - 3:26 pm

  I loved the car. At first. Then it broke. A lot. Eventually even Volvo gave up and gave me my money back after 15 months. I really did like driving the car when I could. But it was a lemon.

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  Big Problems with 05 XC70 - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By Drea88 - January 4 - 5:36 am

  I have had so many problems with my 2005 XC70, that I am w/o a car more than I am with one. This is my 3rd Volvo and the worst one so far. From the driver door coming open while I was driving twice to gas shooting in my face due to a faulty gas line and cut off. I think I would have been better off with a car that is 20 years old. My car is now inactive again ( every month) because of a faulty trans. Do you think that Volvo or the Volvo dealership will take it back. NO! It is a lemon but of course in PA the lemon law is so crazy that I cant do anything with this car but to leave it in my driveway, due to the numerous times that it breaks down and put myself and my family at risk. So buyer beware