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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  too technical for its own good - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By rubinnyc - May 24 - 3:56 pm

  After years of drivng suvs I decided to try the xc70. considering i drive nearly 30k a year, reliabilty is an issue to me. i have to say i am somewhat disappointed so far. car is 2 yrs old and have replaced a/c unit, a rear whell hub bearing, etc etc

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  comfort - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By saad - May 22 - 2:00 am

  nice to drive it had 63,000.00 mile. since i drove another 50,000.00 mile lovlely at snow . small miner repair here and there. they never more than $400.00 ayear. well if the car more than 5 yr. thats is normal. I will keep the car another 5yr untill is 200,000.00

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  love volvo, not sure about this one... - 2007 Volvo XC70
  By lin - April 28 - 6:18 am

  i had a 1993 240 wagon - no issues other than maintenance. my 2007, however, has had several issues in the first year of ownership (2016-17). yes, its 9-10 years old but come on...rear back left light console socket burned out/melted in socket and had to replace entire console. suspension spring broke!! major issue - ripped up tire and could have been deadly if i were driving!! local volvo dealership didnt seem concerned at all even though it is dangerous. no recalls so its not covered! i am having all 4 springs replaced as others have said when one went, so did another at a later time on their car. very $$$! fuel gauge reads half full when i "fill" it at the gas station. dealership couldnt find problem. miss my 93 but its frame was rusted beyond repair.

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  1st XC and 3rd Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By Chriss Stitches - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2004 XC to replace my 1977 245 Volvo. Absolutely NO complaints about fit/ finish, engine power, transmission (Auto/ Gearttronic). It has the normal turbo lag from a start which makes it a little hard to get a really smooth start. The Automatic Climate Control is great! Power roof switch takes some getting use to. Folding down the rear seats is almost too easy. Got it for $2250 under invoice with excellent financing.

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  A great car!, Solid and very comfortable - 2013 Volvo XC70
  By Steve reddy - April 10 - 6:06 pm

  I am very fussy about my car buying and was considering an S550 or a Mercedes e350 wagon. The Volvo is very practical, with the best front seats Ive ever sat in. Decent power with the 300horse T6. I have the Platinum trim level with every option. I have 34,500 miles on the car now, never in the shop except for oil changes. I love the big car driving feel, I hate little cars so I feel like this was a very good choice for me. The deal breaker on the Eclass Mercedes is that the seat cushion doesnt adjust in the tilt, in other words it stays flat and I could never get comfortable in my 2013 E550. Updated after 15 months of ownership. I added IPD rear away bar, quad tip mufflers and replaced the factory wheels with lighter alloys with Dunlop Direzzas. Car handles much better, next upgrade will be Polestar flash tune. I still love the audio system, great seats!!

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  Happy, so far - 2003 Volvo XC70
  By kpsailor - April 5 - 11:00 am

  I bought this Volvo as a family car (2nd owner, had 57,000 miles), and to add a bit of utility to my garage; so far, so good. It is a comfy car, which makes rather good MPG, considering the size, and has been reliable. It is less rugged as the images may show, but that is not the point anyway. It accomplishes what it sets out to be, a comfortable wagon with more utility than most.

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  Love My Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By EMVanRiper - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I chose the XC70 because of its versatility, reliability, and safety. It has met my expectations and then some. It has lots of room, all the amenities I want (but not those I do not want), has decent gas mileage, and is fun to drive for a wagon, especiall with the Geartronic transmission. My 3- year old son and our three Labs are the reasons why we need this type of vehicle. I used to drive an SUV, but prefer my AWD Volvo.

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  GERMAN GONE SWEDE - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By NATURAL JOCK - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Weve been looking for a good-looking SUVs but without the unnecessary bulk of most major SUVs. We traded one of our cars (AUDI A4 Quattro) for this new XC70 Volvo. We also considered the Lexus R330 and Volvo XC90. We found these latter two SUVs to be too tall/high for our "rescued" South Russian Sheepdog to jump in and out of the vehicle. We chose the XC70 because he is able to recline comfortably while in the car. The XC70s safety features also made us choose it over the Lexus R330. We would have chosen the XC90 but besides the "height" situation, we also found it a little "too feminine" looking :) Although Ive seen quite a few women driving the XC70 here in the LA area.

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  good wagon - 2005 Volvo XC70
  By spotbearsd - February 26 - 8:03 pm

  Great deal w/ end of year discounts. A nice wagon w/ few faults. Ive been very happy in the last few months. Only had to go into dealer for a loose suspension part and was given a loaner. Pirelli tires tramline on concrete freeways.. no real option to swap out due to odd size.

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  Great Cross Country - 2004 Volvo XC70
  By mary - February 22 - 2:30 pm

  Waited a very long time to buy a Volvo. Bought the CX in 2004 and wish I had bought one sooner.... really love the ride and the comfort! Just wish the windows were tinted a little darker or the sun visor was a little longer or had an extension like the Audi. Otherwise am very happy and plan on getting another, but now I know about the Sweden trip and will be flying to pick up the new one...