Buyer's Guide: 2009 Volvo XC70
Volvo recently launched a new option for the XC70 -- the T6 turbocharged 3.0L engine, with 281 hp. We just drove the car with the T6 and updated the Buyer's Guide for this interesting Volvo.
Car Summary
The XC70 has the hauling ability that families have come to cherish in their Volvo wagons, with a measure of sure-footedness on- and (occasionally) off-road. For most practical purposes, the XC70 functions the same as the slightly more civilized V70 wagon but it has that buff SUV-like body, extra ground clearance and driving position that customers like in both urban and exurban settings. Volvo’s AWD system performs admirably in most situations with its Haldex differential, but the XC70 still hasn’t got the same sort of athletic ride as some of the German competition.
Pros
- Load space is quite configurable and spacious
- Attractive, comfortable interior and distinctive "not-an-SUV, not-a-wagon" exterior
- Compliant ride mixed with acceptable handling gives a balanced performance for a taller AWD vehicle
Cons
- Doesn’t have the sporting feel (nor the sometimes crashy ride) of other premium wagons
- Expect to average no more than 20 mpg, except in pure highway driving
Read more about the Volvo XC70 on the XC70 Buyer's Guide page, where you'll find our driving evaluations, previous road tests, galleries, and more. You can find Buyer's Guides to other vehicles in the NextAutos Car Search database.
