2008 Volvo XC70 Safety Review
Based on analysis of 41 XC70 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 XC70 just wouldn't be a Volvo without a large number of safety features either standard or available. The Boston Globe says that "safety features abound in the XC70." The 2008 XC70 has not yet been rated in federal government crash tests, but the 2007 model earned a top score of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal crash tests and five stars for front and backseat occupant protection in side crash tests.
Accident Avoidance
Accident-avoidance features on the 2008 Volvo XC70 include anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution; and a dynamic stability control anti-skid system that enhances driving stability under slippery condition by electronically controlling the rotation of the wheels. A collision warning system with brake support and a blind-spot information system is an extra-cost option. Edmunds says that the system "is overly sensitive in its default mode, Chicken Little-ing during common traffic maneuvers. Fortunately, the system has three driver-selectable levels of sensitivity."
Crash Protection
Crash-protection features on the 2008 Volvo XC70 include dual-stage air bags for the driver and front passenger, dual-chamber side air bags, head restraints for all seats, seatbelts with pretensioners, anti-submarining protection, and optional two-stage integrated child booster cushions that can be folded into the rear-seat cushions when not needed. "One thing your parents' Country Squire didn't have was a built-in child safety seat," says Motor Trend, adding that this option for the outboard rear seats "makes them a bit too firm when in the fold-down, adult position. They negate the heated rear seats that are included with the $875 climate package, but come in handy if you regularly alternate between kids and adults as rear-seat passengers."
