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Volvo XC70 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Volvo XC70 ranks 5 out of 6 Luxury Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 49 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo XC70, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The XC70's safety technology, comfortable seats and large cargo hold make it a practical choice among family wagons. Still, its lack of power and poor fuel economy are a liability.

Though test drivers complain of sluggish performance with the base engine and disappointing fuel economy, most concede the 2010 XC70's combination of safety, comfort and everyday practicality make it a family wagon worth considering. In fact, the Orlando Sentinel describes it as "the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: Capable of handling most any task, excelling at none, perhaps, but more than competent at all of them."

If you're in the market for a luxury wagon, also consider the Audi A4 Avant. Not only does it feature standard all-wheel drive and top-notch safety scores, but it also has better fuel economy than the XC70 does. And though it offers less horsepower than the XC70, its turbocharged four-cylinder engine receives praise for its smooth operation.

Redesigned in 2008, the XC70 carries into the 2010 model year virtually unchanged. The Volvo XC70 is available in two trims, the base 3.2 AWD and turbocharged T6 AWD.

• "If a crossover SUV is more car than you care for, and you don't require three-row seating, the all-new XC70's artful blend of beauty and brawn (not to mention safety) make it ideal for the active family's lifestyle." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Having spent a day driving, riding in, and poking around Volvo's new V70 and XC70 wagons, I sat down to brainstorm a list of adjectives and characteristics to describe the cars in hopes of generating a story lede. Reading them back sounded a bit like a personal ad for a sweet girl who hasn't had many dates, bless her heart: capable, competent, convenient, safe, roomy, useful, willing, well-equipped, smells good. Hardly the stuff of heart-pounding, sweaty-palmed fantasy, eh?" -- Motor Trend
• "We like the 2009 Volvo XC70's combination of safety and style, and for some shoppers, these two virtues may be enough to clinch the deal. However ... it's worth noting that the Subaru Outback wagon offers similar versatility along with superior handling and better gas mileage at a lower price." -- Edmunds
• "Yes, it's from Goteborg, Sweden, but the Volvo XC70 is the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: Capable of handling most any task, excelling at none, perhaps, but more than competent at all of them." -- Orlando Sentinel
• "XC70 has its charms, among them a roomy cabin, refined drivetrain, and impressive build quality. The T6 adds stronger performance, though not enough to justify its higher starting price. With either model, be careful with options list, as a few quick checks can swell the delivered price to more than $50,000." -- Consumer Guide

XC70 Performance - 7.6 (Good)

Test drivers report that the XC70 performs well on and off the road -- as long as it doesn't venture too far off-road. Some complain that its base trim lacks power. "The base 235-hp 3.2-liter inline-6 sounds unbecomingly truckish under hard acceleration, and it's truckish at the gas pump too, with EPA fuel economy estimates of just 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined -- a couple mpg worse than the V70, and also inferior to the larger Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Flex crossover SUVs," writes Edmunds. Read More

XC70 Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Critics admire the XC70's contemporary design. In fact, Kelley Blue Book calls it "stylish yet rugged," explaining, "Gone is the tacked-on side cladding of old, replaced by a more streamlined treatment covering the molded bumpers and lower door panels.  ... An aggressive front fascia adds a sporty feel to the XC70's demeanor, while helpful features such as an optional power tailgate confirm the XC70's premium luxury-car status." Read More

XC70 Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Auto writers note that the XC70's cabin is functional, comfortable and practical. "Inside is the Swedish Modern design that has also been a Volvo hallmark in recent years, with a free-standing center stack and excellent seat comfort," writes The Auto Channel. Additionally, it features a vast amount of cargo room. Read More

XC70 Safety - NA

Neither the federal government nor insurance industry has crash tested the XC70. However, it comes equipped with loads of assuring safety technology. "Safety is a primary concern for many parents, but it's not enough to have the right child-safety seat or have it positioned in the best spot in your car," writes Mother Proof. "What you really need is to have the right car -- the...Volvo XC70." Read More

XC70 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Volvo XC70 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volvo covers the 2010 XC70 with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Read More