#5

in Luxury Wagons

Based on analysis of 49 XC70 reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $37,950 - $42,800
Invoice: $35,673 - $40,232
MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.7
Performance:7.6
Exterior:8.4
Interior:8.5
Safety:NA
Reliability:6.0

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

For the most part, reviewers are impressed with the XC70's comfortable seats, simple controls, vast cargo room and quality fit and finish.

  • "Interior trim was quality with an attractive overlapping of tones, brushed aluminum and mesh pockets." -- The Auto Channel
  • "Cabin materials are padded and/or nicely grained where it matters most. Assembly quality is first rate. The available Premium Package on the Base model includes leather seating and wood trim that impart a convincing luxury feel. These features are standard on the T6." -- Consumer Guide

Seating

Critics agree the XC70 offers comfortable seating for four, though its backseat is a little short on legroom.

  • "The XC70's front seats are among the best in the business, achieving a rare combination of chiropractor-approved comfort and body-hugging support. The backseat is also comfortable, though perhaps a bit short on legroom." -- Edmunds
  • "The XC70 is a mid-size wagon, with great seating for four adults, though the back seat is a trifle tight on head and knee room. An occasional fifth passenger will do penance in the center-rear position." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • "Decent space for two adults [in the rear], but three abreast seating is best reserved for quick trips. Under-seat foot space is tight, compromising comfort when the front seats are too far back." -- Consumer Guide
  • "I tried out the expanded rear legroom (now 34.6 inches) and found it more than adequate even if there hadn't been some additional toe wiggle room under the front seat. I can only guess how a six-foot male would do, however, since I'm several inches shorter than that." -- The Auto Channel

Interior Features

Reviewers find that the XC70's controls are simple, functional, and intuitive to use. Some, however, complain that its optional navigation system complicates usability.

  • "Measured by function and simplicity of operation, the 70s' various controls are better than those in most other luxury brands." -- AutoWeek
  • "Like the V70, the five-seat XC70 has a simple dashboard layout with a floating center stack that houses audio and climate controls." -- Cars.com
  • "Gauges are large, clearly marked, and easy to read. Several testers find the digital bar graph a poor substitute for a conventional fuel gauge." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The optional navigation system is cumbersome ... featuring a mishmash of control stalks, a handheld remote and a screen that pops out of the dash." -- Edmunds

Cargo

On balance, auto writers are satisfied with the XC70's 72.1 cubic-feet of cargo space.

  • "Large, boxy, nicely finished cargo area features flat folding second-row seats and handy under-floor storage. A storage-lid prop and cargo tie-down points are nice touches. In cabin storage is limited to an average size glovebox and center console, as well as a few tiny cubbies." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Want more cargo capacity? Check out the Volvo's 33.3 cu.-ft. of rear storage volume - even with the seats filled! Fold down the second row of seats and you'll get a generous 72.1 cu. ft. of space, enough room to fit a go-kart." -- Road and Track
  • "Because, as Volvo says, its customers tend to be users, not people who want something for the sake of having it, the XC70 has practical accouterments. The cargo area has aluminum rails and a tie-down system for securing cargo, as well as an optional pop-up blocker to keep grocery bags from shifting around." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • "The XC70's cargo space was humongous. I fit a huge piece of foam core in there, no sweat. I didn't even have to tilt it or prop it on the backseat headrests or anything! There's a cargo management system with nets and gates, but that's for those crazy, organized types. The backseat and the front passenger seat fold flat. Tee-riffic!" -- Mother Proof
Review Last Updated: 8/20/09