The Volvo XC70 in the 2010 configuration has been improved upon so that it is still extremely competitive. The XC70 has a 3.2 Liter inline six engine that is naturally aspirated in the base configuration. It also has a partial zero emission feature making it a green car delivering 225 hp in the green option and 235 hp in the standard variant. The T6 variant has a 3.0 Liter inline six joined to a six speed manual tranny. The motors rely on unleaded gas too.
The XC70 is a great wagon with all wheel drive. This vehicle is a first rate addition the crossover segment. It competes with some remarkable car models. Volvo has given it plenty of safety features as well including things like instant traction control, electronic hill descent controls, and airbags. If you want a safe vehicle that is an ultra attractive and comfortable offering, the XC70 is a suitable choice.
The XC70 2010 is clearly attractive. It has chrome trim around the side windows, a larger front grille, and an handsome exterior to boot.
The Range
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Engines: 3.2L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Models: 3.2, T6
What's New
The XC70 continues basically unchanged except for some minor trim updates, a PZEV version of the base 3.2-liter engine and some modest revisions to its option packages. The T6 gains standard 18-inch wheels, leather, and a power passenger's seat. Both versions gain a new Multimedia package that includes Sirius satellite radio, nav system and a premium sound system while the previous Collision Avoidance Package is replaced by the Technology package.
Exterior
In an era of fast-appearing and highly-styled new crossovers, the XC70 is getting lost in the crowd. While only two years old, its chunky station wagon design cues almost seem like a throwback to earlier Volvo times. But for some Volvo buyers, that may be exactly what they're looking for.
Interior
The XC70's interior is luxuriously appointed, with an overall theme of flowing sweeps across the dash. The center stack is highlighted by a version of Volvo's signature, free-standing, waterfall center-stack, and attractive, available inlays including wood. Deserving special mention is the highly ergonomic quality of its controls.
Performance & Handling
At about 4150 pounds, the XC70 isn't light. But the 235 horsepower 3.2-liter six moves the XC70 to 60 mph in about 8.4 seconds, while the turbocharged 3.0-liter gets it there in 7.1 seconds. Not bad. Otherwise, the XC70 is oriented towards comfort, quietness, and rough-road capability, so don't expect sports car handling. Or frugal fuel economy – the XC70's 18 mpg combined figure isn't impressive.
Safety
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the NHTSA offer crash testing results for the XC70, but Volvo's reputation for safety research is considerable and the XC70 reflects this with its optional Technology Package which includes adaptive cruise control, automated braking in an emergency, lane departure and driver alert.
EPA Fuel Economy
3.2 and T6: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
You'll Like
- All-wheel-drive capability
- Attractive, luxurious interior
- Handsome, if slightly dated, exterior
You Won't Like
- Lacking Volvo's recent design flair
- No R-Design variant
- Mediocre fuel economy
Sum Up
Minor updates manage to keep the XC70 in the game
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi A4 Avant
- BMW 3 Series Wagon
- Subaru Outback