The
2010 Volvo XC70 is a four-door crossover wagon that is available in two trim levels: Base Wagon and T6 Wagon. While all XC70s are equipped with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Base trim comes with a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine and the T6 boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. The Base engine, when sold in California-emissions states, is PZEV rated to make it an official "green car" and thus has a slightly lower horsepower rating.
The Volvo XC70 is an attractive and ultra-comfortable wagon, with chrome trim around the side windows, a large front grille, and a handsome exterior. The XC70 is a safe car with oodles of safety features, including instant traction control, electronic hill descent controls, and plentiful airbags. However, fuel economy is on the average side, getting only 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Volvo XC70 wagon gets a slightly improved fuel economy, and models sold in states with California emissions standards receive a cleaner partial-zero-emissions (PZEV) tailpipe emissions rating. In addition, there is a new Multimedia package that includes Sirius satellite radio, a navigation system, a premium sound system, an upgraded interior trim, and a new grille with a larger badge. The T6 trim gains 18-inch wheels, leather, and a power passenger's seat, while the previous Collision Avoidance Package is replaced by the Technology package.
Essentials
Engines: 3.2L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Body Style: 4-door wagon
Trims: Base Wagon, T6 Wagon
On the Outside
The XC70 may be a chunky station wagon to some, almost a throwback to earlier Volvo times, but for other Volvo buyers, this is exactly the style they want.
From the Inside
Luxuriously appointed, with an overall theme of flowing sweeps across the dash, the Volvo XC70 center stack is highlighted by Volvo's free-standing, waterfall center-stack, which is available with wood inlays. Notable as well are the high quality ergonomic controls.
Driving Performance
Since curb weight on the Volvo XC70 is a chunky 4,150 pounds, the 235 horsepower 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine trots the 0-60 mph in about 8.4 seconds, while the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine races it in 7.1 seconds, which is not too shabby. Primarily, the XC70 is comfortable, quiet, and great on rough roads, but lacks the finesse of sports car handling.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Volvo XC70 include antilock disc brakes, hill descent control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and anti-whiplash front head restraints. Optional are integrated rear booster seats, a blind-spot monitor, and the Technology package, which adds adaptive cruise control, collision warning with "Auto Brake," driver fatigue warning, and lane-departure warning.
Gas Mileage
3.2 and T6: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Plusses
- Luxurious interior
- Attractive exterior
- All-wheel drive
Minuses
- Lack of R-Design trim
- So-so gas mileage
Rating
Familiar favorite with "warm fuzzies" in the comfort and safety zones
People Who Like the 2010 Volvo XC70 Also Like
- Audi A4 Avant
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