Pros: Unique blend of passenger-car and SUV attributes; generous passenger and cargo room; pleasant, understated-but-classy interior materials
Cons: Many desirable options are available only in expensive packages; lack of brand cachet compared to some premium-class competitors; some complicated controls
CG Says: The Volvo XC70 is a traditional passenger-car-based station wagon that gets an SUV-like personality from its raised ride height and rugged styling cues. For 2015, XC70 gets a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, along with minor changes in standard and optional equipment. XC70 has its charms, among them a roomy cabin, refined drivetrain, and impressive build quality. The base models are best viewed as luxury cars for value seekers. Well equipped at roughly $36,000 to start, the front-drive version offers strong value. It approximates the performance of many similarly sized wagons from American and European manufacturers for thousands less, all while maintaining Volvo’s unique style and character. The economical new 4-cylinder engine is a welcome addition to the lineup. The T6’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine adds stronger performance, though we don’t think it is enough to justify its higher price.
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Volvo |
| Nation of Manufacture | Sweden |
| Base Prices | T5: $35,400 T5 Premier: $38,800 T5 Premier Plus: $40,350 T5 Platinum: $42,850 3.2 AWD: $36,900 3.2 AWD Premier: $40,300 3.2 AWD Premier Plus: $41,850 3.2 AWD Platinum: $44,350 T6 AWD: $40,950 T6 AWD Premier Plus: $42,950 T6 Platinum: $45,650 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31 |
| Optional Engine 3.2-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 300 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
