2008 Volvo XC70 Review

What the reviewers like:
The redesigned 2008 Volvo XC70 gets reviewer praise for its unique feature, including optional built-in adjustable child booster seats and electronic Hill Descent Control for off-roading. Critics say the Volvo XC70's massive cargo space – complete with handy, moveable tie-downs, a big, lockable storage compartment, aluminum floor rails and a sliding shelf – is comparable in size and easier to load than an SUV. The comfortable interior has plenty roomy enough for four adults, and its luxury-car ride is refined on the pavement. It's even rated to tow up to 3,300 pounds – enough for a small boat, one review points out.

What the reviewers don't like:
The Volvo XC70 station wagon's automatic transmission draws criticism for not shifting when it seems it should, which results in a loud engine that feels like it's working too hard. Critics say the Volvo XC70 wagon isn't an exciting drive. Although its price is in line with other all-wheel-drive luxury wagons, and its overpriced compared to the leading sporty AWD wagon, the Subaru Outback.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway

2008 Volvo XC70 review highlights

Overall, reviewers find the 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon more practical than an SUV for most drivers. It offers the best of both worlds, they say: the four-wheel-drive and cargo space of an SUV combined with the plush ride of a true luxury car. The Volvo XC70 wagon, like its close relative the Volvo V70 (*est. $30,045 to $40,940), is based on Volvo's flagship S80 luxury sedan. Both the Volvo XC70 and the Volvo V70 wagons include plenty of luxury features, as well as more cargo space than most station wagons. The Volvo XC70 differs from the Volvo V70 by including standard all-wheel-drive and a sportier exterior with higher ground clearance (although some reviews say the Volvo V70 is actually sportier to drive). The Volvo XC70 also includes extra sport-related features not on the Volvo V70, such as an electronic Hill Descent Control that allows the car to "walk" down steep hills without the driver touching the brakes or the gas. In exchange for all of the Volvo XC70 wagon's extra heft and features, fuel economy suffers, falling to 17 mpg in mixed driving for the Volvo XC70, versus 19 mpg for the Volvo V70. By comparison, the nearly-as-roomy, all-wheel-drive Subaru Outback (*est. $21,995 to $32,195) achieves 22 mpg. But the Volvo XC70 operates on a higher luxury plane than the Subaru Outback, and reviewers are more likely to compare the Volvo XC70 with all-wheel-drive wagons from luxury automakers Mercedes and BMW. The Volvo XC70 wagon performs comparably to those wagons for less money, reviewers say.

Several reviewers have thoroughly road-tested the redesigned 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon, which they say is quite different from the previous version, inside and out. Some of those write-ups – including those from The New York Times, Car and Driver, Edmunds.com and NewCarTestDrive.com – draw brief comparisons between the all-wheel-drive Volvo XC70, other luxury wagons and with SUVs. CarCritic.com offers an overview of the new 2008 Volvo XC70, while a lengthier road test at MotorWeek.com explains nearly every new feature.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. The New York Times
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A Wagon Survives the Slippery Slope
Lawrence Ulrich
Dec. 16, 2007

Even diehard Volvo wagon fans have been switching to SUVs lately, sales figures show – but after road-testing the 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon, The New York Times' reviewer Lawrence Ulrich concludes that maybe they should switch back to wagons. Ulrich finds the Volvo XC70 wagon a true luxury car that can still off-road and haul cargo as well as – or better than – an SUV. The review briefly compares the Volvo XC70 with wagons and SUVs from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, as well as with other Volvos. This tester finds more drawbacks to the Volvo XC70 station wagon than other reviewers do.

2. Car and Driver
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2008 Volvo XC70 Review
Editors of Car and Driver

This review outlines the highs and lows of the redesigned 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon and compares it with the closely related Volvo V70 wagon. Car and Driver also gives the Volvo XC70 numeric scores for "enthusiast rating" and "consumer appeal."

3. Edmunds.com
First Drive: 2008 Volvo XC70
Jason Kavanagh
4-Jul-07

In a thorough road test, Jason Kavanagh details the multiple new features of the redesigned 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon. The review concludes by comparing the Volvo XC70 with the related Volvo V70 wagon, as well as with SUVs in general.

4. New Car Test Drive
2008 Volvo XC70 Review
J.P. Vettraino

NewCarTestDrive.com outlines the 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon's many new features and their usefulness compared with competitors. For example, the Volvo XC70's big, versatile cargo space is easier to load than many SUVs, according to this review, and its redesigned interior is more efficient than other luxury wagons.

5. CarCritic.com
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2008 Volvo XC70/V70 Review
Don Vorderman

Reviewer Don Vorderman combines the all-wheel-drive Volvo XC70 with its non-AWD sister, the Volvo V70 station wagon, in this brief review. Vorderman evaluates Volvo's recent makeover of the exterior, interior, dimensions and power of what he calls "the queen of all wagons."

6. Motor Week
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Road Test: 2008 Volvo XC70
Editors of MotorWeek

PBS's MotorWeek road tests the newly redesigned 2008 Volvo XC70 station wagon. The review evaluates nearly every new feature, from the extra standard safety features to the Volvo XC70's improved ride and handling.

Also see full report: Station Wagons