Used 2007 Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 can best be thought of as a rugged version of the popular V70 wagon. Not quite a full-blown crossover or SUV, the XC70 provides the manageable size and reasonable comfort of a wagon teamed with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and superior ground clearance. Think of it as the twenty-first century version of the quirky AMC Eagle. The XC70’s primary competition comes from the Subaru Legacy and Outback wagons and, to a lesser degree, the Dodge Magnum all-wheel-drive wagon.

The XC70 is built on the very competent V70 wagon platform. Except for the rear badges and extra cladding, the two are almost indistinguishable. Power, derived from a turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower, is sent to all four wheels. Due to its height and tires, however, the XC70 does not handle as well as the V70 or S60. Then again, it never gives the impression that it’s about to tip on its side, and it can run circles around any SUV on the road. Acceleration is smooth, linear and quiet. The interior is modern, comfortable and, oh, those wonderful Volvo seats you could sit in for days.

The XC70 employs the same functional and handsome interior as the V70. As with all Volvos, safety is of paramount concern. A high-strength steel cage, with crumple zones and reinforced door beams, makes up the skeleton. There are standard front-seat driver- and passenger-side airbags and side-curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers.

The XC70 is a close cousin to the V70 wagon, but extra-thick black bumpers and a tall ride-height (8.5-inches of ground clearance) give the XC70 a bit more of an off-road appearance, as do the black grille surround, aluminum cladding and alloy wheels.

Navigation Screen
Instead of being incorporated into the audio unit, the Volvo navigation screen rises from atop the dash and can be operated via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Child Booster Seats
Optional integrated child booster seats help little ones see the road.

The XC70 comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, stability control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, alarm system, illuminated remote keyless entry, front and rear fog lights, AM/FM stereo with CD, heated outside mirrors, front side-impact and front and rear head-curtain airbags, eight-way power driver’s seat with memory, cruise control, skid plate protection, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear wiper/washer.

Options include a power passenger seat, power glass moonroof, leather seats, tinted rear windows, third-row seating, navigation, bi-xenon headlamps, premium audio and integrated child seats.

Volvo’s 2.5 light-pressure turbo provides adequate acceleration and fuel economy, but it’s no race horse. The unobtrusive turbo kicks in around 2,000 rpm and builds steadily right up to redline. Although a manual transmission is not offered, the five-speed automatic delivers quick, efficient shifts that make the most of the engine’s generous torque.

2.5-liter in-line 5 Light-Pressure Turbo
208 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25