Are you in need of a vehicle in between the four-wheel drive and the massive off-roader? Then start enjoying such a seamless mid-ground with the Volvo XC70, which sports the traction of a four-wheel drive but has enough body similar to the off-roader. We highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who frequents or lives in the more provincial, rural towns or those who live in areas ridden with ice and snow. 

Pros

The XC70’s latest design sports a spacious cabin, a larger boot, a stiffer and stronger chassis, as well as SUV-inspired elements like flank cadding, scuff plates made of chrome, embossed roof rails, and a plastic bumper. The vehicle’s promise of off-road ability is guaranteed with its Haldex four-wheel drive system and a raised height of 74 mm. All around the elements are luxurious: chocolate colored leather promises a classy experience. Boot capacity is more than enough at 1,600 litres and the floor sports movable points and aluminum rails. You can even divide all your luggage and secure them with additional nets, hooks, and dividers. There’s even the added accessory of a sliding load floor for more space and extra loading.

The vehicle also assures more than enough power with its diesel engine choices. From the 2.4-litre at 212 bhp and 324lb ft D5, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol at 300bhp and 324lb ft at its main star, to the D3 2.0-litre 160bhp at 309lb ft or the 295 lb ft. Both the 2.4-litre D4 and the D5 at 212bhp come with the four-wheel drive, enabling more mid-range muscle that can accommodate long family rides and large luggage capacities. The 3.0-litre T6, on the other hand, promises a brisk and smooth ride on all ranges.

We would recommend the diesel engines over the petrols. The D5 turbodiesel and its 185bhp assures 62mph in 8 seconds with a manual gearbox. You also get better fuel economy via the D4 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which is included with the front or four wheel drive variations.

Cons

Noise is a bit of an issue with the XC70. Suspension clunks are heard when going on motorway speeds. Acceleration from standstill results in a few noises from mechanical racket, but once you’re on motorway speeds the ride becomes quieter. Expect some wind noise, however, from the door mirrors and some road noise on the outside.

Volvo is unable t remove its ride height for better air suspension. Volvo’s famous Four-C adaptive dampers are unable to control body movements from the XC70’s incredible size. Expect sudden rolls at the slightest impediments or provocations; the weight distribution is unable to balance through corners and swells. Thankfully the XC70 can maintain itself on a straight road, but the V70 still performs as a better choice. The XC70 may be the best choice off the road, but it’s another case when you have get back on it.

We would recommend the XC70 for anyone living out in the country, a farm, or along rougher terrain. But if you’re after larger capacities or a bigger body for your vehicle, the X70 and other more fit estates from Volvo are the better match.

The Volvo XC70 has a long and rich history, beginning as the Volvo 850 as its first generation model from 1997 until 2000. Then it was renamed as the V70, offering basic vehicle features such as the front- and all-wheel drive station wagon. It became the Volvo XC70 after being marketed as a Cross Country XC. Peter Horbury designed the second generation that was released in 2000 and manufactured in 2007. This time around, the vehicle boasted of a larger width and height by 4cm, a longer wheel based by 5cm, greater cargo volume, and an all-wheel drive variant. In 2008, the third generation or V70 featured the Ford EUCD platform, while the XC70 was the brand’s wheel drive model.

The second generation released in 2000 had similarities to the S60 sedan, featuring a body that had a 70 percent larger rigidity compared to the first generation. The interior included raised seating in the second row and support in the passenger side for accessories such as a bag holder, rear seat table, waste basket, and other additions that car owners may eventually need for long term use. Other added interior inclusions were the pen holder and coat hook in the glove compartment. The design of this generation, according to Horbury, is one that marries the sports car style with the limits of the wagon back vehicle.