2008 Volvo XC70 (Short Take) | Buyer Guide
IS IT A WAGON OR AN SUV?
I recently reviewed the Volvo V70 wagon, and then had a chance to drive its all-wheel-drive sibling, the XC70. The major distinction between the two is the AWD, but there are other differences as well.
Visually, the XC70 looks more macho with its gray, SUV-style body cladding, which wraps around the lower part of the body. Volvo did a nice job of lightening the overall effect by accenting the cladding with brushed silver trim.
On the inside, both vehicles are much the same. Yet, there is a considerable difference between the standard interior and the optional upgrade. My V70 test car had the standard T-Tec textile upholstery that looked rather drab. The XC70, on the other hand, was trimmed in optional leather with Walnut wood accents (part of the $2995 Premium Package) and was very attractive.
The power train is the same in both cars. It’s a 3.5-liter, V-6 that generates 235 horsepower. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic. The engine and transmission have to work harder in the XC70 because it weighs over 550 lbs. more than the 3527 lb. V70. As a result, the XC70 is not as quick off the line, and not as responsive in its handling compared to its Volvo stablemate. It also gets slightly poorer gas mileage at 15-22 mpg.
The XC70 has light off-road capability, and gets some additional standard equipment to deal with this. One such item is skid plates, which protect the underside of the car in rough terrain. Another is Hill Descent Control, which helps the driver maintain control while going down steep and/or slippery grades. This feature allows the XC70 to descend at a rate of just 6 mph.
If you like the SUV styling, and need all-wheel drive, the XC70’s base price of $37,520 makes sense. However, if neither of the features is important, you can save $4300 by choosing the V70.
Snapshot Review
All-Wheel Drive
More Macho looking then V70
Heavier and More Expensive than V70
