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To say that Volvos are popular in the Pacific Northwest is like saying Gortex should be the official state fabric. Volvos, especially Volvo wagons, are a natural fit for the climate, driving conditions, active lifestyles, and sensibilities of area consumers.
Maybe it’s the strong Scandinavian heritage, the population’s individualistic bent, or just all the well-informed buyers who want safe, comfortable, durable, practical, and somewhat conservative transportation that makes Volvos so popular. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that Volvos are highly popular and deservedly so.
The Volvo XC70 (along with the Volvo V70) was redesigned for 2008. Both wagons are sleeker looking. The XC70 looks more like a slightly smaller version of the handsome XC90 than it’s former armor clad styling. We much prefer the new styling.
Walkaround: Even though the XC70 has been restyled, Volvo rarely makes any radical changes, so it’s still easily identifiable as a Volvo. The XC70 is a nice compromise between a regular station wagon and a truck-type SUV. It’s an amazingly competent off-road trekker, but still very highway compliant. Most people are surprised when they find out how tough the XC70 is on dirt roads, mud or snow. We’ve been there, done that, and been very pleased at how nimble the XC70 is off-road.
Interior: The XC70 interior is pretty much standard issue Volvo, which is a mostly good thing. Comfort and safety are paramount. We found some of the switchgear and gauge placement a little awkward, but not insurmountable.
Our test car had the Premium Package with 3-temperature heated leather power seats, real wood inlays, and a power glass moonroof. The extra thick steering wheel is very comfortable.
Storage bins are small to average in size. Underneath the flat floor of the large cargo area is a slick storage area. A pneumatic strut to hold up the floor while accessing the bins is typical of the nice little touches found on the XC70.
Under The Hood: The 70-series Volvos gained a cylinder for 2008. The former 5-cylinder engine has been replaced by a 3.2-liter inline-6 that produces 235 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with manual shift capability.
All-wheel-drive and 8.3-inches of ground clearance contribute to the car’s excellent off-road capabilities. A very welcome off-road feature is the standard hill-descent control. It takes the nervousness out of steep, slippery descents.
Two great safety options (on top of all the class-leading standard safety equipment) are the Blind Spot Alert and the Collision Avoidance Package. The latter includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning with automatic braking. We tried it on a racetrack and it’s amazing.
Behind The Wheel: The XC70 driving experience is more car-like than SUV. It’s a little harsher than the V70, but still very pleasant. The solid build quality is manifested in the quiet interior.
Whines: The top of the steering wheel partially blocked the left-side speedometer location for us. The push button start/stop system seems superfluous.
Bottom Line: If you live in the Pacific Northwest and your activity level is anything above that of a shut-in, you can’t go wrong with a Volvo station wagon. If you take full advantage of the countless outdoor activities, the Volvo XC70 is an ideal way to get there and back in total comfort and safety.
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