The Volvo XC 70 is to the Volvo V70 wagon what the Outback is to the Subaru Legacy wagon - a slightly taller, tougher vehicle able to do off road duty. As such, it is an incredibly useful and flexible vehicle. As an elevated wagon, it is perhaps easy to dismiss -- not an SUV, not a car. In the US, at least, it is also easy to dismiss the XC 70 as a more expensive Subaru Outback. But neither characterization does justice to the XC70.

In terms of exterior styling, the XC70, like the V70, is a variation of Volvo's classic box with a more streamlined and slightly curvy detail. In my opinion, it is the best executed of all of the recent generation of Volvos, with a design that is both classic and modern. The black cladding applied to the XC 70 along the base of the car is applied with restraint. While making the vehicle distinct from the V70 the XC 70 cladding does not detract from the looks - it is coherent and handsome. A side bonus -- to befit its off road appearance and elevated height, the XC 70 gets large rear view mirrors drawn from the XC 90 SUV. These are proportional to the overall look, and add nice functionality for the driver.

In the interior, the front seats and instrument cluster are a virtual copy of the V70 and companion S60 sedan. Materials quality is generally high all around, although the center console does give the appearance of being a little dated (especially compared to the slim center stack started with the s40 that is part of Volvo's new design language). That said, I have grown to love the layout. It makes accessing all features quite easy, and is a study in good ergonomics in general. I also find the panel quite attractive at night - the lit white lettering on the black background is a site to behold. Seriously -- take the car for a test drive at night. It is a marvel.

Volvo seats are well known for their comfort, and the s60/v70/xc70 series are perhaps the best Volvo makes. I remember seeing a poll (in Europe) that had these seats ranked as the best available. The only issue with the seats is that Volvo has decided that the best ergonomic position is somewhat upright, so if you like to recline in the driving position, you probably won't find a comfortable spot. It can take a minute or two to fine tune your seating position, but once there, you will appreciate the standard memory seats/mirrors (3 memory settings).

Rear seats follow the V70, which is to say that unlike the s60 there is enough leg room for normal humans to sit there if tall people are up front. Still a little tight, but more than adequate. Comfortable seats as well, although not as comfortable as the front seats; seat backs have two positions from upright to a slight recline. Rear seat passengers are treated to a rear air vents in the B-pillars. One thing I really like about the Volvo is that the rear headrests fold forward when not in use, so they do not obstruct the rear view. And you don't have to remove them! (I just don't understand the people I see driving with these up and no one in the rear seat.)

Behind the second row, there is a long and wide bay for hauling stuff. You can fit a lot in there! In terms of comparison to the Outback, the measurements on passenger volume are similar, but the Volvo is much better laid-out. The square back end makes for easy loading and capacious packing. I would say that measurements aside, the Volvo has a much bigger interior in terms of practical space in the front row and rear. Rear seats fold down (you need to pull up the seat cushions), making for a very flat floor. The front passenger seat folds down as well for carrying very long items. There is a flip up storage area that has a plastic liner and is a good spot to put groceries. There is even a third row seat option -- it faces rearward like old wagons from my childhood. The optional third row seat folds into the floor, so no additional cargo room is lost when it is not deployed.

Driving vision is good all around, with limited blind spots. Compared to my s60, rearward visibility is improved with the upright windows of the wagon. The large rear view mirrors also are a bonus, as is the slightly elevated ride height.

In terms of driving feel, the XC 70 drives like most cars, and is pretty stable in aggressive cornering. Not a sports car by any means, but certainly more capable than just about any other CUV (BMW and Infiniti not included) and many other vehicles. Volvos tend to have light steering - some say numb - but the XC 70 is much more 'normal' than most. This may be due to the AWD system.

Power is more than adequate with 2.5L low pressure turbo. As a low pressure unit, it spools up quickly so while you don't jump off the line, you have plenty of power for passing from low speeds. This is a nice feature of the turbo - torque at low RPMs. That said, the XC70 with AWD is a bit heavier than the V70, so power available is reasonable but not excessive.

The AWD system is a Haldex unit used by Audi, and has tested as quite good compared to many other units in terms of slippage and timely action. (The system was upgraded compared to earlier versions.) While power can be directed to any wheel, the XC 70 remains front biased in normal driving. However, with the skid plates, my understanding is that the XC 70 is quite a capable off roader if so deployed.

The XC 70 has, I think, a slightly higher load capacity than the V70 and as such is sprung a bit more stiffly. Ride is generally smooth if not soft (we are talking European car here), and there is a bit of tire noise - we have the larger 17 inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion light truck tires. These have moderately aggressive tread for off-roading, and might be quieter if replaced with passenger vehicle tires.

In terms of equipment, most XC 70s available have the "Adventure Package" which, my dealer says, is how all 2007.5s are equiped. It is a discount luxury package that combines a number of options. Leather all around, power seats for passenger and driver, the premium audio system (really terrific -- one of the best I have heard), larger wheels/tires, heated seats, rain sensor, and backup sensors. Basically, fully loaded except for a couple of options like navigation. This makes for a very nice vehicle at a good package price. Certainly one that feels like a luxury vehicle.

Options like the rain sensor, memory seats, first class audio system, space, general refinement make the Volvo a vehicle that is a step above mainstream brands. You would need to step up to an Audi A6 wagon (at a much higher price) to get much more in terms of luxury packaging, and not all options that the Volvo has are available on the Audi. The Passat wagon is probably the closest competitor in terms of pricing and luxury content, but I have more faith in Volvo reliability and dealer service. The XC70 also has AWD and off road equipment. The Subaru Outback is a bit smaller and less comfortable -- I've spent some time in Subarus, and while I appreciate their driving dynamics, the platform lacks the overall refinement that Volvo starts with in their platform. 1000 mile road trip? Volvo over the Subaru hands down.

Now, Volvos in general have some distinctive traits and design decisions that won't appeal to everyone. But in the case of the XC70, Volvo has gone a long way to make a vehicle that should have wide appeal -- more so than the attention the market has given it. Volvos are generally available at a discount, and the current XC70 is about to be replaced with an improved(?) design. So if you're interested, now is the time to go to the dealer for a test drive and a great model closeout deal.

Amount Paid (US$): 32000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2007