2013 Volvo XC70: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2013 Volvo XC70’s biggest change is that rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers are standard across the lineup. It is otherwise a light equipment and trim-lineup update, not a redesign.
About the 2013 Volvo XC70
3rd generation XC70 (2008-2016), late-cycle minor update year before the larger 2014 styling and instrument-panel refresh.
Volvo positions the XC70 as a premium wagon that blends traditional Volvo strengths—safety, comfort, and cargo usefulness—with the extra ground clearance and tougher look of a crossover. For most buyers, it is the road-trip and bad-weather alternative to an SUV: easier to load, more wagon-like to drive, and still ready for family duty, pets, gear, and rougher roads. Its main difference from many rivals is that it delivers that versatility without abandoning the long-roof wagon format.
The 2013 XC70 ranges from the practical 3.2, with low-speed automatic braking and a flexible split-folding rear seat, to the stronger T6 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and standard AWD. Premier trims focus on leather and everyday comfort, while Platinum models add navigation, a rearview camera, and upgraded premium audio.
What changed, by category
2013 Volvo XC70 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | AWD / FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 17 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 17 mpg | 18–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 23 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 23 mpg | 24–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp | 300 hp | 240 hp | 300 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.1 cu-ft | 72.1 cu-ft | 72.1 cu-ft | 72.1 cu-ft | 72.1 cu-ft | 72.1 cu-ft | 72.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Volvo XC70?
The biggest change is that rain-sensing windshield wipers and headlight washers become standard on every 2013 XC70. The lineup also gains automatic headlight activation in tunnels and improved steering-wheel controls for the infotainment system.
Was the 2013 Volvo XC70 redesigned?
No, the 2013 XC70 was not redesigned. It remains part of the third generation introduced for 2008 and receives a light equipment and trim update for 2013.
Which Volvo XC70 trims were added for 2013?
Five named trims join the XC70 lineup for 2013: 3.2 Premier, 3.2 Premier Plus, 3.2 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus, and T6 Platinum. They create clearer steps between the base models and the most fully equipped versions.
What changed on the 2013 Volvo XC70 T6?
The 2013 XC70 T6 gains Sport mode for its six-speed automatic transmission, along with the lineup-wide visibility and control updates. The base T6 also gets keyless entry and push-button start as standard equipment.
What extra equipment did upper 2013 XC70 trims gain?
Premier Plus and Platinum trims gain standard active dual Xenon headlights. The 3.2 Premier gains standard keyless entry and push-button start, while Platinum models retain their navigation, rearview camera, and upgraded premium audio.