“The complicated systems make the car unfriendly. The instrument panel is not intuitive and the manual requires sitting in the car looking at a small screen using a typing system from a knob like a child's toy. When doing something as simple as changing the radio station the driver must look away from the road for longer than I would consider safe. The storage area/arm rest is not efficient.”
2015 Volvo XC70: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Volvo XC70 is the arrival of the T5, which pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a new 8-speed automatic. This is also a split model year, with later 2015.5 cars receiving a substantial equipment update.
About the 2015 Volvo XC70
Second-generation XC70 (2008-2016), late-cycle year after the 2014 styling refresh, with a major 2015.5 midyear equipment update.
Volvo positions the XC70 as a raised, adventure-ready wagon for buyers who want car-like comfort and cargo flexibility without moving to a taller SUV. Its main draw is the mix of long-roof practicality, generous ground clearance, strong all-weather confidence, and Volvo’s safety-first design. Compared with rivals, the XC70 leans more toward calm highway comfort and family usefulness than sporty handling.
The 2015 XC70 spans three distinct versions: the front-wheel-drive T5 emphasizes lower fuel use, the six-cylinder 3.2 is the straightforward AWD choice, and the turbocharged six-cylinder T6 supplies the strongest performance. Premier trims add comforts such as leather and a moonroof, while Platinum models bring features such as navigation, a power tailgate, keyless access, and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new T5 joins the lineup with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. The six-cylinder 3.2 becomes AWD-only, giving the XC70 three powertrain choices alongside the turbo-six T6 AWD.
Tech
Later 2015.5 cars add the Sensus Connect touchscreen system and Volvo On Call connected services across the lineup. Built-in navigation moves down to Premier trims, Platinum models gain more convenience and driver-assist equipment as standard, and Harman Kardon audio replaces the earlier Platinum sound system. The Premier Plus level is dropped from the simplified 2015.5 lineup, while early 2015 cars still use the broader trim structure.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking changes from optional to standard on the 3.2 Platinum and T6 Platinum.
2015 Volvo XC70 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter / 6-Cyl, PZEV, 3.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 6-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 302 hp | 230–240 hp | 240 hp | 230–240 hp | 240 hp | 302 hp | 230–240 hp | 240 hp | 302 hp | 230–240 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 221–236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 221–236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 221–236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 221–236 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 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 | 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 | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Volvo XC70?
The biggest change is the new T5 powertrain. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive, giving the XC70 a more efficiency-focused alternative to the six-cylinder AWD models.
What is the difference between a 2015 and a 2015.5 Volvo XC70?
The later 2015.5 XC70 has a broader equipment update. It receives the Sensus Connect touchscreen system and Volvo On Call across the range, while Premier trims gain built-in navigation and Platinum models receive additional convenience and driver-assist equipment as standard. The 2015.5 lineup also drops the Premier Plus level.
Does the 2015 Volvo XC70 T5 have AWD?
No, the 2015 XC70 T5 is front-wheel drive. Shoppers seeking AWD will find it on the six-cylinder 3.2 and the more powerful turbo-six T6.
How does the 2015 Volvo XC70 differ from the 2014 model?
The 2015 XC70 adds the front-wheel-drive T5 with a turbo four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic, while the 3.2 becomes AWD-only. Later 2015.5 cars also receive upgraded connectivity, wider navigation availability, and a simplified upper-trim lineup.
Did the 2015 Volvo XC70 receive any safety changes?
Yes. Automatic emergency braking becomes standard rather than optional on the 2015 3.2 Platinum and T6 Platinum.
2015 Volvo XC70 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Volvo XC70.
4.3
2015 Volvo XC70
(159 reviews)
“The traffic function on the Volvo is poor compared to Google Maps/Waze. The estimated time of arrival is almost always 15-30 minutes off from the actual arrival time.”
“I am happy with my new XC 70. However, my 2010 spoiled me with front and back sensors, and I miss them on this car. I'm not a fan of aftermarket products, but I am going to consider adding sensors to the new car. Also, I am a fan of the T6 and wish that it had not been discontinued in 2016.”