“If you want an actual station wagon and not an SUV go get a Volvo XC70 before they are all gone. Other wagon like vehicles (including the Volvo V90) give up practicality, utility and rear visibility for styling with their sloped rear profiles. The XC70 is the only traditional wagon sold new in the US right now, but supplies are running low.”
2016 Volvo XC70: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volvo XC70 was a new T5 AWD model, which replaced the previous 3.2 AWD and T6 AWD versions. Volvo also revised the trim lineup and made several comfort and safety features standard for the XC70's final U.S. model year.
About the 2016 Volvo XC70
3rd gen (2008-2016), final year before Volvo moved this role to the V90 Cross Country.
Volvo positioned the XC70 as a raised, all-weather wagon for shoppers who wanted SUV-like ground clearance and cargo flexibility without giving up the lower roofline, road manners, and cabin feel of a premium car. In Volvo’s own description, it blends luxury-car comfort, wagon practicality, and light off-pavement ability. That mix of long-trip comfort, useful cargo space, and bad-weather confidence is the model’s core identity.
The 2016 XC70 lineup ranged from the practical T5 to the more upscale Premier, which added leather, a moonroof, navigation, and a digital gauge display. Platinum versions emphasized technology with premium audio, upgraded headlights, blind-spot monitoring, a rear camera, and adaptive cruise control with automatic braking. The late-run Classic Premier and Classic Platinum paired their higher equipment levels with the turbo five-cylinder AWD setup.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new T5 AWD joined the range with a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic. It replaced the previous 3.2 AWD and T6 AWD versions.
Styling
New 18-inch Pan alloy wheels became standard across the lineup.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring became standard on T5 Platinum. Parking assist was no longer standard on that trim. The new T5 Classic Platinum also included blind-spot monitoring.
Tech
Heated front seats and the Interior Air Quality System became standard across the lineup.
2016 Volvo XC70 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drv-E, Turbo, 2.0L / 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd, Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd, Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd, Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd, Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd, Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd, Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd, Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd, Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd, Geartronic / Auto, 6-Spd, Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19–23 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 19–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26–31 mpg | 26–31 mpg | 26–31 mpg | 26–31 mpg | 26–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–250 hp | 240–250 hp | 240–250 hp | 240–250 hp | 240–250 hp |
| Torque | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What was the biggest change to the 2016 Volvo XC70?
The biggest change was the new T5 AWD powertrain. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic replaced the previous 3.2 AWD and T6 AWD setups.
How is the 2016 Volvo XC70 different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 XC70 has a simplified AWD lineup centered on the new T5 AWD, along with standard heated front seats, an Interior Air Quality System, and 18-inch Pan wheels. Volvo also added late-run T5 Classic Premier and T5 Classic Platinum trims while dropping the former 3.2 and T6 versions and several Premier Plus trims.
Was 2016 the final year for the Volvo XC70?
Yes. The 2016 model was the XC70's final U.S. model year and the last year of its third generation.
Did every 2016 Volvo XC70 have heated front seats?
Yes. Heated front seats became standard across the 2016 XC70 lineup, along with the Interior Air Quality System.
Which 2016 Volvo XC70 trims had standard blind-spot monitoring?
The T5 Platinum had standard blind-spot monitoring for 2016, and the late-run T5 Classic Platinum also included it. Lower trims did not list it as standard equipment.
2016 Volvo XC70 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volvo XC70.
4.3
2016 Volvo XC70
(227 reviews)
“I had several Volvos in the past one had over 400 000 miles on it when I finally did sell it and another still in the family and has over 300 000 miles, I always liked the safe feeling when I am in a Volvo ( on urban tank) and that they last for ever I hope this new one do not disappoint me !”
“I love the body style and the luxury of this vehicle. I love the fact that safety has been foremost for Volvo for many years. Many years ago, my brother rolled a 1967 Volvo wagon. He was fine. I don't think he even had a scratch on him. Had he been in my family's other car, he probably would have died.”