“This is my third Volvo XC70. My second XC70 was totaled in a relatively low speed offset head-on collision and my passenger and I were uninjured. No other choice for me!”
Volvo XC70: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volvo XC70 is a raised premium wagon known for blending a carlike drive and comfortable cabin with useful cargo space, extra ground clearance, and all-weather confidence.
The XC70 consistently filled the gap between a traditional wagon and an SUV. It paired long-trip comfort and flexible cargo room with protective body trim, extra ground clearance, and all-wheel drive on many versions. Safety remained a central theme, while later updates modernized the cabin and added more driver-assistance technology. Its role eventually passed to the Volvo V90 Cross Country after 2016.
Strengths
- Its raised ride height and all-wheel-drive versions provide added confidence in snow, rain, and on light unpaved roads.
- The cabin is designed around long-distance comfort rather than a trucklike SUV feel.
- Cargo space is a real strength, and the 2016 XC70 provided up to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
- Safety is central to the XC70’s character, with low-speed automatic braking standard from 2012 onward.
- Its wagon shape keeps a lower roofline and more carlike road manners while still carrying bulky gear.
Who it's for
The XC70 suits someone who wants one practical car for commuting, road trips, winter weather, and carrying bulky gear, but prefers a wagon’s lower roof and road manners to an SUV. It is especially appealing to used-car shoppers who value comfort and versatility more than sporty handling or an imposing SUV shape.
Volvo XC70 lineup
Earlier XC70s mainly centered on the 3.2, while the T6 served as the stronger turbocharged performance version from 2009. In later years, T5 models took over the lineup, with both front- and all-wheel-drive versions represented by 2016. Premier was the main comfort and convenience step up, while Premier Plus occupied the middle ground on earlier cars. Platinum sat at the top with the most technology and driver-assistance equipment, so it is the version to seek when those extras matter most.
Volvo XC70 generations
From 2009 to 2016, the XC70 spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2008.
3rd Generation (2008–2016)
This generation kept the XC70’s raised-wagon layout, with extra ground clearance, protective lower-body trim, and a roomy cargo area. A 2014 refresh modernized the styling and instrument displays, while later years brought major powertrain and lineup changes.
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2016Trim changes
The T5 AWD replaced the 3.2 AWD and T6 AWD models, simplifying the all-wheel-drive lineup. This was the XC70’s final U.S. model year.
2015Trim changes
A T5 turbo four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic joined the lineup. A midyear equipment update dropped Premier Plus and added more features to Platinum.
2014Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, LED daytime running lights, redesigned instrument displays, and standard low-speed automatic braking.
2013Trim changes
Rain-sensing wipers and headlight washers became standard, along with several smaller control and equipment updates.
2012
The lineup adopted a simpler trim structure with Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum equipment levels. The redesigned upper dashboard gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen system.
2011
A front-wheel-drive 3.2 model joined the U.S. lineup, and both six-cylinder engines were updated.
2010
A new grille, chrome window trim, standard USB audio input, and satellite-radio preparation marked a mild update.
2009Trim changes
The T6 turbocharged trim joined the lineup, and Bluetooth hands-free calling became standard.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volvo XC70.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo XC70 an SUV or a wagon?
The Volvo XC70 is a raised wagon. It has extra ground clearance and protective lower-body trim for rough roads, but it keeps a wagon’s lower roofline, car-like road manners, and flexible cargo area.
What is the Volvo XC70 known for?
The XC70 is known for blending long-trip comfort, useful cargo space, and confidence in bad weather. It suits drivers who want some SUV-like capability without moving to a taller SUV body.
Is the Volvo XC70 a good family car?
Yes. The XC70 seats five and has a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, making it useful for passengers, luggage, and long items. Its comfortable cabin and safety-focused design also fit family and road-trip duty.
Does every Volvo XC70 have all-wheel drive?
No. Many XC70s have all-wheel drive, but front-wheel-drive versions also exist. A front-wheel-drive 3.2 joined the range during the 2008–2016 generation, and some later T5 models also used front-wheel drive.
Does the Volvo XC70 come as a hybrid?
No. The XC70 lineup described here uses gasoline engines rather than a hybrid system. Depending on the era, those engines include non-turbo and turbocharged four-, five-, and six-cylinder designs.
When did the final Volvo XC70 generation run, and what replaced it?
The final XC70 generation ran from 2008 through 2016. After the XC70 ended, Volvo moved its raised luxury-wagon role to the V90 Cross Country.
Volvo XC70 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volvo XC70.
4.3
Volvo XC70
(386 reviews)
“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.”
“I've had Volvos for over 30 years and if I replace this one it will be another Volvo.”
“the vehicle is anemic. It needs ~50-75 more hp than it has and AWD really isn't the same as FWD.”
“Love my new volvo. Wish a stick shift was more readily available. I had to give up my fun, sporty Mini once I got pregnant with a second baby. Getting a station wagon felt so much more fun once I saw what quality and comfort the volvo offered. :)”
“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.”