2015 Volvo XC70 Review

For 2015, the Volvo XC70 gets an all-new turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models. Also added are the "2015.5" XC70s (models produced after May 2014), which get the updated Volvo On Call and Sensus Connect telematics systems as standard. Some other adjustments to standard and optional equipment have also been made to these later XC70s.

The 2015 Volvo XC70 is an appealing luxury wagon that offers some nice advantages if you're planning on frequently using it in inclement weather or for recreational activities. But many crossover SUVs pretty much do the same thing, and have fresher designs.

The 2015 Volvo XC70 is a tasteful and discreet luxury station wagon that can handle the latest snowstorm or bounce up to that vacation cabin without looking worse for the wear. To accomplish this, Volvo equips it with a raised suspension for extra ground clearance, front and rear underbody skid plates and lower body panels with material that resists hacks and scratches. Even with the upgrades, though, this is still a very practical vehicle. Its rear cargo area is roomier than those of many small luxury crossover SUVs, and you've got the wide gamut of safety features for which Volvo is known.

For 2015, the XC70 receives a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that boasts energetic acceleration and high fuel economy. Aiding the latter is an equally new eight-speed automatic transmission and a surprisingly refined automatic engine stop-start system. Unfortunately, this engine is available only on the front-wheel-drive XC70, whereas the old lineup of less efficient six-cylinder engines and six-speed automatic transmissions soldiers on with all-wheel drive. The difference in fuel economy is significant, as is acceleration with the laggardly 3.2 AWD model.

Luxury wagons that can handle the occasional dirt trail aren't exactly common. The XC70's closest competitor is the 2015 Audi Allroad. It's a nicer and more premium-feeling vehicle, but it's not as roomy inside. Of course, there's a wide selection of small luxury crossovers to consider, such as the 2015 Acura RDX or Volvo's own 2015 XC60; many of them are more enjoyable to drive. The 2015 Subaru Outback is another great choice if you want an off-road-themed wagon and don't need something with a luxury badge. Overall, the XC70 isn't really a standout in this group, but if the brand and the XC70's unique approach appeal to you, it's certainly worth a look.

An all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the standard engine for the 2015 XC70 T5 Drive-E. It develops 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes with an equally new eight-speed automatic. This powertrain drives the front wheels and, according to EPA fuel economy estimates, it will get 27 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway). Contributing to that impressive efficiency is an automatic engine stop-start system (it shuts off the engine while the vehicle is stopped to save gas) that is standard with this engine.

The XC70 3.2 comes with a 3.2-liter inline-6 that produces 240 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. Volvo says the XC70 3.2 will sprint to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is a slow time compared with that of most compact luxury crossovers. EPA-estimated fuel economy is considerably worse, though: 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway).

The T6 offers the strongest performance, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that generates 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are again standard. In Edmunds performance testing, the T6 zipped from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy dips only slightly for the performance boost, to 20 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway).

The 2015 XC70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, hill descent control, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Also standard is Volvo's City Safety feature, which can automatically apply the brakes in low-speed situations when a frontal collision seems imminent.

Integrated rear booster seats and a blind-spot warning system are optional for every XC70. The available Technology package adds frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, additional automatic braking for frontal collision crash mitigation, a driver inattention monitor and lane departure warning.

In Edmunds brake testing, an earlier XC70 T6 AWD came to a stop from 60 mph in 133 feet, which is about 10 feet longer than average.

The 2015 XC70 driving experience differs greatly depending on the trim (and hence, engine) that you get. The 3.2 AWD is slow and delivers unimpressive fuel economy; we'd recommend avoiding it. A better choice is the T5 Drive-E, as it delivers more energetic acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, but you're stuck with front-wheel drive, which severely limits the functionality of this Volvo. The T6 AWD is arguably the best pick here, though again, it returns significantly lower fuel economy than the T5.

Where the XC70 shines is with its premium ride, which pleasantly eradicates the nastiest bumps and potholes and handles smaller road annoyances with a supple indifference, too. The too-light steering doesn't seem to match the controlled ride, though, and the XC70 corners less nimbly than many taller crossover SUVs.

Inside, the 2015 Volvo XC70 looks elegant and classy. The thin "floating" design of the center stack adds a distinctive touch you won't find on competitive models. For the most part, the gauges are easy to read and controls operate intuitively. The interface for the available navigation system in early 2015 models feels a few years behind rivals' systems in both its graphics and functionality, but the refreshed 2015.5 models have seemingly addressed that with several updated features and performance.

The XC70's front seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are nearly as good, though tall passengers will likely wish for a bit more legroom. Practically speaking, the backseat's 40/20/40-split-folding design along with the available folding front passenger seat gives the interior an uncommon degree of flexibility in transporting passengers, cargo or some combination of the two. You'll find 33 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 72 cubic feet with those seats folded down. One benefit of the XC70's wagon design is that the vehicle is a few inches shorter than the typical crossover SUV, and that can make loading bikes, kayaks and other gear on rooftop racks easier.