Volvo Hits a Home Run with the 2014 Volvo XC70

The 2014 Volvo XC70 is the wagon offering from Volvo and maybe a wagon isn’t always the preferred choice of vehicle, but this wagon has a lot to offer. Stamped with the Volvo name the XC70 is full of safety features that offer a peace of mind only found when driving a Volvo. Along with the safety the wagon offers the versatility and flexibility to haul people, stuff, or both with maximized cargo space.

For the 2014 model, Volvo upgraded the XC70 throughout with just a touch of refreshing. The new technology for this year includes a Cyclist Detection system and a new Climate Package offers a heated windshield and steering wheel. Offering a smooth ride, the XC70 handles the road very nicely, although the weight of the car is evident throughout the drive. The steering is responsive and easy to work, making the car a comfortable and smooth ride whether in town or out on the open road. With a full complement of insulation and noise reducing equipment the ride is quiet as well as smooth allowing occupants to find their sound instead of the road noises.

The engines start out with a base model that offers a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that offers 240 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. When matched with the six-speed automatic that is able to be shifted manually the fuel efficiency is 18 city/26 hwy mpg for the front-wheel drive (FWD) and 18 city/25 hwy mpg for the all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine is a bit sluggish for such a heavy vehicle (the XC70 is over two tons in weight) and unless a must would not be the engine of choice.

The engine that will really get this massive metal monster moving is the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder which offers 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. This is called the T6 model and is only available in AWD for the same transmission as the smaller engine. When partnered up, this powertrain will achieve 17 city/24 hwy mpg which really isn’t a huge loss considering the great increase in overall power for the engine.

If the T6 doesn’t offer enough power to please a buyer at its factor set up, a dealer-installed Polestar Performance Packages is available for the car that increases the horsepower to 325 and the torque up to 354 lb.-ft. This increase in power is amazingly achieved without actually affecting the fuel economy at all which makes this a very attractive feature for anyone in need of a more powerful vehicle.

Even though this is a wagon, it is still a Volvo and can be put in a luxury class at its higher trim levels. The interior is adorned with soft and comfortable leather upholstery along with wood and metal accents throughout the cabin. The gauges and controls are all within easy reach of the driver and easy to use as well. All passengers will be comfortable in any seat and enjoy the luxury feel that is offered. Add to all this the biggest reason to buy a wagon; cargo space; the XC70 offers a 33 cubic foot trunk space with the seats up, which is a great deal of space for almost anything.

Sitting up higher off the ground than most wagons, this vehicle does appear to be ready to handle some light off road duties or heavy snow. Even though the XC70 has always been a big blocky and utilitarian looking, the overall look is softened a bit with just a couple nice angles from the hood to the windshield and a smooth accent belt line from the front to the back. A full set of split start spoke wheels finish off the vehicle and almost look like throwing stars while driving down the road.

The standard features for the XC70 is similar to many Volvos, very safety oriented. Starting with the City Safety low-speed accident prevention system which is standard even on the base model, the car continues with standard features that include rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, front and rear skid plates, an eight-way power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 160 watt audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control. If the T6 is chosen, the standard features add in an adaptive digital instrument cluster, leather seating, a power moon roof, and a power passenger seat.

For the XC70 the optional equipment is once again very safety centered with the City safety automatic-braking system to start with and continuing with a road Sign Information system, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, a cyclist and pedestrian-detection system with automatic braking, lane-departure warning and collision warning this vehicle really offers a lot to keep everyone safe. Also available are xenon headlights, dual two-stage child booster seats, heated front and rear seats, an interior air quality system, a navigation system, a rear seat entertainment system with two screens, a rearview camera, and a 12-speaker 650-watt premium sound system. With all this available the XC70 can really be made into a high quality luxury wagon.

Starting with a price just under $35,500 for the base model the Volvo XC70 is a fairly affordable wagon especially when all the safety features and flexibility of a wagon are taken into consideration. The T6 will start around $42,000 and to add the performance package will only raise the price by $1,500. A fully loaded XC70 can come in over $55,000 but once again that is a fantastic amount of features in the vehicle.

Even though many feel wagons are a car from the past and not one they might choose today with all the small SUV’s that offer a simply more appealing look the XC70 is still a great wagon from Volvo that puts safety first and allows the owner to enjoy the versatility only found in a wagon. Instead of an SUV that doesn’t fit their needs the XC 70 just might take care of business.