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2009 Volvo V70 Performance Review

July 9, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sharp handling isn't in the V70's repertoire
Edmunds

this Volvo's tradeoff between control and compliance [is] a very livable compromise
Kelley Blue Book

down on power compared to other midsize premium cars
ConsumerGuide

six-cylinder lacks high-speed power
Cars.com

The 2009 Volvo V70 is semi-sporty in a stoic way, but fuel economy is a downer. The sensible drivers at ConsumerGuide average 21.6 mpg “in an even mix of city and highway driving.” Says Kelley Blue Book, “the V70's EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway are only average, and are equaled by BMW's pricier, but far-quicker, 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive 535xi Sport Wagon.”

Besides the bad fuel-efficiency figures of the 2009 V70, reviewers appreciate the 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine’s smooth 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Kelley Blue Book finds the engine has “sufficient muscle” but “won’t do much to satisfy anyone with even modest enthusiast leanings.” The 3.2 is backed by a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with manual shift control that ConsumerGuide considers smooth and “quick to respond to throttle inputs.” Car and Driver remarks, “Smooth is the name of the game, and unlike in the old turbo, torque steer is nearly imperceptible.” Car and Driver records 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds.

The ride of the 2009 Volvo V70 is plush and absorbent, but its handling lacks athleticism and is otherwise safe and predictable. Says Edmunds.com, “sharp handling isn't in the V70's repertoire, but light steering and a relatively small size make for easier maneuvering than a much larger crossover SUV.” ConsumerGuide feels that the V70 offers a commendable balance of road feel and bump isolation.” They call its handling “almost sporty” and find the vehicle “benefits from direct, responsive steering and well controlled lean in corners.” Motor Trend sums up the others’ feelings, remarking “the big brakes demonstrated reassuring retardation.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Volvo V70 has adequate acceleration with mediocre fuel economy, and handling is unremarkable.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:sharp handling isn't in the V70's repertoireEdmundsthis Volvo's tradeoff between control and compliance [is] a very livable compromiseKelley Blue Bookdown on power compared to other midsize premium carsConsumerGuidesix-cylinder lacks high-speed powerCars.com The 2009 Volvo V70 is semi-sporty in a stoic way, but fuel economy is a downer. The sensible drivers at ConsumerGuide average 21.6 mpg “in an even mix of city and highway driving.” Says Kelley Blue Book, “the V70's EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway are only average, and are equaled by BMW's pricier, but far-quicker, 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive 535xi Sport Wagon.” Besides the bad fuel-efficiency figures of the 2009 V70, reviewers appreciate the 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine’s smooth 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Kelley Blue Book finds the engine has “sufficient muscle” but “won’t do much to satisfy anyone with even modest enthusiast leanings.” The 3.2 is backed by a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with manual shift control that ConsumerGuide considers smooth and “quick to respond to throttle inputs.” Car and Driver remarks, “Smooth is the name of the game, and unlike in the old turbo, torque steer is nearly imperceptible.” Car and Driver records 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds. The ride of the 2009 Volvo V70 is plush and absorbent, but its handling lacks athleticism and is otherwise safe and predictable. Says Edmunds.com, “sharp handling isn't in the V70's repertoire, but light steering and a relatively small size make for easier maneuvering than a much larger crossover SUV.” ConsumerGuide feels that the V70 offers a commendable balance of road feel and bump isolation.” They call its handling “almost sporty” and find the vehicle “benefits from direct, responsive steering and well controlled lean in corners.” Motor Trend sums up the others’ feelings, remarking “the big brakes demonstrated reassuring retardation.” ConclusionThe 2009 Volvo V70 has adequate acceleration with mediocre fuel economy, and handling is unremarkable. 2009 VOLVO V70 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: “imbued with more of everything the Volvo faithful appreciate” Car and Driver: “its character has been ironed out in the form of smoother, rounded sheetmetal.” Cars.com: “simple, clutter-free dashboard” Edmunds:  “unmistakable ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Almost all of the V70’s rivals come from Europe, and nearly all offer performance that’s livelier than that of the 2009 Volvo V70. The V70’s interior is the real differentiator versus its rivals; its look and feel is refreshingly different, and the backseat design is easier to fold down than in most other wagons. At the far end of the comparison is the larger Mercedes E-Class, which as a wagon only comes in all-wheel-drive E350 4Matic form or as the high-performance E63 AMG. Both models are considerably more expensive than the V70 without being much roomier inside. The Passat is substantially more affordable than the V70, and very fuel efficient when equipped with the standard 2.0T engine, while the A6 Avant and 9-5 SportCombi both have a sportier feel behind the wheel than the V70 without being much worse in ride comfort.

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See the Volvo V70 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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