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2008 Volvo XC70 Review

July 22, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

an all-new car that looks just like its predecessor
Car and Driver

one of the most elegant and comfortable cabins ever to grace a Volvo vehicle
Kelley Blue Book

Suburban parents are the Volvo XC70's prime target.
Cars.com

a huge leap forward in refinement and ergonomics
Cars.com

less chunky and cheap in its updated form
Autoblog

The 2008 Volvo XC70 earns mild kudos from reviewers around the Web for its styling, inside and out, though the exterior is less exciting to some.

“Clearly, the Swedish purveyor of sensible sedans and wagons is afraid of alienating its clientele,” says Car and Driver in a statement that could either be taken as outright contempt or faint praise. Whether or not you cotton to soccer moms, swim meets, farmer’s market produce, and “College of William and Mary window stickers” (thanks, Jalopnik), you have to respect the staying power of the Volvo Wagon. “One company that has steadfastly continued the tradition,” continues Car and Driver, “even when wagons weren't fashionable, is Volvo.” So while the XC70’s styling won’t sets hearts aflutter, it follows in a long line of proven Volvo Wagon DNA, albeit in a somewhat higher-testosterone version when compared to the V70 Wagon upon which it is based. The changes from the previous XC70 are evolutionary, but reviewers seemed to appreciate the more subtle integration of this new XC70’s macho bits and pieces; “gone is the tacked-on side cladding, replaced by a more streamlined treatment covering the molded bumpers and lower door panels,” comments Kelley Blue Book. “Certainly more interesting to look at than past versions,” says Cars.com.

The interior, a close copy of the S80 sedan upon whose platform the XC70 is based, is highly praised for its elegance, luxurious simplicity, and clean lines. Says Kelley Blue Book: “the clean and simple dash design puts controls within easy reach of both driver and passenger, while Volvo’s new signature open-back center console adds a touch of style not usually associated with the family wagon.” Cars.com coos, “the materials are exceptionally pleasing to the touch…elegantly simple dashboard with a nicely grained finish.” Autoblog praises Volvo’s signature, ultra-modern “suspended center console…with high quality buttons and knobs that are easy to find.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Volvo XC70 looks tougher than the average wagon, and it’s intentionally so.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:an all-new car that looks just like its predecessorCar and Driverone of the most elegant and comfortable cabins ever to grace a Volvo vehicleKelley Blue BookSuburban parents are the Volvo XC70's prime target.Cars.coma huge leap forward in refinement and ergonomicsCars.comless chunky and cheap in its updated formAutoblog The 2008 Volvo XC70 earns mild kudos from reviewers around the Web for its styling, inside and out, though the exterior is less exciting to some. “Clearly, the Swedish purveyor of sensible sedans and wagons is afraid of alienating its clientele,” says Car and Driver in a statement that could either be taken as outright contempt or faint praise. Whether or not you cotton to soccer moms, swim meets, farmer’s market produce, and “College of William and Mary window stickers” (thanks, Jalopnik), you have to respect the staying power of the Volvo Wagon. “One company that has steadfastly continued the tradition,” continues Car and Driver, “even when wagons weren't fashionable, is Volvo.” So while the XC70’s styling won’t sets hearts aflutter, it follows in a long line of proven Volvo Wagon DNA, albeit in a somewhat higher-testosterone version when compared to the V70 Wagon upon which it is based. The changes from the previous XC70 are evolutionary, but reviewers seemed to appreciate the more subtle integration of this new XC70’s macho bits and pieces; “gone is the tacked-on side cladding, replaced by a more streamlined treatment covering the molded bumpers and lower door panels,” comments Kelley Blue Book. “Certainly more interesting to look at than past versions,” says Cars.com. The interior, a close copy of the S80 sedan upon whose platform the XC70 is based, is highly praised for its elegance, luxurious simplicity, and clean lines. Says Kelley Blue Book: “the clean and simple dash design puts controls within easy reach of both driver and passenger, while Volvo’s new signature open-back center console adds a touch of style not usually associated with the family wagon.” Cars.com coos, “the materials are exceptionally pleasing to the touch…elegantly simple dashboard with a nicely grained finish.” Autoblog praises Volvo’s signature, ultra-modern “suspended center console…with high quality buttons and knobs that are easy to find.” ConclusionThe 2008 Volvo XC70 looks tougher than the average wagon, and it’s intentionally so.  2008 VOLVO XC70 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “an all-new car that looks just like its predecessor” Kelley Blue Book: “one of the most elegant and comfortable cabins ever to grace a Volvo vehicle” Cars.com: “Suburban parents are the Volvo XC70's prime target.” Cars.com: ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2008 Volvo XC70 is very similar in size to Subaru’s Outback, another wagon that adds ground clearance and enough off-road ability for deep snow or rutted trails. Compared to the XC70, the Outback starts at a much more affordable price, and while its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides only modest performance, the Outback feels sportier than the XC70 with either the turbocharged or six-cylinder engine. Other alternatives to the XC70 are mid-size crossover vehicles—those that pair the tall body of an SUV with the underpinnings of a car, such as the Lexus RX 350 and Acura MDX. The RX 350 and MDX are both very refined with a smooth ride and good handling; the MDX feels a little sportier behind the wheel, while the RX 350 is the choice for those looking for high-tech features. All of the vehicles mentioned have very good results in crash tests, with the MDX designated an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008.

Next Steps:

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See the Volvo XC70 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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