The New 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Volvo XC70 Features Review

July 22, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

long list of standard and optional features
Kelley Blue Book

Be careful with options list however, as a few quick checks can swell the XC70's sticker to more than $50,000.
ConsumerGuide

flat folding second-row seats and handy under-floor storage
ConsumerGuide

I certainly didn't hear that much money in the so-so output from the speakers.
Cars.com

At an entry point of around $36,000, the 2008 Volvo XC70 represents an impressive value when judged next to its crossover and SUV competitors. But a few options quickly swell the price.

Even in base form, the all-wheel-drive XC70 is well equipped, with features such as Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (“keeps the vehicle at approximately six miles per hour when descending steep grades,” notes Kelley Blue Book), front and rear skid plates, heated side mirrors, dual-zone electronic climate control, and eight-way power driver’s seat. Think of the XC70 as a luxury wagon wearing hiking garb and riding on 8.3-inch stilts. Of the standard Hill Descent Control, Car and Driver reports that this is a feature seen in the XC70 “for the first time.”

Kelley Blue Book remarks that many of the XC70’s options, “including the Blind Spot Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control, [make] driving easier.” They also rave “stowing groceries has never been easier thanks to the power tailgate, which opens and closes via a push-button key fob.” But Autoblog comments that one safety measure that drove them “bonkers during our time with the XC70 was the parking assist system. Each time we started the wagon, the system defaulted to the On position, and it beeped loudly whenever we were within about four feet of a surrounding vehicle.” And Cars.com discloses that, in order to get the leather seats and real wood inlays so well loved by reviewers, one “must add a $2,995 Premium Package.” Audiophiles can spend $1,650 for a Dynaudio/Sirius Premium Sound System. And Motor Trend feels the “costly rear-seat DVD system” might help “quell rear-seat whining.”

Conclusion

The fewer toys, the greater the value presented by the well-equipped 2008 Volvo XC70. But those leather seats and wood trim sure are nice.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:long list of standard and optional featuresKelley Blue BookBe careful with options list however, as a few quick checks can swell the XC70's sticker to more than $50,000.ConsumerGuideflat folding second-row seats and handy under-floor storageConsumerGuideI certainly didn't hear that much money in the so-so output from the speakers.Cars.com At an entry point of around $36,000, the 2008 Volvo XC70 represents an impressive value when judged next to its crossover and SUV competitors. But a few options quickly swell the price. Even in base form, the all-wheel-drive XC70 is well equipped, with features such as Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (“keeps the vehicle at approximately six miles per hour when descending steep grades,” notes Kelley Blue Book), front and rear skid plates, heated side mirrors, dual-zone electronic climate control, and eight-way power driver’s seat. Think of the XC70 as a luxury wagon wearing hiking garb and riding on 8.3-inch stilts. Of the standard Hill Descent Control, Car and Driver reports that this is a feature seen in the XC70 “for the first time.” Kelley Blue Book remarks that many of the XC70’s options, “including the Blind Spot Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control, [make] driving easier.” They also rave “stowing groceries has never been easier thanks to the power tailgate, which opens and closes via a push-button key fob.” But Autoblog comments that one safety measure that drove them “bonkers during our time with the XC70 was the parking assist system. Each time we started the wagon, the system defaulted to the On position, and it beeped loudly whenever we were within about four feet of a surrounding vehicle.” And Cars.com discloses that, in order to get the leather seats and real wood inlays so well loved by reviewers, one “must add a $2,995 Premium Package.” Audiophiles can spend $1,650 for a Dynaudio/Sirius Premium Sound System. And Motor Trend feels the “costly rear-seat DVD system” might help “quell rear-seat whining.” ConclusionThe fewer toys, the greater the value presented by the well-equipped 2008 Volvo XC70. But those leather seats and wood trim sure are nice.  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:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Volvo XC70

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Volvo XC70

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Volvo XC70 near you

See the Volvo XC70 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy