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2009 Volvo XC70 Review

May 30, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

looks a little more manly than it did before
MotherProof.com

Certainly more interesting to look at than past versions
Cars.com

less chunky and cheap in its updated form
Autoblog

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

The 2009 Volvo XC70 appears tougher than the average wagon, and it’s intentionally so.

“The redesigned XC70 looks a little more manly than it did before, but I don’t mean that in a World’s Strongest Man sort of way (although it can probably carry two kegs of beer at a time). It’s refined and sleek-looking, with brushed-metal accents on the fog lights and front bumper,” says MotherProof.com.

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 seem 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.

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.” “Clearly, the Swedish purveyor of sensible sedans and wagons is afraid of alienating its clientele,” comments Car and Driver in a statement that could either be taken as outright contempt or faint praise.

Says Cars.com about the XC70’s interior, “the materials are exceptionally pleasing to the touch…elegantly simple dashboard with a nicely grained finish.” Kelley Blue Book remarks, “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.” Autoblog praises Volvo’s signature, ultra-modern “suspended center console…with high quality buttons and knobs that are easy to find.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Volvo XC70 earns mild kudos from reviewers around the Web for its styling, inside and out, though the exterior is less exciting to some.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:looks a little more manly than it did beforeMotherProof.comCertainly more interesting to look at than past versionsCars.comless chunky and cheap in its updated formAutoblogone of the most elegant and comfortable cabins ever to grace a Volvo vehicleKelley Blue Book The 2009 Volvo XC70 appears tougher than the average wagon, and it’s intentionally so. “The redesigned XC70 looks a little more manly than it did before, but I don’t mean that in a World’s Strongest Man sort of way (although it can probably carry two kegs of beer at a time). It’s refined and sleek-looking, with brushed-metal accents on the fog lights and front bumper,” says MotherProof.com. 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 seem 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. 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.” “Clearly, the Swedish purveyor of sensible sedans and wagons is afraid of alienating its clientele,” comments Car and Driver in a statement that could either be taken as outright contempt or faint praise. Says Cars.com about the XC70’s interior, “the materials are exceptionally pleasing to the touch…elegantly simple dashboard with a nicely grained finish.” Kelley Blue Book remarks, “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.” Autoblog praises Volvo’s signature, ultra-modern “suspended center console…with high quality buttons and knobs that are easy to find.” ConclusionThe 2009 Volvo XC70 earns mild kudos from reviewers around the Web for its styling, inside and out, though the exterior is less exciting to some.  2009 VOLVO XC70 STYLING | [8 out of 10] MotherProof.com: “looks a little more manly than it did before” Cars.com: “Certainly more interesting to look at than past versions” Autoblog: “less chunky and cheap in its updated form” Kelley Blue Book: “one of the most elegant and comfortable ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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 2009. The 2009 Volvo XC70 is also 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.

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See the Volvo XC70 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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