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2009 Volvo XC70 Safety Review

May 30, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Volvo's $695 blind-spot monitor,” which “acts as a nanny for the driver
Cars.com

safety is omnipresent
Autoblog

intriguing safety options that go beyond the norm
Cars.com

The 2009 Volvo XC70 sports impressive safety gear and pedigree, but it hasn’t been crash-tested yet.

While neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has weighed in on the Volvo’s fortitude in a crash test, TheCarConnection.com expects the ’09 to earn five stars and top ratings across the board, given the stellar performance of the previous-generation XC70, as well as the superior crash performance of the S80 sedan on which it’s based. “Safety and Volvo go together hand-in-hand,” says Cars.com, and “because cars from other manufacturers score just as highly in crash tests, Volvo has to do even more now.”

Most standard safety features of the 2009 Volvo XC70 were considered science-fiction fantasy to the wagons of yesterday. The 2009 XC70’s safety arsenal includes side curtain airbags, dual-chamber side curtain airbags, dual-stage front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, WHIPS whiplash protection system, anti-lock brakes, and the LATCH attachment system for children’s seats, all of which are standard items. “As you would expect, stability control and traction control are standard,” reports Car and Driver.

Edmunds sheds light on the available Collision Avoidance package that, for $1,695, “monitors following distance and alerts the driver and primes the brakes for action if the car gets too close.” Edmunds also notes that the second-row height-adjustable booster seats are “an industry first.” Cars.com weighs in on some optional items, such as “Volvo's $695 blind-spot monitor,” which “acts as a nanny for the driver,” and the “built-in booster seats for a pretty decent price of $495.” Incidentally, as Motor Trend points out, “the side-curtain airbags now extend 2.4 inches lower down the door to better protect kids” in the event of a side impact, effectively working in concert with those booster seats.

Conclusion

Volvo didn’t invent the station wagon, but with the 2009 XC70, Volvo is aiming for nothing less than safety perfection.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Volvo's $695 blind-spot monitor,” which “acts as a nanny for the driverCars.comsafety is omnipresentAutoblogintriguing safety options that go beyond the normCars.com The 2009 Volvo XC70 sports impressive safety gear and pedigree, but it hasn’t been crash-tested yet. While neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has weighed in on the Volvo’s fortitude in a crash test, TheCarConnection.com expects the ’09 to earn five stars and top ratings across the board, given the stellar performance of the previous-generation XC70, as well as the superior crash performance of the S80 sedan on which it’s based. “Safety and Volvo go together hand-in-hand,” says Cars.com, and “because cars from other manufacturers score just as highly in crash tests, Volvo has to do even more now.” Most standard safety features of the 2009 Volvo XC70 were considered science-fiction fantasy to the wagons of yesterday. The 2009 XC70’s safety arsenal includes side curtain airbags, dual-chamber side curtain airbags, dual-stage front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, WHIPS whiplash protection system, anti-lock brakes, and the LATCH attachment system for children’s seats, all of which are standard items. “As you would expect, stability control and traction control are standard,” reports Car and Driver. Edmunds sheds light on the available Collision Avoidance package that, for $1,695, “monitors following distance and alerts the driver and primes the brakes for action if the car gets too close.” Edmunds also notes that the second-row height-adjustable booster seats are “an industry first.” Cars.com weighs in on some optional items, such as “Volvo's $695 blind-spot monitor,” which “acts as a nanny for the driver,” and the “built-in booster seats for a pretty decent price of $495.” Incidentally, as Motor Trend points out, “the side-curtain airbags now extend 2.4 inches lower down the door to better protect kids” in the event of a side impact, effectively working in concert with those booster seats. ConclusionVolvo didn’t invent the station wagon, but with the 2009 XC70, Volvo is aiming for nothing less than safety perfection.  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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