2010 Volvo XC70 - Quality Review

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The interior of the 2010 Volvo V70 and XC70 is where the Swedish automaker’s designers really shine.

Popular Mechanics likes “the handsome layout of the instrument panel, with its sweeping horizontal lines, precisely placed controls and easy-to-read instruments.” The only real criticism is “the hard plastic against which our knees would bang while driving,” laments Autoblog, whose editors quip that the S80 uses more plush materials in that particular portion of the interior. All controls are well laid out and intuitive to reach. One nifty feature is the optional navigation system, which neatly tucks inside the dash when not in use.

The V70 and XC70 are convincing as luxury cars and, at their respective price points, yield impressive value to boot. ConsumerGuide remarks that “cabin materials are padded and/or nicely grained where it matters most,” “gauges are large, clearly marked, and easy to read,” and “assembly quality is first rate.” Kelley Blue Book reports “engine noise and vibration are barely detectable from inside the car.”

Interior space is impressive for both passengers and their gear. The second row is split into three separate cushions, each of which folds forward flat to amplify cargo space. With the rear seats folded flat, the V70 can hold 71 cubic feet of cargo, while the XC70 can hold 72 cubic feet. Most praise the seats of the V70 and XC70, with Edmunds going as far as describing the front seats as being “among the best in the business, achieving a rare combination of proper, chiropractor-approved support and plush, body-hugging comfort.” Autoblog also lauds the chairs, saying “our XC70's dark brown leather seats were among the more pleasant in which we've sat, with ample bolstering and thigh support." ConsumerGuide declares that the front buckets have “plenty of headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants.” “Both the driver and front passenger seats are exceptionally comfortable,” proclaims Cars.com. ConsumerGuide backs this up, commenting that the leather seating and real wood trim of the premium package “impart a convincing luxury feel.”

In the cargo area, "aluminum rails on the floor offer attachment points where items can be secured in place,” reports Popular Mechanics. TheCarConnection.com notes that with the rear seats folded flat, the V70 can hold 71 cubic feet of cargo, while the XC70 can hold 72 cubic feet. Cars.com finds that “the XC70’s rear seats fold down flat with one easy motion” and that “the load floor's low height also makes everyday tasks like loading and unloading groceries or luggage much easier to handle.”

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.”

Ride quality is especially good if you get the automatic damping control, which firms up the suspension quickly when needed for sharper cornering control, allowing the ride to be quite soft and absorbent under normal driving.

Popular Mechanics reports that it's “most impressed by the interior, which was noticeably quieter than those of more traditional SUVs and even than that of the last-generation XC70.”