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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Volvo XC70

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volvo XC70

Overview

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2009 Volvo XC70 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Volvo's XC70 wagon, the descendent of the cult-classic Cross Country Wagon, occupies a big place in a very small field. Rugged wagons capable of off-road ventures are few and far between, and with the Audi A6 entrant long gone, Subaru's Outback becomes the closest rival. Good as it is, the Outback can't match the Volvo's luxurious premium-brand panache, nor can it equal the XC70's long list of standard and optional features. If a crossover SUV is more car than you care for, and you don't require three-row seating, the all-new XC70's artful blend of beauty and brawn (not to mention safety) make it ideal for the active family's lifestyle.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your next vehicle needs such off-road attributes as all-wheel drive and Hill Descent Control, but a bulky SUV doesn't fit your image (or garage), the 2009 Volvo XC70 will definitely strike a positive note.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you can live without having a premium name brand in your driveway, the same amount of money buys a lot more room and features in such vehicles as the Ford Flex or Chevrolet Traverse.

What's New for 2009

A T6 trim joins the base 3.2 model. It features a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine, 17-inch wheels and visible dual exhaust pipes. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is now standard equipment.

Driving the XC70

Driving Impressions The XC70's S80-based platform delivers a stable, quiet and controlled ride that belies the vehicle's off-road abilities. The 3.2-liter in-line six is a capable powerplant, but it's the turbocharged T6...

that delivers the kind of power that impresses. The XC70 handles better than any truck-based SUV we've driven, but the added height and big wheels and tires don't return the same feel one might experience from a V70 or V50 wagon. Leave dry pavement, and the XC70's attitude changes. Gravel roads, deep mud and slushy snow prove little match for the XC70's all-wheel drive abilities. The Hill Descent Control feature is invaluable for both novice and experienced off-roaders. Once engaged, the system uses the vehicle's braking system to maintain a constant speed of around six-miles per hour, a useful tool when descending steep and slippery slopes.

Favorite Features

Hill Descent Control
With the push of a button, the XC70's Hill Descent Control manages the steepest descents, holding the car to a near crawl without the need for driver intervention.}

Power Tailgate
Anyone caught in the rain with two arms full of groceries will appreciate this feature. The power tailgate can be activated via a button on the remote key fob.

2009 Volvo XC70 Details

Interior

Despite its rugged exterior, the 2009 Volvo XC70's interior is one of the most elegant and comfortable cabins ever to grace a Volvo vehicle. 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. A number of options, including the Blind Spot Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control, make driving easier. Families who have outgrown child safety seats will appreciate the optional two-stage child booster seats (rear outboard seating), which allow young children a higher perch, putting them within coverage of the side-curtain airbags.

Exterior

The 2009 Volvo XC70 touts a stylish yet rugged exterior. Gone is the tacked-on side cladding of old, replaced by a more streamlined treatment covering the molded bumpers and lower door panels. Volvo has also lowered the rear glass beyond that of the side windows for better visibility and integrated the taillights into the tailgate to create a wider opening. An aggressive front fascia adds a sporty feel to the XC70's demeanor, while helpful features such as an optional power tailgate confirm the XC70's premium luxury-car status.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Volvo XC70 3.2 features a 3.2-liter engine, six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and Instant Traction all-wheel drive. Other notable standard features include Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (keeps the vehicle at approximately six miles per hour when descending steep grades), front and rear skid plates, heated side mirrors, dual-zone electronic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat with memory and lumbar support, Bluetooth, 16-inch alloy wheels and a 160-watt AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player and auxiliary input. Standard safety features include front, front side-impact and front and rear side-curtain airbags and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS). The T6 trim adds a turbocharged engine, 17-inch wheels and performance inspired "watch dial" instrumentation.

Optional Equipment

Stowing groceries has never been easier thanks to the power tailgate, which opens and closes via a push-button key fob. Volvo's Adaptive Cruise Control (part of the Collision Avoidance Package) uses radar to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Other options of note include heated leather seats, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), remote engine start, rear seat child boosters, rain-sensing wipers, eight-way power passenger's seat, Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, HDD navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-screen rear DVD entertainment system, power glass sunroof, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a Dynaudio Premium Sound system which includes a 650-watt amplifier, six-disc CD changer, Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound and 12 speakers.

Under the Hood

Volvo's 3.2-liter in-line six is a strong engine, but delivers only acceptable performance in the 4,000-plus pound XC70. Off-the-line acceleration is brisk, but passing power could be better. On the flip side, fuel economy is good for this class and engine noise and vibration are barely detectable from inside the car. Those preferring more power should move up to the T6, which adds a turbocharger and 46 more horsepower.

3.2-liter in-line six
235 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23

3.2-liter in-line six turbocharged
281 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volvo XC70 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Volvo XC70 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 33 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.0/10

Best quality car I've ever owned

By Elikqitie (UT) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, handles well, comfortable"

Cons: "mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my favorite car that I've ever owned. I think I'm going to cry when I sell this car! I drove this car across country for 5 days and I never had a problem with sitting in my car for hours at a time. The seats are comfortable, handles well even in Utah snow, extremely safe, very fun to drive. The sound system is amazing and it has lots of room in the cargo area for skis, snowboards and any type of equipment. The only downside is the gas mileage and that is why I need to sell it. When I drove it around town it was perfect. I now drive into the city everyday and it is using gas quickly."

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reliable, safe, but stodgy. soft ride

By petre (PA) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Good for what it does. soft comfortable ride, mediocre handling but safe. Was t-boned, and the car saved my cups. When rear seats folded down, plenty of luggage space. Turbo is a necessity for a wagon of this weight. Overall, if you are looking for solid, but plain styling in a family wagon this is a good choice. But if you are want sportiness, styling and handling, look elsewhere."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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The most comfortable car

By sun (CA) on Friday, March 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, safety features, beautiful interior"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has amazing seats. Test drove many other makes and models...Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, and Honda. We just kept coming back to the Volvo for those seats! I'm always confused as to why this Wagon is compared to other sport wagons. This Volvo Wagon is just the perfect daily or long trip vehicle for busy people with kids and/or pets. Our other family car is a BMW 335i, so if we want sport driving, that's the car we take. However, even my husband agrees, as fun as the BMW is to drive, you just can't beat those Volvo seats."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great daily drive and super tourer

By USCELT (CO) on Wednesday, March 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Strong safe and reliable drive"

Cons: "Should have a standard rear camera."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Very Safe, very reliable and very strong. Great for a family or for hauling substantial loads long or short distances. Great pick up off the turbo and 70 comes up very quickly and makes for safe overtaking and "idiot avoidance". Good seats make for comfortable distance driving and the AWD makes for sure footed handling with reasonable fuel economy on std gas. Stereo pretty good and interior fittings show no rattles, squeeks or bumps after 60K miles. Well Done Volvo (Ford as was)"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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The car has been on a flat bed 2 different times

By v4life (CT) on Thursday, August 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 92,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "IPOD hook up is nice"

Cons: "relaibility after 80k stinks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"After 86k the car became the least reliable car I have ever owned and very expensive to repair. The car died on the highway stranding me - had it flat bedded to the garage then flat bedded to the dealer to find that the gas hose had become tangled around the fuel sensor causing it to think it had no fuel and setting off all of the computer sensors to first over react and then shut down. An obvious Volvo design / build flaw - no help at all from them. Cut the exhaust, drop the tank, re-route the lines, put it back together + tows I spent about $1400 dollars. Less than 6 months later on a family vacation 6 states away the a/c compressor binds up, saws through the belt and strands my family and I once again. New compressor + tow another $1400. Lately the gas cap gasket letting go, releasing the cap and causing the check engine light to come on. I currently own 5 Volvos and this is the worst I have ever owned. One more problem and I am going to have the car crushed so no one else has to ever suffer through owning it"

8 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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