There is nothing else quite like the Volvo XC70 plying the roads. That makes the shopping process easy when you’re looking for a vehicle that combines the all-weather confidence of an SUV with the easy handling of a car and the unmatched versatility of a station wagon. In fact, versatility is a core tenet of the XC70, and it’s a deep part of the car’s DNA.
Just by looks alone, you can tell that Volvo designed the XC70 to be a partner in your life, instead of slowing you down. The 2012 Volvo XC70 is as comfortable in the city as it is hauling passengers and luggage over hill (literally) and dale.
Right away, the highly functional nature of the five-passenger XC70 is evident in its Scandinavian design. The wide stance and classic estate car profile look distinctive on the road, especially with the rugged wheel arches and classy metal accents on the chin spoiler and foglamp openings. Roof rails open up an expanded range of load-carrying possibilities, and the interior space is unparalleled thanks to the upright profile. The five-passenger XC70 has up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a 3,300 pound towing capacity.
The ability of the XC70 in any locale and on virtually any terrain is matched by a luxurious interior that puts occupants at ease. Front seats are ergonomically designed to deliver exceptional comfort, and the super-slim center stack makes more space available for storage. Integrated child booster cushions are built into the 40/20/40-split rear seat as a nod to the family use that the XC70 is perfectly suited for.
There’s plenty of space in the cargo area, and Volvo offers options and accessories to seamlessly accommodate your life. Cargo mats, dog gates, dividers, even an electric cooler and heater box are available. Volvo offers a one-key system for crossbars to fit the standard roof rails, plus bicycle carriers, a roof rack basket, ski rack, canoe and kayak holder, and several roof box options are offered to help you carry your gear there and back. There’s also a load space under the rear floor that locks when the tailgate is shut.
The XC70 has an available all-wheel drive system that uses an electronically-controlled hydraulic clutch to transfer torque between the front and rear axles and exploit the available grip. The system’s Instant Traction capability moves power rearward virtually instantly when starting off on low-traction surfaces. The XC70 is more stable than truck-based SUVs, and the body structure uses high strength steel extensively for a very rigid structure. The strong basis provides a solid foundation for the suspension, which is tuned to deliver comfort and control.
The standard 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the XC70 3.2 model is smooth and torquey. The XC70 T6 AWD uses a turbocharged 300-hp inline-six with 325 lb/ft of torque for plenty of zip to get you over the river and through the woods. Driver aids like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Driver Alert Control (DAC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) keep an eye on you and your surroundings to make sure you’re safely on your way.
Traction, space, comfort and rugged good looks – if the 2012 Volvo XC70 was a person, it would be a jack of all trades who never gets tripped up in any situation and looks fantastic when dressed up elegantly.
