Owner reviews for the Volvo XC70
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Overall rating 4.5/5The Volvo XC70 blends versatility with comfort. It’s best known for its all-wheel-drive grip, raised ride height and Swedish approach to safety, making it a practical estate for British families, dog owners and rural drivers alike.
AA finance available
Redhill
AA finance available
Hemel Hempstead
Ashford
AA finance available
Petworth
Reading
Bedford
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4.5/5The Volvo XC70 was designed to tackle tougher roads while keeping everyday journeys comfortable. It offers much higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive on many versions, giving peace of mind in poor weather or on rough lanes. Popular with UK drivers for its solid feel and spacious interior, the XC70 launched in the UK in 1997 and ran through three generations before being replaced by the V90 Cross Country in 2016. Its key features include all-wheel drive, robust interior trim, and high safety ratings, making it stand out for comfort and thoughtful engineering compared to rivals like the Audi A6 Allroad or Subaru Outback.
Volvo’s reputation for safety is evident in the XC70. All models have multiple airbags, strong crash structures and stability control. Later cars (from 2013) add city emergency braking and advanced driver aids. Every version scores highly in crash protection, with high Euro NCAP ratings across the model’s range.
Early XC70s offered five-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with both front and all-wheel drive. The third generation (2007–2016) is typically found with 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesels (D3, D4, D5), while some models use a 2.0-litre diesel or a rare 3.2-litre petrol. Power outputs and emissions improve in later models, especially after 2013.
Equipment depends on the trim, but most XC70s include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and a well-laid-out audio system. Higher-spec versions offer sat-nav, Bluetooth, and parking sensors, while 2013 models onwards introduce Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, which has a touchscreen, DAB radio, and improved connectivity.
Fuel economy varies between engines. Most diesels can expect between 38 and 53mpg depending on engine size, model year and driving style. The D5 engine delivers reliable mid-40smpg in real-world use; petrol versions are much thirstier, especially with all-wheel drive fitted.
Watch for corrosion on diamond-cut alloys, worn pale leather interiors, and evidence of completed recall work (especially on late diesels and handbrake recalls for 2012–2015 cars). Always look for a full service history and have The AA Vehicle Inspection for added assurance, as electrical issues and worn suspension can occur in higher-mileage cars.
Volvo has a solid reputation for building long-lasting estates, but some XC70s – especially high-mileage diesels – can develop engine or electrical issues if poorly maintained. According to What Car?, older XC70s sit mid-table for reliability, so diligence with service records really pays off.