2004 Volvo XC70 Review

Volvo has broadened its vehicle line, but the station wagon remains its franchise. It long has prided itself on its wagons, but its new XC70 AWD is sort of a combination wagon and sport-utility vehicle because sport-utes are hot.

The $34,460 XC70 AWD formerly was called the Cross Country to help give it a rugged image. But it's been renamed to make its badging consistent with Volvo's popular new XC90 sport-utility vehicle. Like the rest of the Volvo line, the XC70 was flipped to a 2004 model last spring.

The XC70 was revamped for 2003, so its few new features include powerful $500 Xenon gas-discharge headlights with washers.

The XC70 and XC90 share a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that produces 208 horsepower and a good amount of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm for solid response at most speeds.

There is some turbocharger lag, which results in slightly delayed throttle response. The engine sounds more coarse when pushed than V-6 engines in competitors.

Estimated fuel economy is a so-so 19 mpg in the city and 24 on highways, partly because the XC70 is rather big and heavy.

The XC70's engine works with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, which allows fully automatic or driver selectable gear changes.

This is a Volvo that you'd want on your side when roads get slippery. Standard is an advanced all-wheel-drive system from Sweden's Haldex, which supplies the same system for the XC90 sport-ute. The electronically controlled system reacts quickly to wheel slip, routing power to wheels with greater traction in just one-seventh of a wheel rotation.

One might think that the XC70 would do well off road. But the system in the XC70 doesn't have low-range gearing for tackling rough off-road terrain. Then again, neither does the one in the XC90, which looks less rugged than the XC70.

Traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard, but an anti-skid system costs $695.

The XC70 is taller-riding and more rugged looking than other Volvo station wagons, although its smooth front end gives it a handsome appearance.

Despite its wagon design, the XC70 feels much like an indestructible sport-utility, with such things as a hefty steering wheel, high seating and firm-but-supple ride from an all-independent suspension.

The accelerator pedal has an unusually long travel, which really isn't necessary for a vehicle that isn't suited for tough off-road use. And the presence of the all-wheel-drive system can be felt because of its weight and added friction.

The new rack-and-pinion steering is quick and the XC70 stops confidently, although the brake pedal is rather soft. While it has good moves and solid handling, the XC70 doesn't feel like a sports wagon because it's too high at 61.5 inches and heavy at 3,832 pounds.

The front seats are large and comfortable, and there's plenty of room for four tall adults. A rear-facing third-row seat is in the $1,500 Versatility option package.

The large controls work well, but the one-touch power windows are impossible to stop with window switches when they begin racing up or down. Also, radio station presets are rather inconveniently selected with a single rotary dial.

Front doors have storage pockets and cupholders are strategically located on the console, which has a deep storage bin. Grab handles are found above all doors.

The cargo area has a low, wide opening and is large with the rear seats in their normal position. It becomes huge when those seats are folded entirely forward--an easy maneuver.

The hatch has two indented interior areas to help close it without getting hands dirty on outside sheet metal.

Safety items include front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.

Rivals of the XC70 AWD include Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. That's tough competition, but Volvo says its wagon buyers "are not ones to cross-shop."

2004 VOLVO XC70 AWD

Price:
$34,460

Likes:
Roomy sport-utility alternative. Lively acceleration. All-wheel drive. Good roadability.

Dislikes:
Some turbocharger lag. One-touch power windows hard to stop. So-so fuel economy.