Typically, you don’t hear the words “smart buy” when it comes to a luxury vehicle. Why? Because, luxury vehicles are usually quite expensive. But, there are exceptions out there, like the 2016 Volvo XC70. This vehicle is a perfect representation of what Volvo stands for as a company — mixing brains with luxury. With the XC70 wagon, you get efficient AWD capability, enough for traversing hazardous road conditions and even some light-duty off-roading. It comes with plenty of versatile storage space and a host of the brand’s exclusive IntelliSafe features.
Along with the comfort and legendary luxury Volvo is known for, you also have at least three other smart reasons to buy the XC70…
Efficient AWD Capability
Depending on your preferred trim level, the 2016 Volvo XC70 comes with one of two engine choices. Standard on the T5 Drive-E is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and standard on the XC70 T5 AWD is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine. While both engine choices are fuel-efficient, if you don’t plan on traversing any woodland trails, the standard engine option on the T5 Drive-E is the way to go.
This engine is able to put out 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and gets 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, which is, to be honest, quite impressive for a wagon this size. Even more impressive, however, is the performance of the AWD trim’s 2.5-liter inline-5 engine. This engine is able to put out a whopping 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and only sacrifices a minor amount of fuel economy. Because with the XC70 AWD returning numbers like 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway — only 4 mpg less than the Drive-E trim — you will still experience modest fuel mileage for a vehicle with AWD.
Speaking of that model, the performance capability is slightly higher than that of the Drive-E trim level. Equipped with this engine, the 2016 XC70 not only gains stronger on-road performance for merging on the highway, but also offers light-duty off-roading capabilities. While it’s not going to do any serious off-roading, the AWD will provide the stability and safe handling that’s required during hazardous conditions, such as snowy or wet roads. Also, this engine has plenty of torque to power the AWD drivetrain over dirt backroads and through wooded trails.
When considering this AWD capability, combined with the power of the engine, you’ve got a nice alternative to a truck for getting to your favorite camping, hiking, or fishing spots. Not only is it just as or even more efficient than a truck, but it also has plenty of versatile storage space. No, it might not be as wide open as a truck bed — but, you can store your gear someplace dry, safe, and lockable.
Versatile Storage
In 2016, it’s obvious that Volvo is one of the best luxury car makers out there. But what really sets the brand apart from others is its focus on ensuring that these vehicles are just as practical as they are comfortable.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at what makes this XC70 a wagon with such a versatile interior. For starters, it helps that the XC70 has more cargo room than most other crossover SUVs and wagons on the market with a total of 72 cu-ft of storage space. That impressive number is only slightly overshadowed by the fact that when all the seats are up, the XC70 is still able to get 33 cu-ft of storage space — while still seating five people comfortably. The front passengers experience a generous 41.9-inches of legroom, and the rear passengers get 34.6-inches, which means as long as you aren’t taller than seven feet, you’ll fit just fine.
But, let’s talk a little bit about the versatility of that storage space. The rear seats are a 40/20/40 split-seat design, so they can either fold down individually or all at once. If you need to transport four of your friends to the campsite, then just fold down the middle sea for a little bit of extra storage, which also allows you to run any longer items directly up the middle of the vehicle. Did I mention that part of this storage space includes the ability to fold the front passenger seat down as well? So, if you fold down all the seats, you can carry items that are almost as long as the interior itself.
Versatile seats, above-average storage space, and the ability to comfortably accommodate five-passengers — enough said.
IntelliSafe Safety
Volvo has a goal for 2020 that not a single occupant in one of their vehicles will be seriously harmed or die during a collision. While that’s a very noble and positive goal, is it possible? With some of the innovative IntelliSafe safety features equipped on 2016 models like the XC70, I’d say Volvo engineers are closer to attaining that goal than perhaps they even realize.
These safety features are state-of-the-art and use either a radar or camera-based system in order to help prevent a collision. For example, Volvo’s Lane Keeping Aid not only senses if you are about to leave your lane, but will also help steer it back onto the correct path. While that’s a safety feature found on a lot of vehicles these days, Volvo’s Driver Alert technology takes it up a notch. It can provide an audible warning if it senses the driver is being inattentive, perhaps due to drowsiness, and will then prompt the driver to take a break. After that, Rest Stop Guidance kicks in, and utilizes GPS technology in order to locate a safe place to stop and take a break from driving.
Those are only a couple of examples of Volvo’s IntelliSafe features, and there are still many more. Like a bird’s-eye view camera that gives you a 360-degree topical view of your vehicle, allowing you to see any and all obstacles around the XC70, and get a good sense of exactly where they are.
Definitely an Exception to the Rule
As you can see, it’s clear the 2016 Volvo XC70 is an exception to the rule of luxury vehicles purchased for their comfort features. With Volvo, you’ll be getting the best of both worlds. The XC70 in particular is a vehicle that is both luxury-oriented and also features stellar safety technology, practical storage space, and efficient AWD capability.
Those are only three of the reasons the XC70 is a smart buy…check out the rest for yourself by scheduling a test drive at your local Volvo dealership.
