The 2010 Volvo XC70 Represents European Crossover Excellence
Slick wagon package conceals significant utility.

What makes a wagon a wagon and a crossover a crossover? This is a question that has had car buyers scratching their heads over the past several years, as several automakers have further blurred the line between these two categories of vehicle. Providing the definitive answer is the 2010 Volvo XC70, which is both the wagon that pioneered the term “crossover,” and a crossover that doesn’t forget its wagon roots.

If you were to judge by the 2010 Volvo XC70 ($37,950), it would seem that the best way to avoid confusion between wagons and crossovers is to borrow the best from both worlds. In building the XC70, Volvo started out with the same responsive and ultra-modern platform that underpins the V70 wagon. This allowed the crossover to maintain the same ride comfort and nimble handling response that most people expect out of a full-size automobile. However, several changes have been made to the chassis and body in order to set the XC70 apart from its more car-like cousin both visually and in terms of performance.

For starters, the crossover features a more aggressive look, which is based around the addition of body cladding front, rear and on the sides. Taller and longer than the V70, the XC70 inspires great confidence when it comes to tackling more rugged driving conditions. Aiding and abetting this impression is the vehicle’s additional ground clearance when compared to any other Volvo wagon or sedan, which helps it cover rough ground without fear of scraping its underside. In short, while this crossover might not look like a traditional sport utility vehicle, it does possess the same characteristics associated with off-roading driving.

Mechanically, the XC70 also presents those who require a vehicle that can occasionally pick up where the roads leave off with an appealing package. All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction is standard, which makes the Volvo one tough cookie in low-traction situations. Complementing the additional grip is the Hill-Descent Control System that makes it easy to safely deal with the steep grades that might be encountered on the trail or when piloting the XC70 along rural access roads on the way to a secluded ski spot.

There are two powerful and dynamic engine options available for the XC70. The 3.2 AWD trim makes use of a 235 hp 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that also produces 236 lb/ft of torque. Matched with a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, this engine offers smooth, effortless acceleration and passing and a spirited 22 mpg highway. Turbo fans will be most interested in the T6 AWD trim, which offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder rated at a whopping 281 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. These V8-like numbers are backed up by fuel economy that is identical to the 3.2-liter engine. The same six-speed automatic found in the 3.2 AWD also pulls shifting duty in the T6 AWD.

Any competitive crossover has to provide driver and passengers with enough interior storage to handle their active lifestyles, and once again, the Volvo XC70 proves to be more than up to the task. With the split/folding rear seat folded forward, a total of 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space is available, a figure that compares quite well with larger, truck-based sport utility vehicles. Even with a full load of passengers, the cargo area of the XC70 remains capable of swallowing an impressive amount of equipment, and the XC70’s available power-operated tailgate makes loading a breeze.

As with all Volvo products, the XC70 is offered with a comprehensive list of safety features that represent the absolute cutting-edge of protective technologies. Standard on all versions of the crossover are dual-stage airbags for both forward occupants, dual-chamber side airbags and an inflatable curtain, which deploys along the length of the entire passenger compartment in the event of a side impact. Dynamic stability and traction control is also included. Optional safety gear found in the Technology Package includes Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert Control (meant to prevent pilots from falling asleep behind the wheel) and Collision Warning with an auto-brake feature that works with Adaptive Cruise Control to prepare the braking system for a panic stop in certain situations.

The 2010 Volvo XC70 is the perfect blend of wagon and crossover, a premium vehicle that rises to whatever challenge is presented to it by active families on the go.