2009 Volvo XC70 T6 Detroit MI
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Detroit, MI
2009 Volvo XC70 T6
August 11, 2009 By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief
2009 Volvo XC70 
2009 Volvo XC70
DriverSide Overview
There’s always going to be a need to haul the kids and their gear from place to place. The minivan had its turn and the SUV is headed out the door faster than you can say “oil crisis,” so what’s next? Our money is on the tried and true station wagon. Wagons today have come a long way from the faux wood-panel disasters of the 70’s and manufacturers are starting to build loveable hatches with something resembling driving fun built in. The Volvo XC70 T6 AWD is a perfect example. Powered by a 281 horsepower turbo 3.0-liter, this wagon scoots down the road with some serious gusto. Of course, Volvo’s legendary safety record and new-found good looks add to the overall package, too. Afraid of ditching the go-anywhere prowess of your big sport-ute? Never fear. The XC70 comes with all-wheel drive standard, making short work of slippery conditions and dirt roads alike. Yes, this is a wagon for the whole family to love.
What's to Like
The term “wagon” isn’t synonymous with “boring” anymore. Thanks to the 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from the turbo six-cylinder, this car has enough get up and go to keep you interested behind the wheel. There’s lots of seating on tap and storage for everything from soccer gear to the family pup.
What's Not to Like
Unfortunately, that turbo and the beefy all-wheel drive system under this XC70 makes for some dismal fuel economy. At 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, this wagon doesn’t give the green-geared much to smile about. Indeed, those numbers are barely better than the gas guzzling SUVs that used to roam the freeways.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
It’s hard to get a handle on exactly where the XC70 T6 AWD is most comfortable. Around town it handles traffic and tight parking spaces with ease, stylishly ferrying kids and cargo to designated drop off points. Jump just outside of stop and go hell and head for the mountains, and this car is just as happy tackling snowy inclines as you head for the slopes. The car’s all-wheel drive system and two-ton girth make for a planted ride even in the most uncertain of road surfaces, and that’s something we love to no end. The ride is somewhat stiff, but still very comfortable for long-distance hauls, and the cavernous interior makes loading and unloading a breeze.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Volvo XC70 T6 AWD is powered by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that puts power to all four wheels via Volvo’s all-wheel drive system. Thanks to the 3.0-liter’s generous torque curve, power delivery is smooth and constant from just 1,500 rpm all the way to red line.