2011 Volvo XC70 T6, an AW Drivers Log

It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend in the Volvo XC70, which was well-equipped and terrifically powered.
The twin-scroll turbo is surprisingly good. The acceleration from launch is strong, and even when going light on it (this thing had only 164 miles on the odo), it was still satisfying. It's comfortable and confident over crumpling roads and through turns while maintaining bearing during somewhat aggressive maneuvering.

Really, this is one of the better everyday-driving wagons I've experienced in awhile. It's not as energetic as a Mercedes-Benz, a BMW or an Audi, but really, what would you expect? The chassis is flat and even through nearly all conditions and even under braking. This Volvo is slathered in safety stuff and electronics, though I would say more than $45,000 is too high for the sticker. This is still a Volvo, and I think upper-crust customers might want a little more brand panache for their money than this plane-Jane wagon. Still, it's very good in nearly all areas, especially with what matters: engine, chassis and drive character.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT: This Volvo wagon is a pretty cool customer. Sure, it's a wagon, but it's not staid in the sense of wagons of old. It's not luxurious, either, but if you're looking for a package of solid handling, decent power, fine looks and good cargo space, this might be a good choice. Yes, it does seem pricey, but you're likely paying for the badge and all of the bells and whistles.
Inside, the seats offer good bolster, there is good legroom and it is easy to get in and out of the wagon. The XC70 heats up quick, and the seat heaters were a bonus on cold mornings. Merging into traffic and passing are accomplished with ease, and the power comes on strong and stays that way. The brakes also are firm but don't cause any jerking sensation.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I'm a big fan of Volvo wagons. This, to me, is one of the best anti-SUV alternatives available. You get to drive an AWD car with several options regarding hauling stuff. Granted, you don't have the towing capacity of a GMC Yukon, but beyond that, this car will fill most people's transportation needs. The turbo six-cylinder is smooth and powerful, and Volvo seats are among the very best, in my opinion. They are comfortable and supportive.
This one was loaded with just about every option, and if a soccer mom doesn't want to drive a minivan, this is her car.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: There's a pantry-full of power under the hood of this granola-mobile. Combined with the borderline sporty chassis and the Scandinavian-clean interior, this is a great choice for those looking to get out of the SUV and crossover rat race. Some might argue that the XC70 is a crossover, but in my book, crossovers are typically the taller and more bulbous of the breed. Nope, to me at least, this one is clearly a station wagon.
The highlight of this wagon, as noted above, is the rich reserve of low-end torque this truckster applies to the weighty tasks at hand. It launches smartly off the line, and thanks to all-wheel drive, doesn't lurch in any odd directions but shoots off in the direction it is pointed. The tranny is smooth, and while gears are readily selectable via the shift lever, I'd like some steering-wheel paddles to add a sportier flavor to the drive.
There aren't many downsides to this wagon, but I'd like some attention to the steering set up, which I find heavy and numb. A lot of cars opt for a tauter, heavier steering feel to make a better connection to the road, but that's not the case here. I'd guess I'd rather just have a lighter feel and higher level of assist if the steering feel isn't going to be there anyway.
I like a lot of the controls inside, but I disliked having the radio-information options buried in a menu, forcing a series of actions merely to check on the name of a song the artist. And while the automatically raising and lowering backup camera screen provides an “Aww, isn't that cool” moment, it seems needlessly complex to perform one function. I assume that's where navigation information would also be displayed in a car so equipped, but it seems like a needlessly costly extra in a car without a navi.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: A mid/largish station wagon--the car on which Volvo built its reputation--pretty much defines what Volvo is in plenty of buyers' minds. And this is a fine car for the winter slop that got dumped on the Motor City over the weekend. I had no problems getting downtown today. Leaving early helps, but so does this car's ability to get through the lousy stuff with no problem, even with all of the other idiots on the road.
The XC70 is a nice-looking car inside and out. And it is practical, too. It rides nicely and is quiet inside at all speeds. Shifts from the transmission are unnoticeable. One thing I did notice is a slight wind howl around the roof rack at freeway speeds. Nothing bad, but it's there nonetheless.
This is comfortable, practical and safe. That sums up Volvo, and it pretty much sums up this car as well.

2011 Volvo XC70 T6
Base Price: $38,850
As-Tested Price: $45,550
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged I6; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 300 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 325 lb-ft @ 2,100-4,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,279 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 19/18.4 mpg

Options: Multimedia package including premium sound, 650-watt speaker system, rear park-assist camera, navigation with real-time traffic, remote control, two complimentary navigation updates ($2,700); convenience package including power-operated tailgate, park assist front and rear, cargo cover, 12V outlet in cargo area with grocery-bag holder, integrated garage-door opener, tinted glass, rear doors and cargo area, compass in rearview mirror, electric folding rear headrest ($1,300); climate package including heated front seats, headlight washers, heated windshield-washer nozzles, rain sensor, humidity sensor, interior air-quality system, blue-band windshield ($900); blind-spot information system ($700); metallic paint ($550); personal car communicator ($550)