2003 Volvo V70/XC70: Road Test
2003 Volvo V70/XC70 ▼
- MSRP: $27,870 - $38,325
- Invoice: $26,197 - $36,025
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Related to Volvo 70 series
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Our road test for the 2003 Volvo V70/XC70 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Volvo V70/XC70 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Volvo V70/XC70, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Volvo V70/XC70 help you decide if a 2003 Volvo V70/XC70 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.5 |
Base 2.4 feels sluggish with automatic transmission, but others go well once their turbo starts boosting. Test automatic-transmission T5 did 8 sec. 0-60 mph; expect about 8.4 with XC70. Volvo pegs V70 R at 5.6 sec with manual transmission, 7.4 with automatic; it does feel strong, but as with all turbo Volvos, turbo lag blunts midrange throttle response. AWD provides outstanding traction for slippery-surface acceleration.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
Test T5 averaged 16.5 mpg, test V70 XC 18.7. No opportunity to measure with other models. Volvo recommends premium fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7.1 |
Softest in base 2.4, but 2.4T and 2.5T AWD provide best balance of compliance and firmness--though they can feel too stiff over sharp bumps. XC70 subject to irritating wavy-road float. T5's taut suspension and optional 17-inch wheels give busy, thumpy ride. R's suspension can't duplicate supple control of best European rivals.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
R has sport-sedan moves, though not those of a great sport sedan. So 2.4T and 2.5T AWD best balanced. But all have good cornering behavior and swift, stable braking. Higher-riding XC70 leans the most in turns, but never alarms. One test XC70 showed mild steering-wheel tug in hard takeoffs--odd for an AWD vehicle. Overall, AWD versions are sensible SUV alternatives, except for R, which requires extra-cost all-season tires for winter duty.
QUIETNESS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
Volvo's 5 cyl isn't objectionably noisy, but sounds coarse compared to rival near-luxury V6s, and sometimes sends tingles through seat and pedals. Wind noise moderate, but XC70, T5, and R suffer tire drone.
CONTROLS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.6 |
"Chronograph-style" R gauges hard to read in dim light. Other models' instruments well-marked, nicely lit. Radio's 20 station presets selected via single rotary dial, a feature not all our testers like. Dashtop navigation screen hard to read in daylight, and system's controls are on the steering wheel, inaccessible to passenger. Interior design stylish, modern, but some budget-grade plastic panels detract.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Occupants sit tall on Volvo's usual wide, plush seats, so head room is only adequate for 6-footers. Ample leg room. High front headrests block view to back and sides, rear headrests hinder over-the-shoulder vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Decent foot room and 6-footer head clearance, but short cushion lacks thigh support. Shoulder width insufficient for three grownups. Entry/exit average.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.9 |
Ample and useful. Rear seat folds to make a flat, long, fairly wide deck. Optional audio system's subwoofer blocks access to under-floor spare tire.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
Not as refined or well-built as Audi and BMW competitors, and less fuel efficient than you might expect. Examples we tested also had some loose interior panels and other quality gaffes. Still, this is Volvo's best wagon yet. The XC70 provides some SUV flavor without SUV drawbacks, but the 2.4T and 2.5T AWD are the best values.
Total Score
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5 w/17-inch wheels, auto. | XC70 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 61 | 56 | 54 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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