Which Volvo XC70 Version Should You Buy?
The Volvo XC70 version to choose depends on whether efficiency, performance or an earlier all-wheel-drive specification matters most. From the figures supplied, the standout economy choice is the restyled second-generation 2.0 MT with 181 hp: it returns 4.5 l/100 km combined while reaching 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.
The Volvo XC70 version to choose depends on whether efficiency, performance or an earlier all-wheel-drive specification matters most. From the figures supplied, the standout economy choice is the restyled second-generation 2.0 MT with 181 hp: it returns 4.5 l/100 km combined while reaching 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The quickest is the restyled 2.0 AT gasoline version with 245 hp, which takes 6.8 seconds. For diesel power with AWD, the restyled 2.4 AT with 220 hp combines an 8.2-second acceleration time with 5.8 l/100 km. Buyers comparing older cars should note that every listed first-generation version has AWD, whereas the second generation introduced listed FWD alternatives.
Volvo XC70 generations and version choices
The first-generation Volvo XC70 ran from March 2000 to January 2005 as an Estate 5-door with 6 versions. Its listed engines are turbocharged inline 5-cylinder units, and every version combines AWD with a 5-speed Manual or 5-speed Automatic gearbox. The range includes 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT diesel versions with 163 hp, 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT gasoline versions with 200 hp, and 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT gasoline versions with 210 hp.
The first-generation restyling ran from April 2004 to June 2007, remained an Estate 5-door and contained 6 versions. It retained AWD throughout but expanded the transmission choice: the 163 hp diesel could have a 5-speed Manual or Automatic, while the 185 hp diesel used a 6-speed Manual or Automatic. The gasoline 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT versions produced 210 hp and used 5-speed gearboxes.
The second generation ran from April 2007 to July 2013 as an Estate 5-door, with 20 versions recorded and 12 shown in the supplied specification set. Its listed choices include FWD and AWD, 6-speed Manual and Automatic transmissions, and 2.0- or 2.4-litre-class diesel engines. Outputs among the shown versions range from 163 to 205 hp.
The second-generation restyling ran from April 2013 to April 2016, again as an Estate 5-door. The data records 15 versions and shows 12. Its selection is broader: 2.0- and 2.4-litre-class diesels are joined by 2.0 AT and 2.5 AT gasoline versions. Gearboxes include 6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic and 8-speed Automatic units, while drivetrains include FWD and AWD.
Volvo XC70 engine options and specs
Identical database names are distinguished below by output and generation.
| Generation and version | Output | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.4 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 2401 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 2.4 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 2401 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 2.4 MT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 285 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 2.4 AT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 285 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 2.5 MT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 2.5 AT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.4 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 2401 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.4 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 2401 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.4 MT, 185 hp | 185 hp | 400 Nm | 2401 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.4 AT, 185 hp | 185 hp | 400 Nm | 2401 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.5 MT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.5 AT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT, 163 hp, FWD | 163 hp | 400 Nm | 1984 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.4 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.4 AT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.4 MT, 175 hp, FWD | 175 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 2.4 AT, 205 hp | 205 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.4 AT, 185 hp | 185 hp | 400 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.4 MT, 185 hp | 185 hp | 400 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT, 163 hp, AWD | 163 hp | 400 Nm | 1984 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 400 Nm | 1984 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 2.4 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second generation 2.4 MT, 175 hp, AWD | 175 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second generation 2.4 AT, 175 hp, AWD | 175 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.4 AT, 181 hp | 181 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.4 AT, 220 hp | 220 hp | 440 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.0 AT, 181 hp | 181 hp | 400 Nm | 1969 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.0 MT, 181 hp | 181 hp | 400 Nm | 1969 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.0 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 400 Nm | 1984 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.0 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 400 Nm | 1984 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.4 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.4 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.4 MT, 181 hp | 181 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.4 MT, 215 hp | 215 hp | 440 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.5 AT, 249 hp | 249 hp | 360 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling 2.0 AT, 245 hp | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1969 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
By power per litre, the restyled 2.0 AT gasoline version leads at approximately 124.4 hp per litre. The restyled 2.5 AT gasoline version produces approximately 99.7 hp per litre, while the 220 hp 2.4 AT diesel delivers approximately 91.7 hp per litre. Among the diesels, that 220 hp version therefore extracts the most output from its listed displacement.
Volvo XC70 performance, mpg and economy
The quickest listed Volvo XC70 is the restyled 2.0 AT gasoline model with 245 hp: 0–100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds and top speed is 210 km/h. Its consumption is 8.9 l/100 km in the city, 5.5 l/100 km on the highway and 6.7 l/100 km combined. The restyled 2.5 AT gasoline version has 249 hp but takes 7.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h; fuel consumption is not measured.
For diesel performance with AWD, the restyled 2.4 MT with 215 hp reaches 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and returns 5.6 l/100 km combined. The 2.4 AT with 220 hp takes 8.2 seconds and uses 5.8 l/100 km combined. Choosing the manual therefore saves 0.2 l/100 km and 0.2 seconds, while the automatic supplies 5 hp more.
The economy leader is the restyled 2.0 MT diesel with 181 hp at 4.5 l/100 km combined, 4.9 l/100 km in the city and 4.3 l/100 km on the highway. The equivalent 181 hp 2.0 AT records 4.9 l/100 km combined, so the manual saves 0.4 l/100 km. Both take 8.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and reach 210 km/h.
Among the shown non-restyled second-generation models, the 2.0 MT with 163 hp has the lowest combined figure at 5.5 l/100 km. The 2.4 MT with 163 hp follows at 5.6 l/100 km while adding AWD. At the other end, the 185 hp 2.4 AT uses 8.3 l/100 km combined, which is 2.7 l/100 km more.
The first-generation 2.5 MT with 210 hp is the fastest early version, taking 8.1 seconds and reaching 225 km/h. Its consumption is 13.7 l/100 km city, 6.8 l/100 km highway and 10.4 l/100 km combined. The matching 2.5 AT takes 8.5 seconds, reaches 220 km/h and uses 11.3 l/100 km combined—0.9 l/100 km more than the manual.
Volvo XC70 dimensions, weight and ground clearance
All listed XC70 body variants are Estate 5-door models. Exterior length, width, height, wheelbase, load capacity and weight distribution are not measured in the supplied data.
First-generation versions have kerb weights from 1630 to 1742 kg, gross weights of 2220 kg, 200 mm of ground clearance and 68-litre tanks. The restyled first generation weighs 1694–1715 kg at the kerb, has a 2220 kg gross weight, 200 mm of clearance and a 70-litre tank. Wheel sizes for these generations are not measured.
Among the shown second-generation versions, kerb weight ranges from 1713 to 1860 kg and gross weight from 2320 to 2410 kg. Ground clearance is either 190 or 210 mm, while every listed tank holds 70 litres. Where measured, wheels are 215/65 R16, 235/55 R17 or 235/50 R18; the 2.0 MT with 163 hp and 2.4 MT with 163 hp list 215/65 R16 and 235/55 R17.
The restyled second generation spans 1783–1922 kg kerb weight and 2300–2400 kg gross weight. Ground clearance is 210 mm for every shown version except the 2.5 AT gasoline model, which has 215 mm. Every tank holds 70 litres. Most versions list 215/65 R16, 235/55 R17 and 235/50 R18 wheels; the 2.5 AT lists 235/55 R17 and 235/50 R18.
Weight per horsepower helps explain the performance differences. The restyled 2.0 AT gasoline version carries about 7.5 kg per hp and is the quickest. The restyled 2.5 AT is lighter per unit of output at about 7.2 kg per hp, yet its recorded acceleration is 0.3 seconds slower. The 220 hp 2.4 AT diesel carries about 8.6 kg per hp, while the economy-focused 181 hp 2.0 MT carries about 10.2 kg per hp.
Volvo XC70 reliability, problems and years to avoid
The supplied data contains no breakdown rates, repair records, engine-system warnings, oil capacities, service histories or reliability surveys. Consequently, it does not support naming any Volvo XC70 years to avoid or declaring one engine more reliable than another. A purchase decision based on reliability requires evidence outside this catalogue specification set.
What can be compared is mechanical configuration. Earlier listed cars use 5-speed transmissions and AWD; later cars add 6-speed and 8-speed gearboxes, FWD choices and 4-cylinder engines alongside the 5-cylinder versions. Those differences identify what needs to be inspected on a candidate car, but they do not prove a reliability advantage.
Which Volvo XC70 version should you choose?
Choose the restyled 2.0 MT diesel with 181 hp if minimum measured fuel use is the priority. Its 4.5 l/100 km combined figure is 0.4 l/100 km lower than the equivalent 2.0 AT, without an acceleration penalty, although it is FWD rather than AWD.
Choose the restyled 2.4 AT diesel with 220 hp if you want diesel torque, AWD and an Automatic gearbox. It provides 440 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and uses 5.8 l/100 km combined. Compared with the 181 hp 2.4 AT, it adds 39 hp and 20 Nm, cuts acceleration by 1.3 seconds and saves 0.6 l/100 km combined.
Choose the restyled 2.0 AT gasoline version with 245 hp for the strongest measured acceleration. It is 0.3 seconds quicker than the 249 hp 2.5 AT, uses an 8-speed Automatic gearbox and has measured combined consumption of 6.7 l/100 km. The 2.5 AT counters with 4 hp more and 5 mm more ground clearance, but its fuel consumption is not measured.
For an earlier AWD diesel, the first-generation-restyling 2.4 MT with 185 hp is the sharper choice over the 163 hp 2.4 MT: it adds 22 hp and 60 Nm and reduces the 0–100 km/h time by 1.0 second, while both record 7.6 l/100 km combined. Within the later non-restyled generation, the 163 hp 2.4 MT combines AWD with 5.6 l/100 km, only 0.1 l/100 km above the 163 hp FWD 2.0 MT.
There is no price or sales data with which to calculate value for money. On specifications alone, the 181 hp 2.0 MT is the efficiency recommendation, the 220 hp 2.4 AT is the balanced AWD diesel choice, and the 245 hp 2.0 AT is the performance recommendation.