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By KBB Editors
Updated December 23, 2019
If you desire the cargo space to haul the toys of your active lifestyle and the ability to travel almost any road with them, but don’t want a big and bulky SUV, the XC70 is a premium alternative. That it boasts some of the highest-tech safety features available on any car is icing on the cake.
If you need to carry more than five passengers or plan to do serious off-roading, a bigger SUV would be a better choice. If the Volvo XC70’s mid-$30,000 price tag is too much for you, a Subaru Outback can be had for about $10,000 less in base form.
Base versions of the XC70 are front-wheel drive (FWD), which became the standard in 2011. For 2012, trim choices jump from two to seven with the addition of Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum editions in all models. A redesigned instrument panel conveys audio, navigation and other information to the driver via a 7-inch color display, the Bluetooth interface now allows audio streaming and the lower center console has been redesigned with metal framing or wood inlays, depending on trim level. On the safety front, the 2012 XC70 comes standard with City Safety, a system that automatically applies the brakes in lower-speed situations to avoid a collision if the driver is distracted and fails to brake. A higher-power Polestar edition is available on turbo models; a software performance package bumps output from 300 horsepower to 325 and torque from 325 lb-ft to 354, and does not affect the car’s warranty.
In these days of big SUVs and crossovers that seem to populate every road and vehicle segment, the 2012 Volvo XC70 is a bit of a rarity: An easy-to-drive station wagon that has seating for five and cargo space galore, along with extra ground clearance and available all-wheel drive (AWD) that enables it to tackle just about any surface almost as well as those more cumbersome utility vehicles. The XC70’s main competitors in its niche category are the Subaru Outback and Honda Crosstour, both of which have lower starting prices but lack the premium feel and safety features that are standard on the Volvo.
Used 2012 Volvo XC70 pricing starts at $8,426 for the XC70 3.2 Wagon 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $35,825 when new. The range-topping 2012 XC70 T6 Wagon 4D starts at $8,551 today, originally priced from $39,475.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$35,825 | $8,426 | |||
$39,475 | $8,551 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2012 Volvo XC70 models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
In standard form with the 3.2-liter base engine, the Volvo XC70 has decent power and acceleration. For a much more invigorating experience, move up to the 300-horsepower turbocharged engine in the T6. The added power comes at a price premium, but it helps make the XC70 a much more enjoyable car for those who like the dynamic aspects of driving. The T6 XC70 blasts from zero to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, which is fast for a car of this nature. That said, you’ll need to dial down the enthusiasm level for turns; with its increased ride height and softer suspension, this car is not made to take curves with great velocity. On the highway, the XC70 is comfortable and quiet. Visibility from the XC70’s increased ride height is not as good as a taller SUV, but it is better than most wagons and sedans. We like the easy-to-use, steering wheel-mounted audio controls as well as the climate controls on the dash with the vent-direction buttons depicting a human figure. If you descend steep grades, the Hill Descent Control, standard on all-wheel drive models, will help you down slowly and with confidence.
The 2012 Volvo XC70, especially in its higher trim level, can pass as a luxury car with its plush leather and accents made from wood and metal. Buttons and gauges are sleek and mostly easy to identify and use. Seating position is good (a higher armrest would help on longer drives) and visibility is a bright point thanks to all those side windows and a rear window whose glass extends below the sides. A two-tone interior injects some excitement into the Volvo’s borderline-bland surfaces. Rear-seat room is accommodating and two-stage child booster seats are available. Cargo space is plentiful, with over 33 cubic feet with the rear seats up; with the seats folded flat that space opens up to create what looks like a bed.
If a station wagon ever had the ability to look rugged, this one accomplishes that feat. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a blocky design accentuated by hood bulges, the 2012 XC70 looks like one bulked-up carry-all. That said, it’s still a station wagon and won’t convince anyone otherwise. With its rectangular shape and three rows of side windows, the XC70 can remind you of Volvos past, as opposed to newer and more rounded models like the chic XC60 SUV.
POWER TAILGATE
Here’s an option you’ll appreciate every time you find yourself with an armful. The touch of a button raises or lowers the tailgate, leaving your hands free for other tasks.
CARGO ROOM
One of the XC70’s best attributes is its generous amount of space. With the rear seats folded flat, it boasts a vast 72.1 cubic feet of room for all those IKEA runs, plus hidden storage underneath. There’s so much room that, in a pinch, you could even sleep in the thing.
A base 2012 Volvo XC70 3.2 features a 240-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, front-wheel drive and the City Safety system. Also standard are dual-zone climate control, front and rear skid plates, 8-way power driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, locking cargo-floor compartment, 160-watt audio system with AM/FM/HD radio, Bluetooth hands-free system and cruise control. The Volvo XC70 T6 adds a turbocharged engine, dual chrome exhaust tips, leather seating, power moonroof and power passenger seat. The XC70 also features Volvo’s 5-year/50,000-mile warranty with five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance.
Volvos are known for their safety features, and the XC70 doesn’t skimp. Along with the standard City Safety auto-braking system, the wagon can be outfitted with a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian-detection system with automatic braking, lane-departure warning and collision warning with fully automatic braking. Also available are xenon headlights, dual two-stage child booster seats, heated front and rear seats, interior air quality system, navigation, rear-seat entertainment system with two screens, rear-view park assist camera and a 12-speaker, 650-watt premium sound system with rear headphone jacks and audio controls.
The standard engine for the 2012 Volvo XC70 is a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder of 240 horsepower, but it delivers only acceptable performance in this vehicle that weighs over two tons. While off-the-line acceleration is brisk, passing power could be better. For those who want more performance, choose the T6 with its potent turbocharged engine. For even more power, the Polestar Performance package can be had on the turbo engine and does not sacrifice fuel economy. Both engines can run on regular unleaded and are rated to tow up to 3,300 pounds.
3.2-liter inline-6
240 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg (FWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Curb Weight | 3985 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 38.8 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.9 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches | ||
Overall Length | 190.5 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 57.4 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 3300 lbs. | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 72.1 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 37.7 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 110.8 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 5270 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 83.4 inches |
Adaptive Headlights | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
Fog Lights | Available | ||
HID Headlights | Available | ||
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | Available | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available |
City | 18 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 24 mpg | ||
Combined | 20 mpg |
Drivetrain | AWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
6 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Descent Control | Available |
Horsepower | 240 @ 6400 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 236 @ 3200 rpm | ||
Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | ||
0 to 60 | 8.4 seconds | ||
Top Speed | 130 mph |
Basic | 5 years / 50000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 50000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 12 years / Unlimited miles |
Used 2012 Volvo XC70 | Used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen | Used 2012 Toyota Venza | Used 2013 Cadillac CTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $8,782 | $8,582 | $8,826 | $8,225 | |
KBB.com Rating | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.5 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.5 | |
Fuel Economy | City 18/Hwy 24/Comb 20 MPG | City 29/Hwy 37/Comb 32 MPG | City 21/Hwy 27/Comb 23 MPG | City 18/Hwy 26/Comb 21 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | |
Safety Rating | N/A | N/A | 4.0 | 5.0 | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 5 years or 50000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | |
Horsepower | 240 @ 6400 RPM | 140 @ 4000 RPM | 182 @ 5800 RPM | 270 @ 7000 RPM | |
Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
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