Overview

A lower price (the base MSRP is about $5,000 less than that of the previous model) is the big news about the 2011 Volvo XC70, which is a luxury all-wheel-drive (AWD) crossover wagon built to handle rugged off-road conditions, according to the automaker. A front-wheel-drive (FWD) version is new for 2011, and both engines gain power and fuel efficiency.

Standard features on the 2011 Volvo XC70 3.2 include 16-inch alloy wheels, premium synthetic upholstery, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, power accessories (including an 8-way power driver's seat), Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system. An optional Premium package includes a sunroof, leather upholstery, power passenger seat, and wood trim. Seventeen-inch wheels are also optional. The XC70 T6 AWD model adds most of the Premium features as standard (the sunroof remains optional), plus 18-inch wheels. The Climate option package addresses cold-weather issues; the Convenience package adds a power liftgate and front and rear park assist, plus storage features; the Technology package includes adaptive cruise control and extra safety features. A Multimedia package includes a navigation system, upgraded sound system, and rearview camera. Many options are available as stand-alones.

The 2011 Volvo XC70 3.2 power plant is a 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that works with FWD or AWD. The XC70 T6 AWD features a turbocharged, 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 325 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard on all 2011 model year XC70s, and all versions deliver 17 or 18 mpg in the city and between 22 and 25 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Volvo XC70 include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side air bags, side curtain air bags, and active front head restraints. Optional safety features include a blind-spot information system and, as part of the Technology package, driver-fatigue and lane-departure warning systems, plus a pre-impact fast-braking system.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Volvo XC70 is $32,150.