New cars: What the critics say

The New York Times

Practically minded Volvo lovers will find something new to admire in the XC70. “It’s the most stylish” Volvo station wagon ever. Yet, unlike other crossovers, the XC70 is actually a sturdy, genuine car “that works like a truck.” The extensive safety roster protects just about every body part, and an optional key-fob alert can even warn the paranoid “if someone is lurking in the car.”

The Boston Globe

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We tested this remarkable wagon on some of Montana’s “gnarliest dirt and logging roads.” Bottom line: We felt absolutely safe and wrapped in luxury, just as if we were cruising quietly along a highway. The 235-hp, 3.2-liter, inline-six engine is the same as that in the luxurious S80. “This is a hard car to break.”

Motor Trend

The XC70’s “off-road cred” has been much improved by Hill Descent Control, borrowed from Land Rover. A wet-clutch all-wheel-drive system is now standard, and new safety features include improved whiplash protection, blind-spot detection, and a collision warning system that primes the brakes. On test runs, those brakes decelerated from 140 mph to 60 mph with no noticeable fade.