The two Volvos in this class share the same engine and transmission, and are closely matched on kerbweight. We definitely prefer the XC60, though. By comparison, the XC70 rides less comfortably and feels unwieldy. It doesn’t tow as well either, proving less settled at speed and getting shoved around by the caravan in the emergency lane-change test.
In the XC70’s favour, it breezed through the hill-start test. The electronic parking brake held car and caravan steady, then released smoothly. The Volvo pulled to the top of the hill without fuss.
A Volvo estate ought to be spacious, and sure enough, our practicality judges found room for a full load of typical holiday luggage. It’s also good to know the XC70 is fitted with a trailer stability program.
