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Used 2016 Volvo XC70 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
29 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 XC70, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC70 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Safety First

FirstVolvo, 03/17/2017
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Platinum 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Except for the fact that this unit must have some infrared sign saying 'Hit Me' in it, I am actually thrilled by the purchase. At 600 miles, before the first installment was due, a deer jumped in front of the car while it traveled 60 MPH. Front airbags deployed and car brought itself to safe stop. Two occupants, including a 93 y.o. man, climbed out unscathed and without post accident issues. Volvo safety operators immediately called the car and summoned police, EMT squad , and fire truck. Out of state repair at Volvo dealership in Syracuse NY was exemplary. Now with 13,000 miles, the car was rear ended by 1 ton pick up truck with dual rear wheels. XC-70 bumper and hitch took brunt of impact. Volvo drove home, but offending pick up was not so lucky. Volvo hitch saved much rear end damage and transferred much of the impact to the colliding vehicle. Dealership service in two different states has been excellent. This is an extremely safe and comfortable vehicle, although I could do without further safety system tests.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Best Volvo Yet

Dhp, 01/25/2016
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Platinum 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Professional review was correct - crossover substitute (in fact, XC70 is titled as a crossover). Super comfortable street-legal tank. Our last XC70 held up to an accident like a tank and this model seems even heavier and more stable.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My Third XC70

Mike, 10/10/2016
2015 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

One of the best overall packages available for people who like comfort, versatility and sport.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

My first impressions after 700 miles

Mitch Johns, 09/25/2015
2015 Volvo XC70 3.2 4dr Wagon AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful

We purchased an XC 70 platinum T6 3 liter that had an EPA mpg at 17/24 mpg. We chose this car after purchasing two BMW X1s in 2014 and 2015. I was a bit worried about the mpg and that I would be consuming more gas and hurting the environment. Well after our first major road trip of 430 miles in CA from N. Ca, through Sacramento to Palo Alto, I was impressed. You have to know that this road trip is primarily major state and federal highways, on roads that are very bumpy, can be stressful, and very heavy with traffic. We obtained an overall round-trip gas mileage of 25.6 mpg with cruising speeds of 70-80 mph, and considerable stop and go on these interstates. Frankly consider this route to be one of the worst traveling itinerary that you could ever drive and put a car through. The best attribute of this car is the Volvo front car seats that are likely the most comfortable in a car. We purchased the car mostly for the front car seats as my wife has spinal issues that causes her great pain and discomfort about the third hour of a road trip. The seat comfort was the best of what could be expected given my wife's chronic aliments. I cannot say this for the back car seats as they are average, and the designers could have engineered more leg room for the rear passengers. Don't get the wrong impression, it is still better than the X1s that we have experienced. The auto runs smooth, plenty of acceleration, low road noise, and takes the highway bumps with little lingering memory. What I might be critical of is the steering as it is a bit light and you don't have intuitive feeling you get out of a performance car such as a BMW X1. The handling around curves is slightly above average, but you should slow down a bit if it is a tight curve as there is a slight body lean and response for you to take it more slower than a performance car. I have only 700 miles on the car and as you know, nothing is broken in yet, the engine especially. I will look forward to more (pleasurable) road trips and I anticipate that I will find the car much more superior and also expect to obtain slightly higher mpg on long road trips. There are no available safety ratings for this model, but it is a Volvo. The exterior body is very solid and the finish is excellent. We have learned much after purchasing three new cars in the last 24 months and anyone purchasing should do their homework in regards to invoice price, reviews of the car handling, etc.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

I love this car!! I own a 2006 and 16!

Lisa B, 05/03/2016
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Classic Platinum 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 18 people found this review helpful

This car is comfy, rides like a dream, has great pick up and is spacious and easy.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
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5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Early Drive-E Engine Oil Issues

DBS, 01/20/2021
updated 08/03/2023
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Platinum 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The Drive-E 2.0L 4 cyl is a great, award winning engine, but owners should be aware of oil consumption problems with the early engines, through a certain serial number produced in 2017. This is caused by a piston design issue and is not wear related, although aggravated by deposit build up if you don't change oil frequently and/or use the correct oil. Volvo tells us that 10,000 miles between oil changes is OK, but that's if you meet their oil spec. VIN scan will tell your oil change place to use "0W20" synthetic oil, but not many oils meet the Volvo specification for 10k durability. Castrol extended performance (gold bottle) and the Liquimoly product available online through FCP Euro are both up to Volvo's 10,000 mile oil change interval goal. Others are not. You can get the Castrol gold bottle product for a reasonable price at some, but not many, Walmart locations or FCP will ship you a 6 Liter (5.5L goes in) kit with proper filter and replacement drain plug washer. My fast change place will do the job with customer provided oil for around $35 in a few minutes. If you just take your car in to a US Oil change place, they will put in lower spec 0W20; so plan on 5k intervals, not Volvo's 10k interval. Strangely, Volvo started with a 5W30 spec for this engine, then switched to 0W20 after a couple years, so early owner manuals show the original 5W30 spec. Volvo redesigned what had been too tiny oil drain pinholes in the piston behind the lower oil ring and solved the oil consumption issue beginning with a certain serial number built and delivered to dealers sometime in 2017. Check online to find the switchover serial #. There's a good YouTube video showing the old and new piston designs, if you're inclined. Bottom line, for units produced before the serial # piston redesign breakpoint around mid 2017, check your oil regularly with their stupid no dipstick dash system and expect to see some oil consumption. Mine burns about a quart every 1,200 miles. But it's been flushed and maintained with 5K intervals, so clean inside without deposit buildup that come with age and miles (like my own arteries). Many use the LiquiMoly hydeolic lifter additive, which does a good job of keeping the tiny pinhole pistons clean. Available through FCP Euro- otherwise hard to find in local auto parts stores. My 2016 XC70 t5 is a good car with a great engine that gives 20% more HP for 20% better gas mileage with 2.0L 4 cyl versus the 2.5L 5 cyl in older Volvos.. But Volvo now makes you move up a more complicated model line to get features that used to be included in the base model. As a result, the base 2WD product seems cost reduced. It also has a somewhat confusing dash operating system. And no oil dipstick (go figure ?) We shall see if it proves as durable as my '07 XC70, which with my no holds barred upkeep still looks, runs, and drives pretty much like new at a quarter million miles + (still in the family).

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Like a truck, in a good way

Reg Wang, 04/07/2018
2015 Volvo XC70 T6 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is literally the European truck. It’s used as a truck in Europe, the Russians abuse it & makes YouTube sensations. Family tow stuff with it, Scotland Yard police use it as police car, you name it. It’s just a beast. The ride is a bit like a boat, at low speed, but, at highway, it feels firm & goes over potholes with good isolation. Front & rear sensor helps a lot. Steering is not light but not heavy, it has a smooth, rubbery feel but definitely like like a F250 loose. In other words, long distance driving it’s not tiring. Acceleration is amazing at high way. Comfy seat no issues. Infotainment & voice control are reliable to use once you learn it. Mine has 29000 miles, there’s a bit of rear seat area squeaking but I’m yet to investigate why, could be just natural built quality. Note that my previous 2017 V60 CC feels tighter in built quality. Two gripes about Volvo Bluetooth, when using iPhones to make call, the voice vol of the other person is so low that it’s practically useless. Two, the two round front lower lights are “running lights”, unable to be controlled by any buttons. They don’t project much light & you just can’t tell if they are on or not. I’ve tried different XC70 all the same.

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5 out of 5 stars

Bought the car out of the lease!

Irving Gates, 03/04/2019
updated 09/13/2021
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Platinum 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

XC70 discontinued after 2016. Disaster. This is by far the most comfortable and satisfying car I have ever driven (I am 83). Bought the car out of my lease. No other car will fit my bill so far. Looking forward to the electrics.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Couldn't resist

Milan, 05/04/2019
updated 11/13/2023
2016 Volvo XC70 T5 Drive-E Premier 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful

When I drove my sister's 2002 XC70 last year I couldn't believe how comfortable this car still was and how smooth the car handled and sounded. Had a chance to test drive the 2016 FWD XC70 and was seduced by this Viking beauty immediately. Didn't need the AWD and prefer the great gas mileage with the FWD. This car was superior to Highlander, Outback, V60, and a few other mid range SUV's that I had a chance to test drive. Seat comfort is equal to our 2013 Sienna Limited. Road noise in XC70 is minimal. This car is a refreshing alternative to cookie cutter Outbacks and SUV's. Audio controls are dated but sound system is excellent. I have to say that I feel much safer driving this very solid wagon. Both sons fit comfortably in the rear seats and they are 6'3" and 6'5". My back feels great after driving 3 to 3.5 hours per day!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great car with cargo capacity no longer available.

Michael R., 05/05/2018
2015 Volvo XC70 T6 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Some of these cars have a fold flat front passenger seat which greatly increases the cargo capacity of the car. I can put a 10 ft surfboard in mine without reducing visibility. This used to be a standard feature on many Volvos and then became optional. Unfortunately the newer models no longer have this feature and the car has lost a great practical feature. Very comfortable car for long trips.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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