DecodedCars2008 Volvo XC70
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon AWD
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,169 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Volvo XC70 is a SUV - offered with a 3.2L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,169 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 22 highway), 2% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2008
- New body dimensions: 4.4 in longer, wheelbase +2.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.2L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 19 to 17
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 XC70 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon AWD | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 63 in | 111 in | 63 / 61 in | 4,169 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC70 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -2% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volvo XC70 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volvo XC70 (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayenne | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW X5 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2008 Lexus RX | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Volvo XC90 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Seat Belts › Front · Jun 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Nov 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · 416 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Fix
- VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 7, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V190000 · 679 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 5, 2006 THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2009 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE FMVSS LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND A PAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CONTAIN INCORRECT MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE ACCORDING TO FMVSS 110.
- Risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Fix
- THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO UPDATE THE VEHICLES WITH A NEW FMVSS LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND TPMS SOFTWARE. VOLVO RETAILERS WILL ALSO APPLY A LABEL WITH CORRECT MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Not every 2008 Volvo XC70 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volvo XC70 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Wheels — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 125,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Volvo XC70. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC70 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 XC70 | 26 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2015 XC70 | 27 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2014 XC70 | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2013 XC70 | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2012 XC70 | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2011 XC70 | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2010 XC70 | 18 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2009 XC70 | 18 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2007 XC70 | 19 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
| 2006 XC70 | 19 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2005 XC70 | 19 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →