DecodedCars2016 Volvo XC70
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon T5 Drive-E FWD, 4dr Wagon T6 AWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,012–4,145 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 33 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Volvo XC70 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 5-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,012 lb (4dr Wagon T5 Drive-E FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 6% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 3.2L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 XC70 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon T5 Drive-E FWD | 190.6 in | 73.6 in | 63 in | 111 in | 63.4 / 62.2 in | 4,012 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr Wagon T6 AWD | 190.6 in | 73.6 in | 63 in | 111 in | 63.4 / 62.2 in | 4,145 lb | 58/42 |
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 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +6% | $2,600 | 346 |
| XC70 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 409 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Volvo XC70.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volvo XC70 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Volvo XC90 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers · Sep 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V555000 · 7,855 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.
Not every 2016 Volvo XC70 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Volvo XC70 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,000 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 2016 Volvo XC70. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC70 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2008 XC70 | 17 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 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 →