Category: Executive 
Price Range: £28,245 to £39,945
Huge boot, high level of standard kit, extra ability, good tow car.
No low-range gearbox, high centre of gravity affects driving dynamics.
Although a proper off-roader will ultimately be more capable on the rough stuff, the XC70 will go a little further, but just not far enough.
Volvo estates are some of the most dependable cars around - many 850s still command a premium today, even with sky-high mileage figures. If looked after, they should prove reliable on a day-to-day basis.
There's no reason to suspect that the latest XC70 shouldn't continue this trend, as it's based on mechanicals that have proved their worth in the S80.
Interior quality is good, with high-quality leather coming as standard. As the XC70 may spend more of its time clattering across poor surfaces, it may not stand up as well as the regular V70 to daily rigours, so could become tatty and rattly in a shorter time.
