The 2009 Volvo XC70 comes in two models: the XC70 ($37,250) with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 235 horsepower, and the XC70 T6 ($39,500) with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder rated at 281 horsepower. A six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard on both models.
The XC70 comes standard with fabric upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat with three-position memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, 160-watt AM/FM audio with single-CD and eight speakers, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, fog lights front and rear, a fold-flat 40/20/40 split rear seat with a locking cargo-floor storage bin, a fold-flat front passenger seat that considerably increases cargo flexibility, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity has been added for 2009. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are optional ($550).
The T6 upgrades to Volvo's Watch Dial instrument cluster, brushed aluminum interior inlays, dual exhaust outlets and 17-inch alloy wheels; 18-inch wheels are optional ($750).
Options for both models include a Navigation system ($2,205) with HDD, DVD map data, and remote control; and a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,800) with two seven-inch LCD monitors in the front headrests, an auxiliary jack for video games or cameras, wireless headphones and remote control.
The Premium Package ($2,995) upgrades with leather seating, a power passenger seat, walnut or walnut-root trim, a power glass sunroof, and a rearview mirror with Homelink and compass. The Technology Package ($2,295) adds xenon gas-discharge headlights with active bending light, plus the Dynaudio sound system featuring a 650-watt amplifier, Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound, 12 speakers, rear seat headphone jacks, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The Convenience Package ($1,195) adds front and rear park assist, a humidity sensor for the climate control system, Interior Air Quality filtration, power tailgate, dark tint rear windows, grocery bag holder, 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area, and other niceties. The Climate Package ($875) includes heated front and rear seats, headlamp washers, heated windshield washer nozzles and Rainsensor windshield wipers. Stand-alone options include metallic paint ($525-675) and satellite radio prep ($95).
Safety features that come standard include multi-stage front-impact airbags and curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard seats. The front passenger side-impact airbags have two compartments: a lower one for the hips, which can handle more force without injury, and a second one that deploys more gently around the shoulders. Volvo's Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) is design to minimize neck and back injuries in a significant rear impact. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), the latest-generation anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a tire-pressure monitor are also standard. The safety belts have specially adjusted force limiters to reduce the risk of restraint injury, and the side-curtain airbags are lengthened for better coverage.
Safety options include a Collision Avoidance Package ($1,695), which combines Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Auto Brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control, and Lane Departure Warning. Integrated child safety seats ($495) are available that are built into the rear outboard seats and can be adjusted specifically to the child's size. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS ($695), is designed to warn the driver of approaching vehicles that might not be visible in the mirrors. The Personal Car Communicator ($495) adds keyless starting, which allows you to determine from anywhere whether you locked the car, whether the car has been tampered with, and whether there is a villain lurking inside (via a heartbeat detector).