A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.7
Practicality
4.4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a family estate that combines Swedish practicality with exceptional comfort? The Volvo V70 might be exactly what you need. This well built estate car has earned a reputation for being one of the most comfortable and reliable family cars on the road. It’s the perfect choice for families who prioritise space, safety, and long term dependability over flashy styling.
The V70 stands out in the competitive estate market with its understated elegance and solid build quality. While rivals like the BMW 3 Series estate focus on sporty handling, the V70 takes a different approach. It prioritises passenger comfort and cargo space above all else. The interior feels wonderfully calm and refined, with supportive seats that make even the longest journeys feel effortless.
Driving the V70 is a serene experience that puts relaxation first. The engines are smooth and refined, the ride quality is exceptionally comfortable, and the cabin remains whisper quiet at motorway speeds. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it excels at what matters most to families. The V70 offers genuine long distance comfort, impressive reliability, and enormous practicality at a price that represents excellent value for money.
How Does the Volvo V70 Drive?
The Volvo V70 range offers a selection of petrol and diesel engines designed for smooth, refined performance rather than outright speed. The popular 2.4 litre five cylinder petrol engine produces around 170 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for most situations. The diesel variants, particularly the 2.4 D5, offer impressive torque and fuel economy while maintaining Volvo’s reputation for reliability. The 0-60 mph time typically ranges from 8 to 10 seconds depending on the engine choice.
Where the V70 truly excels is in its composed and comfortable driving experience. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making parking straightforward despite the car’s size. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, absorbing road imperfections beautifully while maintaining good body control. This makes the V70 an ideal long distance cruiser that keeps all passengers relaxed and comfortable. The five cylinder engines have a distinctive character and proven durability that many owners appreciate.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.4L 5-cylinder petrol / 2.4L D5 diesel
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Power Output
170 - 185 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.2 - 9.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
32 - 48 mpg
- Boot Space
- 575 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volvo V70: Comfort & Features
Step inside the V70 and you’re immediately struck by the quality and thoughtfulness of the interior design. The dashboard layout is clean and logical, with clearly marked controls that fall easily to hand. The seats are among the best in any estate car, offering excellent support for long journeys while remaining comfortable around town. Volvo’s reputation for ergonomic excellence is clearly evident throughout the cabin design.
The rear seats offer generous space for adults, with good headroom and legroom that rivals struggle to match. The cabin is exceptionally quiet at all speeds, with excellent sound insulation that creates a calm, relaxing environment. Standard equipment levels are generous, including climate control, electric windows, and a quality sound system. Higher specification models add leather upholstery and premium audio systems that further enhance the premium feeling.
The Volvo V70 represents everything that’s great about Swedish automotive engineering. It delivers exceptional comfort, impressive practicality, and reassuring safety in a package that prioritises passenger wellbeing above all else. The interior quality is excellent, the ride comfort is outstanding, and the build quality inspires confidence for long term ownership.
Is the Volvo V70 Expensive to Run?
As a premium estate, the V70 has moderate running costs that reflect its quality construction and refined engineering. The diesel engines are the most economical choice, with real world fuel consumption often exceeding 40 mpg on longer journeys. The petrol engines are less frugal but still reasonable for a car of this size, typically achieving mid 30s mpg in mixed driving conditions.
Insurance costs are reasonable for the class, though they will be higher than for mainstream alternatives. The initial purchase price represents good value compared to German rivals, offering similar levels of comfort and quality for less money. Reliability is generally strong, particularly for models with full service history. Regular maintenance is essential but costs are predictable, and car finance options can help spread the ownership costs over time.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volvo V70
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BMW 3 Series Touring
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Mercedes C-Class Estate
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £18,000 | £22,000 | £20,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.4L D5 185hp | 2.0L 150hp | 2.2L CDI 150hp |
| Power | 185 bhp | 150 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 seconds | 9.1 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 45 mpg | 44 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 575 litres | 495 litres | 485 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Exceptional comfort, Five cylinder engine, Huge boot space | Sporty handling, Premium badge, Advanced tech | Luxury interior, Smooth ride, Strong build quality |
Volvo V70 Practicality & Boot Space
For families seeking maximum practicality, the V70 is hard to beat. The enormous 575 litre boot easily accommodates weekly shopping, holiday luggage, or sports equipment for the whole family. The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a vast loading area that can handle large items like furniture or bicycles. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin include deep door pockets, cup holders, and useful compartments.
The V70’s generous dimensions make it ideal for families with older children or those who regularly carry passengers. The rear doors open wide for easy access, and the high roofline provides excellent headroom for all occupants. While parking can be challenging in tight city centres, the V70’s excellent visibility and light steering help considerably. For those considering other used Volvo cars, the V70 offers the perfect balance of comfort and cargo capacity for active families.
We’ve had our V70 for six years and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The comfort on long trips is unmatched and it’s never let us down. The boot space is enormous and the kids love the rear seats.
The Volvo V70 stands out in the premium estate market by offering genuine family focused benefits that matter in daily use. It combines Volvo’s legendary safety reputation with exceptional comfort and impressive practicality. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it excels in areas that really matter to families. The smooth engines, comfortable ride, and whisper quiet cabin make every journey more pleasant.
You choose the V70 because you want an estate that puts passenger comfort and practicality first. Its generous boot space, excellent rear seat accommodation, and refined driving experience make it ideal for long distance family travel. For those seeking quality cars under £15,000, the V70 offers impressive value and proven reliability that few rivals can match.
