Art
08-08-2008, 02:25 PM
From the latest issue of CR (Downsized SUVs).
The XC70 was not included in the test but suggested as an alternative to the six other vehicles.
The six SUVs tested were:
Volkswagen Tiquan, Infiniti EX, Land Rover LR2, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Touareg 2, Jeep Grand Cherokee
The XC70 is a pleasant and versatile wagon and can be an alternative to the SUVs in our test. It has a roomy, quiet, and nicely finished interior. While acceleration, ride, and handling are sound, they don't make it exciting to drive. Some nice safety innovations, such as blind-spot monitoring and integrated booster seats, are optional. We dont yet have reliability data for this redesigned model.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The ride is less stiff than the previous models, but it jiggles at low speeds. It's buoyant at higher speeds. The XC70 is quiet, but suspension noise comes through on rough pavement and the engine sounds strained when pushed. Body lean is restrained when cornering. The steering has good feedback and heft. While the XC70 is secure at our track, its speed through our avoidance maneuver was modest. The brakes are very good. Performance from the 235-hp, 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder is decent, and the six speed automatic transmission is responsive. Expect 18 mpg overall, on par with an SUV such as the Toyota Highlander.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior is nicely finished with soft-touch panels on the dashboard. Even the cargo area is very well trimmed.
Short drivers sit high in the XC70 and tall drivers find plenty of room. The tilt-and-telescope steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment. Most found the front seats comfortable, but some wanted more support. Three adults will fit comfortably in back. Access is easy all around.
Controls are easy to use and logical, but the two-step ignition process can be annoying. Visibility is very good with a large glass area, but head restraints and wide roof pillars create blind zones.
The optional electronic blind-spot-detection system works well, but it can give some false-positive readings. The rear seat folds in a 40/20/40 configuration and the front passenger seat folds to accommodate long items.
Head restraints in the front-and rear-outboard seats do not adjust, but are tall enough to help prevent injury.
Rear-facing infant seats should be secure in all the rear seats using belts or LATCH, but rear-facing convertible seats might move side-to-side in the rear-center positions. There are three top-tether anchors on the rear seatbacks. Lower LATCH anchors in the rear-outboard seats are somewhat awkward to access. Convenient built-in two-stage booster seats are optional.
RATINGS
Performance
Acceleration Very Good
Transmission Excellent
Routine Handling Very Good
Emergency Handling Good
Braking Very Good
Comfort and Convenience
Ride Very Good
Noise Very Good
Driving Position Very Good
Front-seat-comfort Excellent
Rear-seat-comfort Very Good
Access Very Good
Controls and displays Very Good
Interior fit and finish Excellent
Cargo Area Good
Predicted Reliability - New
Highs Safety equipment, front seats, built-in booster seats, transmission, fit and finish, cargo flexibility, regular fuel
Lows Ordinary ride, handling, and performance; fuel economy.
The XC70 was not included in the test but suggested as an alternative to the six other vehicles.
The six SUVs tested were:
Volkswagen Tiquan, Infiniti EX, Land Rover LR2, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Touareg 2, Jeep Grand Cherokee
The XC70 is a pleasant and versatile wagon and can be an alternative to the SUVs in our test. It has a roomy, quiet, and nicely finished interior. While acceleration, ride, and handling are sound, they don't make it exciting to drive. Some nice safety innovations, such as blind-spot monitoring and integrated booster seats, are optional. We dont yet have reliability data for this redesigned model.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The ride is less stiff than the previous models, but it jiggles at low speeds. It's buoyant at higher speeds. The XC70 is quiet, but suspension noise comes through on rough pavement and the engine sounds strained when pushed. Body lean is restrained when cornering. The steering has good feedback and heft. While the XC70 is secure at our track, its speed through our avoidance maneuver was modest. The brakes are very good. Performance from the 235-hp, 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder is decent, and the six speed automatic transmission is responsive. Expect 18 mpg overall, on par with an SUV such as the Toyota Highlander.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior is nicely finished with soft-touch panels on the dashboard. Even the cargo area is very well trimmed.
Short drivers sit high in the XC70 and tall drivers find plenty of room. The tilt-and-telescope steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment. Most found the front seats comfortable, but some wanted more support. Three adults will fit comfortably in back. Access is easy all around.
Controls are easy to use and logical, but the two-step ignition process can be annoying. Visibility is very good with a large glass area, but head restraints and wide roof pillars create blind zones.
The optional electronic blind-spot-detection system works well, but it can give some false-positive readings. The rear seat folds in a 40/20/40 configuration and the front passenger seat folds to accommodate long items.
Head restraints in the front-and rear-outboard seats do not adjust, but are tall enough to help prevent injury.
Rear-facing infant seats should be secure in all the rear seats using belts or LATCH, but rear-facing convertible seats might move side-to-side in the rear-center positions. There are three top-tether anchors on the rear seatbacks. Lower LATCH anchors in the rear-outboard seats are somewhat awkward to access. Convenient built-in two-stage booster seats are optional.
RATINGS
Performance
Acceleration Very Good
Transmission Excellent
Routine Handling Very Good
Emergency Handling Good
Braking Very Good
Comfort and Convenience
Ride Very Good
Noise Very Good
Driving Position Very Good
Front-seat-comfort Excellent
Rear-seat-comfort Very Good
Access Very Good
Controls and displays Very Good
Interior fit and finish Excellent
Cargo Area Good
Predicted Reliability - New
Highs Safety equipment, front seats, built-in booster seats, transmission, fit and finish, cargo flexibility, regular fuel
Lows Ordinary ride, handling, and performance; fuel economy.