Most significant changes: New multimedia system and gauge cluster; minor exterior styling tweaks
Price change: TBA
On sale: This summer
Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? If you think the wagon needs a style and tech features boost, go for the 2014.
Volvo’s wagon hasn’t been significantly revised since model-year 2008, but for 2014, the XC70 sees a host of interior and exterior updates. The XC70 will make its debut next month at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show with a slightly more rugged looking exterior and a new multimedia system.
On the outside, the grille is wider and houses an enlarged Volvo badge. There are also updated headlights, redesigned taillights, more matte silver trim bits outside, and the black body cladding below the beltline has been extended to surround the fog lights.
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A new configurable screen replaces the previous model’s traditional gauge cluster. The screen looks modern compared to the old model’s dials and has three modes: an Elegance display that looks similar to the old readouts, a green Eco screen and a Performance mode with a tachometer and digital speedometer.
In the back, the second row can now be folded in a 40/20/40 split. Other new options include an ambient lighting system, heated steering wheel and heated windshield. Newly standard is the City Safety system, which can stop the car at speeds up to 31 mph if an obstacle is detected. Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is optional.
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Several of Volvo’s other models also will be updated at the Geneva show, including the XC60, S60 and S80.
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.