Volvo XC70 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo XC70 is a large suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 127 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 122 of 442, and 31.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (4.0% of tests).
Ranked 122 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 16 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 17,120 Volvo XC70s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo XC70 is 21% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
31.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,600
Typical age at test: 13 years
Volvo XC70 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo XC70 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working4.0% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.6% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.6% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.3% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.2% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9% of tests
What the Volvo XC70 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.8% | ▼ 29% less often |
| Suspension | 10.6% | ▼ 31% less often |
| Brakes | 7.5% | ▼ 32% less often |
| Tyres | 5.9% | ▼ 26% less often |
| Steering | 4.5% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 3.5% | ▼ 42% less often |
| Body and structure | 3.1% | ▼ 50% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.1% | ▼ 79% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.7% | ▼ 63% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 59% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo XC70 do?
Official economy for the Volvo XC70 ranges from 24.6 to 64.2mpg across the 59 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 26.7mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo XC70?
Any Volvo XC70 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo XC70 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo XC70 specs and running costs
Official figures for 59 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2016.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
24.6–64.2 mpg
CO2
115–270 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC70 D46MT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 115g | £35 |
| XC70 D48AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £170 |
| XC70 D4 AWD6AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 153g | £275 |
| XC70 D4 AWD6MT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 137g | £200 |
| XC70 D5 AWD6AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 153g | £275 |
| XC70 D5 AWD6MT · listed 2015 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| XC70 T6 AWD6AT · listed 2015 | Petrol | 26.7 mpg | 248g | £760 |
| XC70 D4 AWDManual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| XC70 D5 AWDManual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| XC70 D4 AWDAutomatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| XC70 D5 AWDAutomatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| XC70 T6 AWDAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 26.7 mpg | 248g | £760 |
| XC70 D3 AWD AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 179g | £360 |
| XC70 D3 AWD ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| XC70 D3 FWD AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 59 versions.
What a Volvo XC70 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 26.7mpg…
- diesel, typical official 50.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo XC70Buying a used Volvo XC70?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo XC70 with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo XC70 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volvo XC70 is 21% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 127 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo XC70?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 4.0% of tests.
›What MPG does the Volvo XC70 do?
Official economy for the Volvo XC70 ranges from 24.6 to 64.2mpg across the 59 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 26.7mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo XC70?
Any Volvo XC70 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo XC70 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £790 a year.
›How many Volvo XC70s fail their MOT?
31.1% of Volvo XC70s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo XC70 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.