2007 Volvo XC70

The 2007 Volvo XC70 makes life in a Winter Wonderland even more wonderful. It will get you and yours to the fresh powder safely and in style when those driving lesser vehicles have chosen to cancel their weekend plans.

The 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder, double overhead cam engine features a turbocharger with intercooler and delivers 208 horsepower at 5000 rpm. You can expect 18 mpg around town and 25 on the highway. The electronically controlled all-wheel drive lends a road-hugging confidence to this well-handling vehicle, which comes standard with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control. The 5-speed Geartronic microprocessor-controlled automatic transmission can also be shifted manually, so don't despair if you enjoy a manual transmission but tend to get caught in bumper-to-bumper situations.

Volvo is all about safety, and the XC70 is no different. Like all Volvos it features an energy-absorbing interior, safety-cage passenger compartment, a collapsible steering column, and the patented side-impact protection system (SIPS). Moreover, the whiplash-protection system (WHIPS) protects occupants in the event of a rear-end collision by moving the head restraints slightly backward upon impact, limiting the motion that causes whiplash injury.

Air bags are included as well for the driver and passenger, and this includes the side-curtain and overhead units as well. The passenger side front air bag automatically switches off when the weight sensor within the seat is not triggered by a seated person. Other standard safety features include ABS, halogen daytime running lights, and illuminated side marker lights/turn-signal indicators.

Occupant safety is further enhanced with anti-submarining seats, which keep the rider from sliding out from beneath the seatbelt in a crash. All seatbelts in the Volvo XC70 are 3-point (a Volvo invention, way back when) inertia-reel with state-of-the-art automatic pretensioners; the front seatbelts are adjustable according to occupant height. Of course, they can't help if they aren't used, so overhead-mounted seat belt reminder lights are there to help.

Parents of little ones will appreciate the excellent baby/child seat attachment system that comes standard on this model. Integrated child booster seats are available as part of the Convenience Package of options, as is the rear-park assist, which increases peace of mind when one is backing out of the garage. A third-row seat is available as a separate option.

This is a great car for long road trips with the family, and especially so for winter excursions. Every passenger will enjoy comfort, thanks to ergonomically-designed seats. Those who carry more cargo than passengers will find the 60/40 split rear seat useful; the front passenger seat also folds flat. This wagon is so comfortable that you could practically live in it, although we don't actually recommend that. The front and rear passenger areas include 12-volt power outlets, which are an available option (within the Convenience Package) for the cargo area.

This vehicle was made with cold (and wet) climates in mind, although you'll have to buy the Climate Package to get the heated seats. Those who travel a lot of salted or muddy roads will probably want the Climate Package (which also includes the rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers) anyway to get the headlamp-washer option: you'll want clean headlights to illuminate your path as brightly as possible. The Interior Air Quality System is a wonderful option during times of high pollen count (or even when driving past a paper mill). The rear window is equipped with an intermittent wiper, plus a defroster with timer.

The basic stereo is a fine piece of audio equipment, but if you aren't satisfied playing just one CD over six speakers, you can upgrade to the premium audio system, which features a 6-CD in-dash changer and 11 speakers. There is also an optional dual-screen entertainment system for entertaining the kids in the backseat. While we're looking at expensive optional equipment, we'll mention the Volvo Navigation System, which retracts into the dash when not in use. The system includes DVD Map Data and a remote control and comes ready to accommodate satellite radio, should you be looking to subscribe to such a service.