2012 Volvo XC70 — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Volvo XC70 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–25 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volvo XC70 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Volvo XC70: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.2L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl turbo · 3.2L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4729 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 98 cu ft (2,775 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 37 cu ft (1,048 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 23 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 19 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Volvo XC70 across 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 21 mpg (US), or 24 to 25 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/23) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/25) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 37 cubic feet (about 1,048 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Volvo XC70
Running Costs: 2012 Volvo XC70
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Volvo XC70 at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Volvo XC70 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volvo XC70 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 20V378000, reported 30 June 2020. Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 12V075000, reported 28 February 2012. Risk: IN THE EVENT OF CRASH, THE FRONT AND/OR SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY IMPROPERLY OR NOT AT ALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. ALSO, THE LAP BELT PRETENSIONER MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volvo XC70. The most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (5), Structure (3), Unspecified (2).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Volvo XC70
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Seat belts (1 recall campaign) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Visibility (5 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Body structure (3 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Volvo XC70 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 25 mpg figure is 2 mpg below that average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 10 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Volvo models in our database average about 30 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Volvo XC70's 25 mpg is 5 mpg below that make average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 55 g/km higher than the 208 g/km Volvo average.
Of the 7 Volvo XC70 model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 32 mpg). See every Volvo XC70 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Volvo XC70
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Volvo XC70: 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.2L 6-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Volvo XC70?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 25 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Volvo XC70 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volvo XC70 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Volvo XC70?
Among the 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (5 complaints), Structure (3 complaints), Unspecified (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Volvo XC70 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 37 cubic feet (about 1,048 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Volvo XC70's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.