The Volvo XC70 rugged all-wheel-drive estate was introduced in 2000 on Volvo's P2 platform. Marketed initially as the V70 XC (Cross Country), it was officially renamed XC70 for the 2003 model year. Produced exclusively as a 5-door wagon, it combined estate practicality with 200 mm of ground clearance, unpainted protective body cladding, reinforced suspension components, and rugged bumpers.

Power came from 2.4-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five petrol engines or the 2.4-liter D5 inline-five turbodiesel. Early models featured a Viscous Coupling all-wheel-drive system, which was replaced in 2003 by an electronically managed Haldex AWD coupling. A 2004 facelift updated the center console, lighting detailing, interior materials, and introduced optional Four-C active chassis technology.