Hard creases in the peaked hood thrust the grille forward at the leading edge of the vehicle. The grille and headlight clusters were updated for 2005, unified behind curving polycarbon lenses (bi-Xenon lamps are optional) notched into recesses flanking the grille. Body-colored bumpers trimmed with black molding wrap around the V70's face to meet the front wheel wells.

Roof pillars and side glass curve inward to meet the roof panel, softening hard corners and diminishing the visual massiveness of the wagon's rear bay. The rear liftgate also bows slightly in a curvy profile, but maintains an essentially vertical plane to maximize interior cargo space. Composed of steel-reinforced polyresin fiberglass, the back door tucks between two thin vertical taillights, redesigned in 2005, that boldly extend from bumper to roof.

The V70R gets a distinctive nose that is smoother, with a smaller, lower grille crosshatched in anthracite gray. An integrated front spoiler with a large air inlet for the twin intercoolers hints at its performance. The spoiler is designed to reduce lift for increased stability at high speeds. There's an optional spoiler over the rear glass that, along with the Pirelli P Zero P235/45ZR17 tires, make this a conspicuously mean-looking wagon, especially in black.

The Cross Country features special styling cues that emphasize its off-pavement capabilities. Protective cladding rings the base of the body, matching deep front and rear bumpers, wheelwell flares and door sills. The plastic compound is tinted a dark shade so scrapes and scratches from driving on gravel and dirt roads will not be obvious. The molded cladding contrasts with the painted metal upper surfaces to create the illusion of an even higher stance. A pair of roof rails linked by two sliding cross braces form a flexible car-top carrier for extra cargo or sports equipment such as bicycles and kayaks.