Volvo XC40

Overview: Is the Volvo XC40 a good subcompact luxury SUV?

The Volvo XC40 is a good choice for customers looking for a subcompact luxury SUV that may not dominate most criteria, but could deliver some good performance or numbers. The Volvo XC40 is quite appealing with its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, pleasing performance, and helpful Google-based technology features.

Its performance, luxury, and refinement are comparable to those of its German rivals, but the XC40 just needs to do better to stand out. Its cargo capacity is relatively small for the class, while the levels of seat and ride comfort are somehow not enough for a luxury SUV. However, it is easy to count a Volvo in for its unique design and focus on safety.

Note: equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Volvo XC40 for sale.

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Related: The Volvo XC40 Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Volvo XC40 offers:

• A reasonably well-equipped subcompact luxury SUV from the get-go
• A Google-backed infotainment system, with Google Maps as a navigation system
• Voice commands operated by Google Assistant
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are still included
• A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for every trim
• high levels of luxury and refinement, but with distinct Scandinavian flair.

Trims

The 2024 Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury SUV available in three trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. The Plus trim is built on the Core trim, adding 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, panoramic sunroof, Leather upholstery, air purifier, power-adjustable front passenger seat, surround-view camera system, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

The Ultimate trim adds more luxurious elements, including 20-inch wheels, Harman Kardon premium audio, Adaptive cruise control, Adaptive headlights, and Pilot Assist.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Volvo XC40 interior features front seats with supportive shapes, as well as a dual-zone automatic climate control taking care of cooling or heating functions. The Volvo XC40 is loaded with Google-based technologies, such as infotainment system, Google Maps, and Google Assistant.

As expected, the Volvo XC40 comes loaded with various standard driver aids. In the Core trim, the Volvo XC40 features forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors.

The Volvo XC40 offers 20.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seat, which is not as much as most of its rivals. The seats can be folded in a 60/40 split, and clever storage panels with hooks are included in some trims.

How It Drives

All 2024 XC40 trims have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under their hoods. Aided by a 48-volt hybrid system, this engine delivers 247 hp of max output and 258 lb-ft of peak torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC40 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and braking is one of the SUV’s stronger suites. Handling and maneuvering are both solid, with standard all-wheel drive providing plenty of traction.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the 2022 Volvo XC40 with a five-star overall rating. The NHTSA also awarded the Volvo XC40 five stars for its Overall Front Star Rating and Overall Side Star Rating, and four stars for its Rollover Star Rating.

Meanwhile, the Volvo XC40 scored Good ratings from tests – but not all – conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS deemed the SUV’s front crash prevention system (pedestrian, day) as advanced, while the ease of use for the LATCH was acceptable.

Reviews

Most of the Volvo XC40 reviews at Edmunds.com are mixed. But overall, the subcompact luxury SUV earned 3.1 of five stars from consumers. Around 30% and 15% of the reviewers gave the Volvo XC40 five stars and a single star, respectively. Such mixed reviews may cause the Volvo XC40 price to vary at times.

Edmunds.com awarded the XC40 an expert rating of 7.9/10, noting the SUV’s lackluster cargo space as its main drawback and Google-backed in-car tech as one of its appeals.

Learn more: Which Years Of Used Volvo XC40s Are Most Reliable?

Volvo XC40 FAQs

Is the Volvo XC40 high maintenance?

Based on a five-year estimate with 15,000 miles driven per year, the maintenance costs alone for the Volvo XC40 could reach a little more than $7,193, according to Edmunds. Within five years, maintenance costs for the BMW X1 maintenance are higher at $8,565, and for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, they are at $10,418. The Volvo XC40 could last around 200,000 miles with proper and regular maintenance.

Does the Volvo XC40 require premium gas?

While Volvo recommends using premium, 91 unleaded octane or higher for better performance, the XC40 can still operate on regular 87 unleaded octane without affecting reliability.

Does the XC40 hybrid self-charge?

The hybrid battery of the Volvo XC40 Hybrid can be charged by gentle braking and engine braking. The engine can also charge the hybrid battery. The SUV's starter battery is also charged when the hybrid battery is charging.

What is the MPG of the Volvo XC40?

Operating on a mild hybrid setup, the Volvo XC40 gets an EPA-estimated 24/30/26 mpg (city/highway/combined). The actual-world Volvo XC40 mpg is influenced by various factors, such as driving style, terrain, and driving situation.

Which is bigger, the Audi Q3 or the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is longer than the Audi Q3 (174.2 inches vs 176.6 inches), and is also taller (65.3 inches vs 62.9 inches). However, in the Volvo XC40 vs XC60 comparison, the latter is clearly the bigger SUV.

Check out a used Volvo XC40 for sale.