2024 Volvo XC40 Evaluation, Pricing, and Specs

We’d select the midrange Plus trim. On top of its new features, it comes with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, LED fog lights, a power-folding rear seat, and a crystal gear selector.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All 2024 XC40s are powered by the same engine: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 247 horsepower and aided by a 48-volt hybrid system. Power goes to all four wheels through a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. At our test track, the XC40 hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That time is nothing to complain about in a compact crossover. The exhaust note, on the other hand, is raspy and coarse under heavy throttle. The XC40’s towing capacity—a rarity among subcompact-luxury crossovers—remains a stout 3500 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The XC40’s EPA fuel-economy ratings are a class-competitive 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, but on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route the little SUV delivered only 27 mpg. That’s not a great result given that it’s up against the more efficient Mercedes-Benz GLB250, which delivered 32 mpg in our testing. For more information about the XC40’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Contemporary Swedish styling meets fun and functional design inside the XC40. The cabin’s light and airy atmosphere imparts a truly upscale vibe even in the base Core trim. Passenger space is commodious in both the front and rear seats. As is the case with its more expensive stablemates—the XC60 and XC90—the XC40 is functional inside, well made, and beautifully designed—if not quite as plush and luxurious. Volvo designers took the opportunity to incorporate more youthful flourishes in the cabin of the Plus trim, such as the textured metallic trim in place of traditional wood inlays and rectilinear vents with floating chrome adjusters. Top-of-the-line Ultimate models sport a classier appearance, with driftwood trim and a shift knob crafted from Orrefors crystal. In our luggage test, the XC40 managed to accommodate 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. Additionally, Volvo has integrated several inventive cargo-storage features throughout the XC40’s interior, such as a hook that flips out from the glovebox to hold takeout bags, a divider for the cargo area, and a removable garbage bin with a hinged door in the center console.

Infotainment and Connectivity

From its prominent position in the center of the XC40’s dashboard, Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system is projected brightly on a 9.0-inch touchscreen. Almost everything inside the cabin is controlled via this screen, but there are few physical buttons. System usability is a mixed bag: The main menus are intuitively arranged, but onscreen icons are too small, which makes them fussy to use on the go.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo offers plenty of driver-assistance tech as standard, including automated emergency braking, blind-spot assistance, and cross-traffic alert. More advanced features including a hands-free driving mode are optional. For more information about the XC40’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Volvo’s warranty coverage is fair, and three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance are a nice perk. Unfortunately, there’s nothing here that makes the XC40 a standout among its rivals, which all offer roughly the same coverage.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs