Overview
For decades, Volvo produced cars that were just as plain and boxy as they were safe-with-a-capital-“S.” Modern Volvo continues to delight us with models that are even safer, but with a design that’s much more elegant and expressive. That includes the spunky entry-level XC40 SUV, which blends excellent protection with an upscale ambiance and a youthful character. The cabin offers drivers a higher seating position than what’s found in rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. Even the least expensive variant features an inviting and nicely trimmed interior, and the upper trims look thoroughly premium. Every XC40 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive that scoots along nicely, and Volvo hasn’t skimped on standard safety and assistance technology. An electric version is also available if you’re looking for an eco-friendlier option, but we review the XC40 Recharge separately.
What’s New for 2023?
Volvo gives and takes away for 2024. Gone is the front-wheel-drive B4 drivetrain that made 194 horsepower. The B5 all-wheel-drive trim becomes the sole choice, using the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 247 horsepower. Two new exterior colors join the palette, Cloud Blue and Vapour Grey Metallic. The entry-level Core trim spruces up its looks with a Bright Exterior theme that adds shiny trim pieces around the car. Additional standard equipment for this trim includes wireless phone charging and keyless entry. The Plus and Ultimate trims get their choice of Bright or Dark Exterior themes. The Plus trim adds a 360-degree surround-view camera, a cabin air purifier, and larger 19-inch wheels to its list of standard equipment. The Ultimate moves up a wheel size, to 20 inches, and makes cornering lights standard. The Ultimate also picks up the fancier LED headlights fitted to the battery-electric XC40 Recharge.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
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
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Volvo XC40 B5 AWD Ultimate
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $47,595/$50,190
Options: 20-inch wheels and tires, $800; Sage Green metallic paint, $695; climate package – heated rear seats and steering wheel, $550; Pixel LED headlights, $350; hands-free power tailgate, $200
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 120 in3, 1969 cm3
Power: 247 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.7-in vented disc/11.9-in disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
245/45R-20 103H M+S Extra Load VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.4 in
Length: 174.8 in
Width: 73.7 in
Height: 65.0
Passenger Volume: 95 ft3
Cargo Volume, min/max: 20/58 ft3
Curb Weight: 3929 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.7 sec @ 94 mph
100 mph: 16.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 27 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/30 mpg
