History/Overview
Volvo joined the upscale compact crossover fray last year with the XC40. Unsurprisingly for the Swedish brand, it created what we consider one of the most stylish entries in this fast-growing category.
Available Trims
Volvo offers the XC40 in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trims. All three use a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with an eight-speed transmission and AWD. Momentum starts out with a version of that engine tuned for 187 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Optional in Momentum and standard in the other trims is an uprated motor good for 248 hp and 258 lb-ft.
Standard Features
Momentum trim includes single-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift lever, bright roof rails, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, hill descent control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver's seat adjustments with lumbar and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
R-Design models add dual-zone climate control with a cooled glove box, leather/Nubuck upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seat, front seat cushion extensions, 19-inch wheels, R-Design steering wheel and shift lever, adaptive headlights and adaptive keyless entry.
Finally, Inscription adds driftwood interior trim and a crystal shift lever, while reverting to regular leather seating and 18-inch wheels.
Key Options
Momentum options include a Plus package ($2,750) that brings blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, power front passenger seat, passive keyless entry, heated rear seats, fog lights, power tailgate, auto-dimming mirrors, wireless smartphone charging and a heated steering wheel.
Momentum can also be had with navigation, and a White Contrast package brings 19-inch wheels, white mirror caps and a white roof.
R-Design and Inscription extras include a Premium package of blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, headlight washers, auto-dimming mirrors, power-folding side mirrors, heater wiper blades, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and heated rear seats. A Premium Plus group adds 360-degree camera views, park assist pilot with front and rear park assist, Pilot Assist (adaptive cruise and driver assistance) and a garage door opener.
Fuel Economy
Volvo's fuel consumption estimates for the XC40 are 10.2/7.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the base engine and 10.7/7.7 for models boasting the 248-hp engine.
Competition
Volvo's XC40 joins the Cadillac XT4 as a newbie in the upscale compact crossover class, where it's trying to steal lunch money from an array of more established models. Those include the BMW X1 and X2, Audi Q3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Infiniti QX30, Lincoln Corsair (nee MKC) and Buick Encore.
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