History/Overview
Introduced in 2019, the XC40 is Volvo’s subcompact crossover debut. The Swedish brand makes the XC40 stand out with clever styling cues that disguise a shape no less boxy – and in some case, more boxy – than any of the other vehicles in its segment.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2023, the XC40 gets a significant update that includes mild-hybrid powertrains, refreshed styling, and new B4 and B5 designations in place of last year’s T4 and T5 labels.
Available Trims
Volvo offers the XC40 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels. All are powered by a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assist; Core starts with an entry-level B4 powertrain that options to a more-potent B5 setup that is standard in Plus and Ultimate. An eight-speed transmission and AWD are standard across the board.
An all-electric XC40 Recharge is covered in its own buyer’s guide entry.
Standard Features
Core trim comes with two-zone A/C, a digital gauge display, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat. Outside, Core models get auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a power tailgate.
The standard safety kit comprises blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation, and road sign recognition.
Plus models add fog lights, gloss black exterior trim, a panoramic roof, suede/textile upholstery, front parking sensors, an adjustable cargo floor, passive keyless entry, and a hands-free tailgate. Also included are an integrated garage remote, puddle lights, a power passenger seat, power-folding rear headrests, front seat cushion extensions, and wireless phone charging.
Ultimate is largely a cosmetic upgrade, bringing features like driftwood dash trim and a shift lever topped in Swedish crystal.
Key Options
XC40 options include a driver assist package (highway driving assist, and 360-degree cameras); a climate package (headlight washers, heated steering wheel, heated windshield washers, and heated rear seats); a cyclist package (rear hitch and hitch-mounted bike rack); an elegance package of lighted scuff plates and running boards; and an adventure pack that adds a cargo net, and roof crossbars.
A Polestar Engineered package tweaks the XC40’s powertrain for sharper performance, and you can add a Harman Kardon stereo as a stand-alone option.
Fuel Economy
Volvo’s fuel consumption estimates are 10.0/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) for B4 models, and 10.2/7.9 L/100 km in B5 form.
Competition
Shop the XC40 against the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Cadillac XT4, Buick Encore GX, Audi Q3, Lexus UX, and BMW’s X1.
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