The XC40 doesn't excel in any one area, but pleasing performance, a comfortable interior and Google-backed in-car tech make it a well-rounded compact luxury SUV. Lackluster cargo space is the XC40's biggest drawback.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
Plenty of standard and available driver assist features
Helpful Google-based technology features
Easy to see out of
Cons
Cargo capacity is small for the class
Seat and ride comfort are lacking for a luxury SUV
What's new
Last year's base B4 engine has been discontinued
All trim levels gain new standard features
Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2024 Volvo XC40 is the smallest SUV in the automaker's lineup with an internal combustion engine. There is also an all-electric XC40 Recharge that is reviewed separately on Edmunds, as well as a slightly smaller C40 Recharge and new hatchback-like EX30 coming for 2025. Less expensive than the compact XC60 and three-row XC90, the XC40 is a solid pick if you're wanting a stylish SUV fitted with lots of helpful technology features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volvo XC40 B5 Core Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Take a quick look at subcompact luxury SUV class and you might notice a certain sameness between the German carmakers. That's certainly not a bad thing since they all offer comparably high levels of performance, luxury and refinement. The Volvo XC40 also has those traits, but it does it with a distinct Scandinavian flair. The design embodies simple elegance, with a minimalist feel that makes it a bit more approachable and inviting. It's not all just appearances either. Clever features such as a multi-purpose cargo floor and built-in waste bin show that the designers had real-world users in mind from the beginning.
Competitors to consider
As with the larger SUV classes, the German carmakers tend to dominate the luxury subcompact segment. We're especially fond of the recently redesigned BMW X1 as well as the unusually spacious Mercedes-Benz GLB. The Volvo XC40 still manages to stand out from this accomplished crowd with its unique design and focus on safety. It's a great choice for those who not only want something different but also desire something that feels special.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The XC40 doesn't excel in any one area, but pleasing performance, a comfortable interior and Google-backed in-car tech make it a well-rounded compact luxury SUV. Lackluster cargo space is the XC40's biggest drawback.
How does the XC40 drive? At the Edmunds test track, our XC40 test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is an average time for a luxury subcompact SUV. The transmission can occasionally be in too high of a gear when you need quick power, but most of the time it's unobtrusive. The brakes feel strong and performed well at our test track, with panic stops nearing the best in the class. They feel good on the street, too, so coming to a smooth stop consistently isn't a problem. Handling is solid too. The XC40 won't flop around on winding roads, and standard all-wheel drive provides plenty of traction.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the XC40? The XC40's suspension tuning is a bit firmer than we'd prefer from a luxury SUV, even a small one like this. It absorbs potholes well, but road imperfections are never totally smoothed out. The seats are comfortable, both front and back. The front seats don't come with many adjustments, but the overall shape is supportive without feeling confining. Some might find the headrest juts out a bit too far forward, but most drivers should be comfortable.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, but for some reason Volvo only allows you to adjust by 2 degrees, not one. That means jumping from 68 to 70 to 72 degrees and so on, annoying when 71 degrees seems to be the right temperature. Seems small, but there's no real reason for it. We found the XC40 louder than we expected too. Wind and road noise is mild, but the engine always seems to make itself known. Other luxury SUVs are a little more refined.
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How’s the interior? The XC40's interior hasn't changed all that much since its debut, though the biggest addition comes in the form of a Google-backed infotainment system. While there are a few buttons and a dedicated volume knob, nearly all of the XC40's controls and settings are tied to the touchscreen, including audio settings and climate control. The resolution of the vertically mounted screen isn't amazing, but the system is responsive to use. We just wish the menu system was a bit more intuitive as the menu layout isn't always straightforward.
We do like that the XC40 has enough space to fit four adults comfortably. All but the tallest adults should find decent room, though a hump running down the center of the floor means the rear center seat is limited to smaller occupants. Getting in and out is easy thanks to the short, wide-opening doors. We found the driving position to be comfortable, and it didn't take much time to dial in the right angle for the seat. A bit more reach on the steering wheel would be nice, but it's a minor complaint. Visibility is solid thanks to those upright windows and an available surround-view camera. You can even drop the rear headrests with the touch of a button to make it a bit easier to see out of the rear.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? Volvo has been rolling out its Google-based infotainment system across its lineup, and it's a big step up over the last system. The native navigation system is Google Maps, a superior interface to most built-in navigation systems. You can sign into your Google account to pull info from your contacts or favorites, but it's not necessary to sign in to use the system. Voice commands are operated by Google Assistant, again a better product than most automaker-developed systems. It's easy to use and understands a wide range of commands so you don't have to remember specific phrases to adjust settings. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included.
Volvo equips the XC40 with many standard driver aids. Our test vehicle was fitted with adaptive cruise control too. The systems worked well in our testing, with no excessive beeping false alerts.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The Volvo XC40 offers 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. That's less than rivals like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 but not quite at the bottom of the class. The cargo area itself is tall and wide, and it's low enough that lifting heavy items inside isn't a pain. The seats fold in a 60/40 split, and some trims include clever storage panels with hooks that fold up to keep things from sliding around in the rear. Cargo space up front is decent, with lined door pockets large enough to hold water bottles and other small items. The center console isn't huge, but the removable trash bin is handy.
The rear seat is a bit tighter than others in this class, but there should be no major issues when installing a car seat. The anchors are easy to access, and the doors offer a decent opening.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Volvo XC40 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We recorded 28.7 mpg on our mixed-driving test route, indicating the EPA's numbers should be realistic in real-world driving.
Value
7.5/10
Is the XC40 a good value? The Volvo XC40 comes reasonably well equipped from the get-go. Top trims aren't limited in powertrain choice either, so you can get a loaded model with the base engine for better efficiency. Build quality is good and the interior is sharply styled, but the XC40 doesn't feel quite as premium inside as an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. We had a constant issue with our test vehicle where the front doors refused to unlock with either the fob or with the touch points on the door handles. The car eventually unlocked, but the locks should always open when you press a button.
Volvo's warranty coverage is average for the class. Volvo also includes four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of service visits. Both of those are better than what most rivals offer.
Wildcard
8.0/10
The XC40 isn't a sporty SUV, but it's also not soft or sloppy from behind the wheel. The steering itself is responsive and translates decent feedback from the road, and the suspension keeps body roll from feeling excessive in tight corners. The XC40's design and overall personality follow a similar trend. It's not the most stylish or flashy SUV on the road, but the clean design will hold up over time. The XC40 looks and feels like a smaller version of Volvo's other models, not just a cheaper version.
Which XC40 does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest checking out the base Core trim since it comes packed with features and a full complement of driver assists. That said, if you do a lot of highway driving, you may want to step up to the top Ultimate trim because it's the only way to get adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist.
Volvo XC40 models
The 2024 Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury SUV available in three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Each one comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (247 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Keep reading for our breakdown of the significant features you get with each trim level.
Core
The entry-level Core trim gets you a good number of features for the money:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED exterior lighting
Roof rails
Auto-dimming mirrors
Keyless entry
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory functions
Heated front seats
Cloth upholstery
9-inch center touchscreen with Google-based operating system
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Digital instrument cluster
Wireless charging pad
Eight-speaker audio system
Standard driver assist features include:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assistance (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Plus
The Plus trim adds to the Core's features, with:
19-inch wheels
LED foglights
Panoramic sunroof
Multi-purpose trunk floor/partition
Leather upholstery
Air purifier
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Power-folding rear headrests
Universal garage door opener
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC40 and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
Front and rear parking sensors
Ultimate
The top Ultimate trim tops off the features list with:
20-inch wheels
Harman Kardon premium audio
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Pilot Assist (combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance to reduce driver fatigue)
Some features are available on lower-level trims as options. An available Climate package for the XC40 adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Mine's a Momentum T5 AWD.
Not sure about the earlier review that XC40 is comparable to Mazda or BMW X1.
If you want performance, you’ve got to get the T5 (248 hp). With premium gas, I can do 0-60 in 5 sec.
Interior wise, very Scandinavian. Clean lines, solid, utilitarian design.
Heating gets a little noisy and transmission could be a little hesitant.
Safety features saved me … from close calls with pedestrians and cyclists on busy city streets.
Not perfect, but close enough.
Traded in a 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum for a new 2023 version of the same car. XC40, B5 mild hybrid, ultimate trim. My biggest complaint is the regenerative braking. It makes the brakes so slow and stiff that it's like the days before power brakes were invented! Bringing the car to a sudden slowdown on the freeway was like working my leg out on a weight machine at the gym - only … scarier! They've also done away with the sport mode option and the way it drives now is downright sluggish compared to my old one. Now for the small stuff that is now worse than in my old car. The temperature settings now go in two-degree increments. Volvo doesn't seem to think that matters to people but I very often find (in my old car) that I'd be a little warm or cool and I would adjust the temp up or down by a degree. Now you have to go from 72, to 74, to 76, etc. Volvo eliminated the power back seat drop, which I used to be able to do from a lever the rear hatch area. Now you have to manually drop them one at a time from the side doors.
I love my new xc40 for its superb design, turbo engine, and especially sophisticated interior. This is my second Volvo and they just keep getting better and better now that Ford sold its stake in the company and they can freely create some of the best cars on the planet. Attention to detail and incredible reliability make these models top selling for Volvo.
UPDATE: I have had three … Volvos and loved them all for many reasons including a beautiful design, good peppy engine…. But it was always safety at the top of my list since we have young children.
That all went down the tube when my latest new xc40 had multiple incidents where the anti collision feature activated and we went into emergency braking. Any one of these could have caused à serious accident. Luckily I could regain control of the car but in all incidents there was nothing in the road and no danger. It was so bad my kids refused to get into the car.
After multiple visits to the Volvo dealer it became clear they didn’t know how to prevent it from happening a 9th or 10th time. In contacting Volvo customer service I thought maybe they could help with a trade assist or do something helpful. They made it so much worse - and never let you speak with “non human facing technicians “. Their name for them not mine. It made me go from being a huge brand supporter to really despising the manufacturer. It’s so sad but I just had to sell the car and purchase a competing luxury brand. And of all reasons - because the vehicle wasn’t safe and volvo wouldn’t share any information or help find a solution.
I purchased a Momentum XC40 less than a year ago and have had numerous problems, a few of them quite serious.
First of all, while driving in the center lane of a freeway within adaptive cruise control engaged, another vehicle change lanes in front of me, not dangerously, and quite a ways ahead. The collision avoidance braking engaged (needlessly, there was plenty of distance between … us) and the brakes “stuck” and stayed engaged. With traffic whizzing around me on both sides I was slowed to about 25 mph and had to navigate, with some difficulty and in some danger, to a very small shoulder. A concrete wall prevented me from pulling fully off the road. I put the vehicle in neutral and then back into drive and the problem went away. I was able to drive on.
The Apple Car Play became intermittent, sometimes not displaying, and showing to be inactive in the Apps screen, even when the phone was plugged into the Car Play port. (Unlike other vehicles with Car Play capability, only one specific USB port can be used for Car Play in the XC40). This was mostly resolved by the dealer replacement of the vehicle’s USB hub. I say “mostly”, because sometimes Car Play either dies not start automatically, and I have to go to the Apps screen to manually start it, or else sometimes it doesn’t show active even in the apps screen. Very intermittent.
When navigating to the online user manual in the console display, I sometimes have no option of going back to the operational displays. I cannot get back until restarting the vehicle.
I was AGAIN in a dicey highway situation, in the middle of a multi-highway merge situation, then there was huge WHOOSH sound and the vehicle started running slower. I received a notice on the console that the vehicle w@s running under reduced power. This was REALLY REALLY bad, I was in the worst possible situation for this to happen, AGAIN in the middle of a busy freeway, and I thought the engine was going to die right there. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and it transpired that a turbo duct had come loose. This was the 2nd time in a precarious situation that the vehicle failed me.
They obviously have quality issues, including that the console software and the adaptive braking systems are buggy.
I’m getting rid of this dangerous vehicle this month. Definitely my last Volvo. This has been a very disappointing and even dangerous vehicle.
I recommend staying Way from Volvo.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Volvo XC40, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC40 since its last redesign.
Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Volvo XC40, but since the 2024 Volvo XC40 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride… height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier parking and better gas mileage. What's not to like? In this video, Mark Takahashi runs down our choices for the best subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022. From the Subaru Crosstrek, the new Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona to the more luxurious BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, Mark gives a breakdown of each pint-sized SUV. What do we like and dislike about each? What should you know about them? How do they rank in each category? Mark explains all. So whether you're a first-time driver, you have a small family or you're just looking for something fun to drive, we've got you covered in this video of the 2021 Top Subcompact SUVs.
The Volvo XC40 is a sensible pick for anyone in the market for a small luxury SUV. It is the smallest SUV Volvo has to offer with an internal combustion engine, and it's also the most affordable vehicle Volvo has in its lineup. Its unique exterior design and its interior style combine to make the XC40 an attractive option in a competitive segment.
We don't expect the 2024 Volvo XC40 to arrive with any hefty upgrades. For 2023, the XC40 received updates that refined the SUV overall. We anticipate the return of both the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which Volvo calls the B4, and the B5 engine, which is its stronger sibling. Both are assisted by a mild hybrid system that helps reduce fuel consumption. On the outside, the XC40 has a simple but clean design that's far from bland. And inside, the refined layout complemented by quality materials and generous technology make for a sumptuous experience.
Competitors such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB have overshadowed the XC40 in recent years, but Volvo seems to be moving its small entry-level SUV in the right direction.
Edmunds says
We like the improvements that Volvo has made to the XC40 over the years, and we wouldn't be disappointed if the 2024 model carries forward unchanged.
FAQ
Is the Volvo XC40 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 XC40 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 XC40 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the XC40 has 20.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volvo XC40. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Volvo XC40?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Volvo XC40:
Last year's base B4 engine has been discontinued
All trim levels gain new standard features
Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Volvo XC40 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the XC40. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the XC40's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Volvo XC40 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Volvo XC40 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 XC40 and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 XC40 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 XC40 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Volvo XC40?
The least-expensive 2024 Volvo XC40 is the 2024 Volvo XC40 B5 Core Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,100.
Other versions include:
B5 Core Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $40,100
B5 Core Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $40,100
B5 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $45,000
B5 Plus Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $45,000
B5 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $48,800
B5 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $48,800
If you're interested in the Volvo XC40, the next question is, which XC40 model is right for you? XC40 variants include B5 Core Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), B5 Core Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), B5 Plus Bright 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and B5 Plus Dark 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of XC40 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more