Skip to main content

Used 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Consumer Reviews

3.3 out of 5 stars
30 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

If James Bond was a soccer dad …

Robert G. , 07/17/2021
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
8 of 13 people found this review helpful

I love this car — it is easily the coolest, safest, easiest, and fastest car I’ve ever experienced. A few other EVs (and even fewer fossils) might edge it out in torque, pickup, or handling — but you won’t notice the difference in ordinary driving conditions. You WILL notice (with glee) the agonized roar of gas-guzzling sports and muscle cars straining to keep pace as you leisurely zip ahead using only an energy-conscious fraction of your near infinite engine power. This car’s dangerously fun speed and handling are tamed by it’s superior and seamless safety systems. While other safety systems feel like an untamed stallion or stubborn mule fighting you for control, the XC40 recharge feels like a sci-fi extension of yourself, enhancing your own reflexes and awareness of the road. The car doesn’t feel like it’s going to drive itself — nor would you want it to, when driving it is so much fun. The experience is enhanced by the most luxuriously appointed interior of any EV I test drove. And the infotainment system (with Google Assistant) is almost too easy. I’m so spoiled that I have to remind myself to plan ahead a little before driving other vehicles — as I won’t be able to get directions, change destinations, call ahead to make reservations, get calendar reminders, make notes, etc. all by simple voice command without ever taking my eyes off the road. I’ve put an absurd number of miles on this car already, some weeks averaging 4 or more hours each day in all manner of conditions: from empty rural highways to congested commuter lanes. And words cannot express what a joy this car has been through it all. The best and simplest summary: I didn’t realize how stressful driving was until I drove this car and experienced just how easy, safe, and fun driving could be.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

3 out of 5 stars

Just About Ready To Buy, Until ...

Jewopaho, 06/08/2021
updated 06/08/2023
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
11 of 19 people found this review helpful

Having researched this vehicle ad nauseum, I couldn't wait to drive it. It being a discounted demo, with an additional $2000 off via Costco, I figured it to be a slam dunk ... and it almost was. Living in Texas, where summer temperatures reach triple digits (and humidity is not far behind), the combination of ventilated seats and remote start is the ideal option package. Unfortunately, the former are not available on the XC40 series. Add the only interior color (virtually black), coupled with velour microfiber sitting areas, the result was a very uncomfortable experience. I actually checked to see whether the seat heater might be on. I noted this to the salesman upon returning, and was advised that I was hardly the first to bring this up. Additionally, power folding mirrors are not part of any package, something that's a great help when parking in my garage or a narrow space. You might think I'm nit-picking a bit (perhaps I am), but we're talking a $60k car here, which should be equipped accordingly. But if these matters aren't important to you, by all means check the Recharge out. It's a very well-made vehicle that performs brilliantly. It just doesn't work for me. UPDATE: Gave it another shot ... same result.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge for sale near you
Showing 3 of 12 listings
See all 12 listings

4 out of 5 stars

Reliable runabout

Carl, 11/17/2024
updated 05/19/2025
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We purchased a used, 20k miles example in fine condition, with 2+ years of warranty left. We brought it in to our local Volvo dealer early on, and they applied updates, (including the gurgling sound from the sunroof when driving in the rain :-) and we got wiper blades and a cabin filter, which is essentially the service needed. The updates addressed some minor quirks, and subsequent updates eliminated the occasional instabilities, infotainment reboots, that other reviewers have noted. From what I’ve read, they released this vehicle with a bunch of software issues and no apple carplay. Today, Carplay IOS maps now have been integrated into the driver’s instrument display. Google maps were always there and don’t require a phone connection. We’ve had to replace the Pirelli tires, I wanted to switch to the Michelin Cross Climate 2’s Volvo EV spec) that are available in Europe as they are quieter and smoother riding but I’d have to import them myself and then replacements would become an issue. We’ve had no repairs (other than the sunroof drain tube TSB which was warrantied) and no downtime. This is a very short, nimble, easy to park, mini SUV with responsive steering and handling, and insanely fast, effortless acceleration at any reasonable speed. Around town over rutted roads it is a bit harsh and pitchy. Seats are really comfortable, visibility is great, and its a safe pleasant sporty-ish transport that is cheap to run. The 20” OEM tires were expensive and were pretty much done at 32k. Brakes will last a really long time (10 years?) as braking is primarily regen ( Chevy Volt owner experience). No Oil changes, tune up, water pumps, timing belts/chains, etc. The battery appears to be solid, Range is unchanged. DC fast charging is more available now than when we purchased it. Still road trips are more fussy with an EV, in the Northeast many of the rest stops have DC fast charging, and many DC fast charging locations are near major interstates. Many new car dealers have “pay for” DC fast charging stations as well. Depreciation is high, but we paid about 1/2 of MSRP for what was essentially a new car. Value has dropped about 25% since. We intend to keep it for the long term, eventually use it primarily locally, and pass it on to our daughter when her hand-me-down Chevy Volt is done. Oh, and install a 240v level 2 charger at home, so it’s convenient to charge, even though its “just” 40 amps, it charges pretty quickly, about 15% per hour. 5/18/25 update: Still fine. Added a sound absorbing mat underneath the rear floor area and it appeared improve the rear suspension noise over bumpy roads. Comically fast acceleration for a mini SUV, mid 4 second 0-60, 12 second quarter mile. More range would be nice. Depreciation continues, now worth about $23k. Bumper to bumper new car warranty is running out. Battery warranty runs out in 2029. My daughter noted the drivers side, rear seat heater was not working. Thats being fixed right now. The hatch struts were intermittently making a noise, the dealer replaced both of them. That’s the total of issues at about 35k miles.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

2 out of 5 stars

Good performer, poor quality interior

Steve L., 05/30/2021
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
8 of 24 people found this review helpful

This is a nice-driving $58,000 EV that has the interior cabin quality of an early model Honda Fit

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Great handling and smooth, quiet ride!

GonzoCG, 08/27/2024
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We wanted an EV. We were looking at Kia's but saw a XC40 nearby and took it for a spin. It was a really nice interior, solid feel, great handling and the 402 horses can impress! So far it has been gr8. Now using single pedal driving, maxing range and have a beautiful ride yet practical for life. Love it!!❣️ Very happy with this car.🙂

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
Items per page:
5