2021 Volvo XC40 Review

Name: 2021 Volvo XC40 Review
Brand: Volvo

Price Range: $21,504 - $31,990

Volvo XC40 T5 Inscription 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Volvo's subcompact XC40 SUV inherits the brand's familial good looks and packs a lot of charm into a small package. We're smitten by its comfortable ride, spacious interior and excellent optional audio system. While the front-seat ergonomics and touchscreen interface could be issues for some people, overall we think the XC40 is one of the segment standouts.

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2021 Volvo XC40 Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Pleasing interior with premium materials
Clever small-item storage and cargo solutions
Plenty of standard and available safety features

Cons

Steep learning curve for touchscreen interface
Cargo area is small for the class

What's new

Minor revisions to feature availability
All-electric XC40 Recharge expected later in the model year
Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Volvo's XC40 is one of the newest extra-small luxury SUVs on the market. It continues Volvo's tradition of including a generous amount of standard safety technology. What's more, the XC40's small size and entry-level luxury pricing don't mean it's lacking for luxury. Volvo has equipped its little SUV with a large touchscreen infotainment screen, standard leather upholstery and an optional powerful 248-horsepower engine that's paired to all-wheel drive.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$174/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Later in the model year Volvo plans to introduce an all-new XC40 Recharge. It's an all-electric version of the XC40. It'll come with dual electric motors that give the Recharge all-wheel drive plus an eye-popping 402 hp. It should have more than 200 miles of range and just as much utility as the regular XC40.

There are a few downsides to the XC40. The infotainment system takes a lot of work to figure out, for instance, and we continue to be frustrated (even if only mildly) by its unnecessary two-step gear selection process. You can read more of our evaluation in our Expert Rating. Other highly regarded rivals to the XC40 include the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the XC40 drive? The XC40 feels spry overall. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels spunky, even if the 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds isn't explosive (we tested the XC40 T5). The transmission is responsive when you need a downshift. Even the engine stop-start system is fairly unobtrusive. And while we don't expect many owners to head off-road, the XC40 can handle light-duty outings thanks to its short overhangs, all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

As for handling, the XC40 feels a little top-heavy and surprisingly soft when maneuvering at speed. The compliance helps smooth out small bumps, but big bumps and undulations really make the XC40 move around. The Infiniti QX30 and the BMW X1 feel more nimble yet better tied-down.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the XC40? The ride is surprisingly comfortable, even with the sporty R-Design trim level. Small bumps are easily soaked up. However, larger bumps and undulations can upset the body. The seats are comfortably firm, but not everybody fits. In particular, you might find the headrests to be angled too far forward.

At highway speeds, there's a layer of consistent road noise as well as faintly detectable wind noise. You'll hear the turbo spool up regularly if you don't have any audio playing, and the engine note isn't particularly unpleasant. This cabin is not especially quiet, though it's not far off most others in this class.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Most controls are accessed through the touchscreen. This design approach creates a clean interior design, but the system's maze of menus and laggy responses never fail to frustrate. Another drawback: Tall drivers might not be able to find a comfortable seating position due to limited steering wheel adjustability and the headrest design.

Otherwise, the XC40's interior is quite nice. It's easy to get into and out of the relatively roomy cabin, and there's enough legroom in the back for folks of an average height. There's good visibility all around, and the large windows in the rear corners help reduce blind spots.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The XC40 is suitably high-tech. The optional Harman Kardon audio system is an inexpensive step up from the base system and sounds great. You can pump in tunes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via the two standard USB ports. (Our test vehicle also had a wireless charging pad and rear USB ports.)

The integrated voice controls work well, though you can switch to Siri or Google when your phone is connected. There are lots of advanced driving systems here, and most work well. The exception is forward collision warning, which registered several false positives in our testing and cannot be turned off.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The XC40's cargo area is smaller according to the numbers, but it is nevertheless nicely sized and full of smart storage features. We like the 60/40-split folding rear seats, a pass-through and a foldable tray that doubles as a grocery holder. There's a variety of other storage spaces in the cabin, including a clever little removable trash bin. Felt-lined doors keep items from rattling around.

Using your XC40 for kid duty? The anchors are cleanly located under flip doors, but they're buried a little deep for comfortable access. You might have the best chance of fitting a bulky rear-facing seat in this car compared to most others in the class, but it'll still be a tight fit.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Our T5 all-wheel-drive R-Design trim is rated at 26 combined mpg (23 city/31 highway), which is slightly better than most AWD competitors, though the base car's mpg rating is more in line with the rest. We achieved 23.2 mpg on our 115-mile drive loop, which is more than a few mpg lower than expected.

Value

8/10

Is the XC40 a good value? For the price, the XC40 makes a lot of sense if you're looking for a luxury subcompact SUV. It may not have as nice an interior build quality as other Volvos we've seen, but it's still a pleasant place to spend time. Its base price falls well below the priciest competitors, but there are others that come in a little lower. That said, the XC40 feels like a better value at its price point than many others do at theirs.

The basic and powertrain warranties are slightly longer than the coverage for some competing SUVs. You also get decent free maintenance and roadside assistance coverage.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The XC40 isn't as fun to drive as it would like you to believe. Though we appreciate the level of comfort in this tiny SUV, we had difficulty detecting the extra sportiness in the R-Design model we tested. Stiffer suspension? Really? It's not that the XC40 is a bore to drive, but the Infiniti QX30 and the BMW X1 are far more fun to fling around.

It has tons of personality, though. Volvo has been on a winning streak since the redesigned XC90 hit the streets, and that Scandinavian elegance has thankfully trickled all the way down to the XC40. The XC40 didn't quite wow us the way the XC60 did, but it is still one of the standouts in the class.

Which XC40 does Edmunds recommend?

Since the XC40 comes relatively well equipped from the get-go, we'd stick to the entry-level Momentum trim level. From there, we'd make ours a T5 to get the more powerful engine as well as all-wheel drive and add stand-alone options such as the Harman Kardon audio system and the panoramic sunroof.

2021 Volvo XC40 models

The XC40 is available in three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. All trim levels come with a choice of powertrains. Designated as the T4 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Go with the T5 and you get an upgrade to 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The T5 comes with all-wheel drive too. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Highlight features include:

Momentum
Comes generously equipped with:

Full complement of LED exterior lighting
18-inch alloy wheels
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Keyless ignition
Power liftgate
Leather seating surfaces
Eight-speaker audio system

All XC40s also come with:

Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Lane keeping assist (steers the XC40 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Premium package
Available only for Momentum and includes:

Navigation
Power-folding rear headrests
Eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat
Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
Keyless entry
Dual-zone climate control

Advanced package
Requires Premium package and includes:

Headlight washers
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the XC40 and the car in front)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC40 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Wireless charging pad
12-volt power outlet in the cargo area
Ambient lighting

R-Design
Adds unique styling and extra features with:

Unique grille and high-gloss black exterior trim
Black painted roof
Distinctive 19-inch wheels
Panoramic moonroof
Upgraded leather upholstery
Features available in the Premium package

Inscription
Features more traditional luxury touches, such as:

Chrome grille
Unique 19-inch wheels
Crystal-trimmed gear shifter knob
Interior wood trim

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Volvo XC40.

5 (50%)

4 (6%)

3 (17%)

2 (15%)

1 (12%)

3.7

34 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

All around greatness (former GTI owner)

Tom E, 09/09/2019

2020 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

We’ve owned our fair share of cars (Jeep Grand Cherokee, VW GTI and Sportwagen, BMW 3 series and more) but this one takes the cake. Our Jeep was 11 yrs old and it was time to replace it. We liked the XC90, but felt a little guilty about it since we live in the city and didn’t really need all that space 99% of the time. If we did, it would be for a long road trip and then we wouldn’t want … that mileage on our car anyway. The XC60 was nice, but we really clicked with the XC40 because unlike other companies, the XC40 doesn’t feel any less nice than the 60, just more compact. It doesn’t have as many features, but it wasn’t anything we needed. Driving - It drives more like a GTI (very sporty) but a lot less bumpy. Roads in Brooklyn can be really beat up. Initially when we saw a pothole, we’d cringe waiting for the bump to jostle us (as it did in the GTI) but it feels somehow very smooth and still stiff and connected to the road. We got the Polestar too and it just adds a little more sportiness without sacrifice and with the additional torque in the mid-range. We really love it, more so than the 3 series even, and my wife and I are now constantly arguing who’s turn it is to drive. Safety - All cars are not created equal and the safety in this car is incredible. You have to realize that Volvo prioritizes safety beyond requirements and other manufacturers, and if you research it you’ll see that they do not skimp on anything. In government crash testing, the front passenger is not treated to the same scrutiny as the driver, but Volvo ensures it is as safe as can be. City safety is also incredible and with bikers, pedestrians, cabs, etc. it really gives us a piece of mind. Technology - Volvo uses a tablet-like setup. I do wish it had a few more physical buttons for the climate control. However, despite the learning curve, we found the infotainment to be relatively easy to use after a few days. After that initial learning curve, you realize that you have an ability to really customize a lot and we really like it. I rated it 4 stars because of that initial learning curve, but it’s not far off from being great. Features - First thing you notice is that Volvo put thought into everything from the materials, to storage and the designs. Feels like a much more expensive car. The panoramic moonroof, the materials, seat cushion extensions, 8 way front seats (both!) and lighting options are just scratching the surface. I also love that with the two keys we use, the car knows when it’s me or my wife and remembers our preferences for the seat, mirrors, and more. Comfort - The front seats are great and the seat cushion extension is great for my 6’ 2” frame. The backseat is good, but it is a small car and that’s probably where I find it a little lacking as it is a fixed seat and a little short for someone 6’2” (then again, I’m rarely in the back). I really wish you could move or recline the seat. Not a deal breaker, but would be nice. The look - We love the R-design look for its sporty yet elegant look. The 19” wheels look fantastic and the gray with blue tinge exterior (new color) against the black top make it eye-catching against the boring crowd. People always stare at it and the first time we parked it after the dealership someone made a comment about it being a beautiful car. It’s definitely a head turner. On the inside, I do wish we could opt for lighter cabin materials, which you cannot do in the R-design, but we overlook it because of the huge moonroof, great seats and plenty of light in the spacious cabin. Overall - We’d highly recommend this car if you’re looking for something practical and sporty with great features, storage and the right amount of luxury. The price can tick up quickly, but nothing else checks almost all the boxes in such a wonderful package that gets you excited to drive it every time while knowing you’re safe. We’re very happy.

Better than expected

AndyJ, 04/30/2021

2021 Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

A really good little crossover, pretty good luxury features for the price, very minimal and quite reliable so far. The infotainment is a bit annoying because it doesn't make android auto full-screen and the seats could be a bit more premium. It's definitely nicer to live and drive than the CX-5 or CX-30, especially when it comes to comfort and features. Also the paint and corrosion …

Excellent SUV for the price and safety

Grayhawk, 08/17/2019

2020 Volvo XC40 T5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

We purchased our 2019 Volvo XC40 through the overseas delivery program that Volvo offers. A fantastic program you should explore but that is not part of this review. We drove the car 3000 miles in Sweden and Norway during our trip and are now waiting for the car to be delivered to our dealer in Colorado. During those 3000 miles, the car functioned perfectly. All systems no problems. The …

My Sporty XC40

Ms. Chez, 07/24/2021

2021 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Loving my 2021 T5 R Design XC40. I owned the XC60 for 12 years, and loved it, and fell in love with this new little gem. Please note that the cargo area is a bit smaller than the XC60, but my husband can still fit his golf clubs and 2 large pieces of luggage in the car with ease so according to him all is right with the world. I have read complaints about the interactive system in the …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Volvo XC40, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC40 since its last redesign.

See all 34 reviews of the Volvo XC40

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2021 Volvo XC40 video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

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…

2021 XC40 Highlights

Trim:

T4 Momentum

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$33,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$174/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the XC40 models:

City Safety with Auto Braking: Warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes if a front collision is imminent. Can detect vehicles, pedestrians and animals.
Lane Keeping Aid: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins drifting out of the lane, then applies steering and braking force to guide it back.
Park Assist Pilot: Guides the XC40 into an adjacent parking spot with minimal driver assistance.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Good
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Volvo XC40 Review

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2021 Volvo XC40 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which XC40 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Volvo XC40 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

All around greatness (former GTI owner)

Better than expected

Excellent SUV for the price and safety

My Sporty XC40

2021 Volvo XC40 video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

2021 XC40 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}