2023 Volvo XC40 Review

Name: 2023 Volvo XC40
Brand: Volvo

Price Range: $19,906 - $34,998

2023 Volvo XC40 B4 Ultimate Bright 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2023 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.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

Select year

Average price: $34,538

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2023 Volvo XC40

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

Slightly improved fuel economy thanks to new mild hybrid system
Updated infotainment interface
All-new trim levels
Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

8/1/2023

When the Volvo XC40 debuted in 2019, it created a lot of buzz with its funky-cool Scandinavian design that stood out from the rest of the subcompact luxury SUV class. In the years since, newer and refreshed rivals have pushed the XC40 out of its top spot in Edmunds' rankings. The 2023 Volvo XC40 has undergone a series of changes that may have it vying for class-leading status once again.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

456 listings

Sort by:

2023 Volvo XC40
B5 Ultimate Dark 4dr SUV
$28,000
great price
$3,507 below market
- 22,253 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Len Stoler Lexus (46 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Owings Mills, MD
2023 Volvo XC40 B5 AWD Ultimate Dark Theme finished in Thunder Grey Metallic. Mild hybrid all wheel drive SUV delivering 26 MPG combined.Ultimate trim...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YV4L12UX2P2953091
Stock: BL1442
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-28-2025
Price Drop
Certified 2023 Volvo XC40
B5 Plus Bright 4dr SUV
$29,750
great price
$3,292 below market
- 19,106 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Volvo Cars Silver Spring (29 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Silver Spring, MD
2023 Volvo XC40 Gray Metallic AWD B5 Plus Bright Theme 2.0L I4 Turbocharged DOHC 16V LEV3-ULEV70 Odometer is 8238 miles below market average! CARFAX O...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YV4L12UN2P2006728
Stock: GP2400A
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 12-09-2025

See all for sale

For 2023, both of the XC40's available engines receive a new mild hybrid system. This isn't an all-out hybrid system like you'd get on a Toyota Prius, but it does provide a slight boost in fuel economy of about 1 mpg compared to last year. Exterior styling gets a slight tweak too, with a reworked grille, headlights and bumpers to give it a simpler and cleaner appearance that is more in line with the all-electric XC40 Recharge. Trim levels have also been revamped with different names and feature content.

The XC40 also adopts the Recharge's Google built-in infotainment system, creating integration with services such as Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps and Google Play. It includes one to four years of data through a Digital Services feature, depending on the trim you choose. In our experience with a similar system in the XC40 Recharge, it takes a bit of time to get acquainted with these features since it's not the most intuitive interface. Thankfully, iPhone users won't be left out because Apple CarPlay is also standard.

All of these changes make the 2023 Volvo XC40 even more desirable than it already was. Its blend of style and smarts is delightfully different from competitive SUVs. These include the Mercedes-Benz GLB, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Check out the Expert Rating below to learn more about what our test team thinks of the XC40's comfort, utility and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Reese Counts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Volvo XC40 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the XC40 drive? The XC40's turbocharged engines come with mild hybrid systems. These systems help smooth out shifts and make the engine stop-start system more seamless. They also help make the XC40 feel quicker and more responsive. At the Edmunds test track, our XC40 test vehicle (with the more powerful B5 engine) 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.

Interior

8/10

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

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The front-wheel-drive XC40 gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Our test car had the upgraded B5 powertrain that includes more power and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy takes a slight hit, dropping to an estimated 26 mpg combined. Either way, the XC40 is a bit more fuel-efficient than average. 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

8/10

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.

2023 Volvo XC40 trim level differences

The 2023 Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury SUV available in three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Within these trim levels, you can choose between two engines. The base B4 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (194 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The B5 engine produces more power (247 hp, 258 lb-ft) and comes with all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2023 Volvo XC40 trim levels in-depth.

Which XC40 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The base Core trim should easily satisfy most people with its standard equipment list and comprehensive safety features. If you regularly take longer and more monotonous trips, you may want to step up to the Plus trim and opt for the Driver Assist package that adds the Pilot Assist system with adaptive cruise control.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$187/mo

$183/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Reliability

The 2023 Volvo XC40 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

4 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V908000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: R10333
Manufactured from:: 2022-06-24 to 2024-06-21
Number of vehicles affected:: 413151
Defect Description:: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 16, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall Number:: 25V282000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: R10320
Manufactured from:: 2021-06-08 to 2025-01-25
Number of vehicles affected:: 413151
Defect Description:: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.

Recall Number:: 23V188000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: R10225
Number of vehicles affected:: 329
Defect Description:: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
Defect Consequence:: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10225.

Recall Number:: 23V012000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: R10217
Number of vehicles affected:: 27457
Defect Description:: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
Defect Consequence:: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10217.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 30,000 miles

Volvo XC40 Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.4

42 reviews

5(38%)

4(7%)

3(22%)

2(19%)

1(14%)

See all 42 reviews of the Volvo XC40

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 XC40 Features & Specs

Trim:

B4 Core

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$36,350
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$187/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the XC40 models:

Collision Avoidance: 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.

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

People who viewed this also viewed

Volvo XC60
5.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews.
Starting at $49,700

See Volvo XC60 Inventory

Volvo XC90
5.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews.
Starting at $61,050

See Volvo XC90 Inventory

BMW X1
5.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews.
Starting at $43,200

See BMW X1 Inventory

2023 Volvo XC40 Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Volvo XC40 trim level differences

Which XC40 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Volvo XC40 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 XC40 Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed