The Volvo XC40 is the current compact luxury SUV designed primarily for family use. It is a comfortable small SUV packed with the latest and greatest features that are sure to impress even the most stubborn German luxury SUV buyers. As such, the XC40 competes with the Audi Q3, the BMW 1-Series, and the Mercedes Benz GLA.
The XC40 engine lineup primarily consists of 4-cylinder engines with forced induction. However, the best XC40 engines are those backed by an electric system as well. These are able to balance efficiency and power the best which is indeed something you want from a 21st-century luxury SUV.
Design-wise, the XC40 is not necessarily the most desirable-looking compact SUV on the market as that honor goes to the Mercedes Benz GLA and the Audi Q3. However, the interior of the XC40 is beautiful and class-leading when it comes to seating space.
The XC40 is a reliable car as well, even more so than its German rivals. All in all, the XC40 is indeed a good car for those wanting a compact luxury family SUV that is not too blingy or over the top. It is a comfortable, luxurious, and sensible car, and that is why the XC40 is as popular as it is.
Volvo XC40 – The powertrain
The Volvo XC40 engine lineup consists of 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines with various means of forced induction. The inline 3-cylinder engines measure 1.5L in displacement and offer power outputs ranging from 129hp to 160hp. They are also FWD but are also able in AWD form.
The inline 4-cylinder 2.0L engines offer between 163hp and 250hp for the most powerful models. They are also FWD but are available with AWD as well. All of these are being powered by a smooth and efficient automatic gearbox that shifts gears without you even noticing it.
However, the best engines the XC40 offer are hybrids and EVs. The most powerful electric XC40 is the Recharge P8 model that offers 408hp and a 78kWh battery that is good enough for up to 267 miles. The best plug-in XC40 is the Recharge T5 model that comes with the 1.5L 3-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 262hp.
Volvo XC40 – Design and chassis
The Volvo XC40 is a compact luxury SUV which means that it tries to balance size and space as best as possible. However, the exterior design of the XC40 is not exactly something you’d call beautiful, especially when compared to the gorgeous XC90 mid-size SUV.
The interior is an entirely different story because the one found in the XC40 is indeed beautiful. It is packed with loads of high-quality materials such as leather, wood, aluminum, and black piano plastic. The suspension and chassis tuning of the XC40 makes it a definitive comfortable SUV which means that it lacks when it comes to handling and responsiveness.
Volvo XC40 – Reliability and common issues
The Volvo XC40 is a decently reliable car which means that it should be able to last a really long time. The most common Volvo XC40 problems are associated with the electronics, the structure, the brake system, the high-voltage hybrid systems, and the starter motor.
All in all, most of these can be resolved relatively easily if you are able to spot them early enough. If you don’t manage to do so, you are likely going to have a relatively troublesome time.
Volvo XC40 – Value and practicality
A brand new XC40 starts around the $30,000 mark which is indeed a great price for such a car, but the higher-end models start closer to $50,000. The used XC40 market is also strong which means that the XC40 does not depreciate as fast as some other compact luxury SUVs do. All in all, the XC40 surely does offer great value as is the case with many compact luxury SUVs these days.
The XC40 is also a practical car as well. The cargo space is near with the very best from its class while the seating space is comparably better when compared to its German rivals. However, where the XC40 suffers is the visibility as the two rear C pillars are way too large and do create two significant blind spots.
FAQ Section
How much does it cost to maintain the Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 costs between $10,000-$11,000 in maintenance and repair costs in its first 10 years of ownership. Many online sources also state that the XC40 has a 35% chance of needing a large repair job done to it during this time. This is slightly better when compared to most of its rivals which also makes the XC40 a great option.
Maintenance is an essential aspect of making sure a 21st-century luxury car is able to last a long time. These are likely going to last hundreds of thousands of miles, but only if you do all the maintenance according to the textbook.
Is the Volvo XC40 a safe car?
The Volvo XC40 is a 5-star safety-rated car which means that it is indeed a really safe car. One of the best aspects of the XC40 are the number of safety features you get as standard, especially when compared to its German rivals. The Volvo brand is known for offering incredibly well-built cars, and the XC40 is no different.
The XC40 benefits from all the modern-day safety gadgets with the most impressive ones costing less than what they do with the Germans. All in all, if safety is your priority, the XC40 is the car for you.
Is the Volvo XC40 better than the Mercedes GLA, the Audi Q3, and the BMW 1-Series?
The Volvo XC40 is better when it comes to seating space, safety, and efficiency. It is also available as a fully electric car while the three Germans are not. The XC40 is also a more under-the-radar car which means that it does not attract nearly as much attention as the GLA for example which is both a good thing and a bad thing.
The German trio offers more dynamic models while the XC40 is solely focused on a comfortable drive. It’s difficult to say which one of these four is best as they are all great cars that best each other in many different areas.
