Volvo XC40 review

This is the XC40, Volvo’s entry model – or at least it was until the EX30 electric SUV came along. So now it’s just Volvo’s entry petrol car. It’s been on sale since 2017 – with a careful facelift introduced in 2022 to keep things fresh.

Though it falls into the ‘compact SUV’ category, it actually feels pretty big. That’s important because it competes with stuff that really isn’t very small at all. Think the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque, plus left-field choices like the Lexus NX, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 or DS 7.

We’d lump the Ford Kuga in there too – it’s the benchmark for being good to drive. Tough crowd: you can’t put any old tat on sale.

That's a lot of competition...

What can we say, people love their compact family SUVs. They can all get a bit same-y, though, so if you have trouble telling your BMW X1s from your X3s and X5s, you'll note Volvo hasn't taken the same approach to its design. 

The XC40’s front end screams ‘present day Volvo’, with an angular, relatively small side glass area, and stretched cut-outs in the lower body side. Fashionable two-tone paint schemes also feature prominently in the configurator.

What's the interior like?

The once riotous colour palette has had a Scandi-style talking-to, with the garish interior colours of old replaced by more tasteful tones such as charcoal, dark leather and light leather. Someone in the finance department clearly didn’t like what the spectrum of hues was doing to Volvo’s residuals…

In typical Swedish fashion, it’s usefully roomy and practical. The cabin and boot have several clever ideas to keep your bits and pieces organised and stop them slithering about.

The XC40 doesn't use a shrunk version of the XC60/XC90 structure and suspension, either. The XC40 sits on parent company Geely’s CMA (compact modular architecture) platform, which has been designed for maximum space efficiency and took into account from the beginning upcoming EV powertrains.

How does it drive? 

Unlike many of its rivals, the XC40 has no pretensions of offering a ‘car-like’ driving experience. Rather, it offers more of a mini large SUV experience, leaning into the format rather than trying to disguise it. You get smooth road manners and imperious float from the high ride, though the car still corners fairly flatly through bends.

The combustion engines are limited to a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol engine in two states of tune – 161bhp and 194bhp. These are badged B3 and B4 respectively, the former getting you to 62mph from a stop in 8.6 seconds and the latter doing it a second quicker.

Both are limited to 112mph top speeds (as is Volvo’s policy these days), and officially rated at 42.8 and 42.2mpg. The 48V mild hybrid system amounts to extended stop-start capability and some faint electric boost.

Is it practical for a family?

The XC40 has more about it in terms of day to day family running than anything from the likes of Audi or Mercedes. The cabin storage is useful, you’ll appreciate the little plugs and hooks about the place and access to the seats is pretty good. Likewise there’s a bit of trickery in the boot that makes it more practical for loose loads of shopping too. It would get cramped for five adults, but there’s decent space for kids, even if they might prefer a better view out.

Come on then, how much do I need to shell out?

£35,840. That’s for the standard Core trim, rising up through Plus, Plus Pro and Ultra which costs £43,910. Upgrading from the B3 to the B4 engine adds just over a grand to the asking price.

Weirdly, there’s a Black Edition that Volvo thinks is it’s own thing and not a trim level. £39,910 and up if you want that one. We’ll explain all over on the Buying tab.

The XC40 is an upright and solid SUV rather than pretending too hard to be a car-like crossover. Volvo has made something nicely distinctive here. That's helped by the fact the values of an SUV correspond with many of the values of Volvo. It's a comfy drive that imparts a sense of all-weather security. It keeps you calm rather than goading you into vigorous cornering, but if you insist it won't go to pieces.

The cabin is extremely well organised and practical, with some handy storage ideas that really work. It's also roomy and well made. The electric EX40 is well worth a look too, but it’s quite expensive in comparison.