IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The XC40 offers surprisingly high levels of luxury, style, and all-around refinement in a petite, urban-friendly package.
BUT…
The infotainment system is rather complicated, and the tantalizing-but-spendy options can really pump up the bottom line.
WORTH NOTING:
The XC40 boasts a broad array of interior/exterior color and trim options.
WHAT IS IT?
The XC40 is Volvo’s new-for-2019 subcompact crossover SUV. It’s the smallest SUV in Volvo’s lineup, slotting below the XC60 in size and price. The XC40 is available in three trim levels—entry-level Momentum, sporty R-Design, and top-line Inscription—and offers a choice of two turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrains: T4 models have 187 horsepower and front-wheel drive, and T5 models have 248 horsepower and all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on all. A generous list of standard equipment includes leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, keyless entry and starting, a power liftgate, 8-way power driver’s seat with memory, and automatic climate control. Available features include a hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, power-folding rear seatbacks, adjustable suspension, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree surround-view camera display, and Volvo’s PilotAssist semi-autonomous driving system. Standard safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist/large-animal detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, lane-keep assist with oncoming-traffic avoidance, rear-obstacle detection, and the Volvo On Call smartphone connectivity system. Optional are blind-spot and rear-cross-traffic alert along with front-obstacle detection (joining the standard rear-obstacle detection).
WHAT’S NEW?
The XC40 is an all-new vehicle for 2019.
FUEL ECONOMY
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway in T4 models (which are front-wheel drive) and 23/31 in T5 models (which are all-wheel drive). In Consumer Guide® testing, a T5 R-Design averaged 22.8 mpg in 55-percent city driving.
VALUE IN CLASS
It’s a tall order to make an extra-small vehicle feel genuinely chic and upscale, but Volvo’s designers have achieved just that with the XC40. In addition to its high-style looks inside and out, the XC40 boasts responsive turbo powertrains, more room for people and cargo than you might expect, and an impressive list of personalization options and comfort/technology features. Despite a few quirks—the visibility to the rear corners isn’t great, and the infotainment system isn’t the most user-friendly—the XC40 is a class standout.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $33,200 – $39,750 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Wagon |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | Turbocharged 187-HP, 2.0-Liter 4-Cyl.; Turbocharged 248-HP, 2.0-Liter 4-Cyl. |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front or All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | Belgium |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 23-31 MPG |
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