Overview

The Volvo XC40 is one of those cars you buy with your head rather than your heart. It isn’t particularly exciting but it’s comfortable, well-equipped and very well-built. Because it’s a Volvo, you can also rest assured that you and your family will be well-protected should the worst happen.

It was launched in 2018 with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. In 2020, the XC40 led the charge for Volvo’s electrification strategy, ditching diesel power altogether and gaining a 408hp dual-motor electric powertrain. Then, in early 2022, the company doubled down by launching a new, more affordable 231bhp front-wheel drive electric powertrain.

The XC40 has plenty of rivals. The Germans offer the most obvious competition in the shape of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. However, there are cars like the Range Rover Evoque and the MINI Countryman also vying for your attention in this price bracket.

We’ve covered the pure-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge in greater detail in a separate review. Here, we’re more concerned with the petrol-powered and plug-in hybrid-powered options. The current XC40’s combustion engine kicks off with a pair of 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol units. The entry-level model produces 163hp, while the more expensive option has 197hp.

There are two plug-in hybrid systems. Both are built around the same turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, and both feature an 80hp electric motor mounted in the gearbox. There are two power outputs available – the cheaper model has 211hp, while the flagship has 262hp. Volvo says both options can return upwards of 130mpg.

The XC40’s trim structure is simple. It’s separated into three options called Core, Plus and Ultimate. Volvo’s Core specification is only available on mild-hybrid petrol-powered versions of the car and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a wireless smartphone charger and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with built-in Google maps.

Plus and Ultimate specifications are homogenised across the XC40’s engine range. Plus models are priced from £39,380 and upgrades over the Core model include LED fog lights, all-round parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a handsfree tailgate. Inside, you get heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a heated windscreen.

The Ultimate versions are better equipped still, featuring 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, headlight washers and rear privacy glass. The cabin also gets a lift with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be fully assessing the Volvo XC40, taking into consideration its practicality, comfort, running costs and driving experience before offering our final verdict on the car. Click through this review to find out whether the XC40 could suit your lifestyle.