It’s hard to believe the XC40 is nearly a decade old. While the engine options have changed over the years (it’s now mild hybrid only), the original formula remains unchanged: comfort, safety and practicality wrapped up in a classy mid-size SUV. Yes, please, Volvo! The XC40’s Scandi design has a timeless quality which is wearing very well indeed. While it may not have the massive screens or nifty hybrid tech you’ll get from newcomers like Jaecoo and Omoda, the accomplished XC40 still has bags of appeal. Meanwhile, the smooth EX40 (previously called the XC40 Recharge) adds an all-electric twist on the same premium package. Find out more about the EX40 here!
Not only was Volvo quick to respond to our green rating questionnaire, but it also communicates its environmental strategy clearly with consumers via a dedicated sustainability page which is easily accessible from its main website. This, along with initiatives like using 100 per cent renewable energy at its manufacturing facilities and committing to use 35 per cent recycled content (including steel, aluminium and plastics) in new models by 2030, nets Volvo a full two out of a possible two green stars at brand level. However, as a standalone model the XC40 itself doesn’t score so brilliantly. It may not be the largest SUV in Volvo’s range, but it is still a heavy car powered by a petrol engine and the addition of mild hybrid tech does little to improve disappointing efficiency. Tests conducted by Green NCAP noted the XC40’s CO2 emissions were particularly poor, though it did score better in the clean air tests thanks to an effective particle filter.
Running costs for a Volvo XC40
“If your XC40 costs more than £40,000 when new, you’ll have ’luxury car tax’ to pay for the first five years after registration”
Entry-level XC40s are well-equipped and the starting price is in line with other primum rivals like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Meanwhile, if you are looking to buy used there are plenty of models to choose from. Either way, just be aware if your XC40 costs more than £40,000 when new, you’ll have ’luxury car tax’ to pay for the first five years after registration. Both mild hybrid options should manage around 40mpg on a good run, but if you find yourself in heavy traffic, this will drop significantly – our test car was only showing 25mpg during our congested 10-mile commute. If you are regularly driving into busy towns and cities and can charge at home, the electric EX40 is therefore well worth considering.
Expert rating: 3/5
Reliability of a Volvo XC40
“Volvo has had plenty of time to iron out any niggles”
At an overall brand level Volvo’s reliability rep is only so-so, but the XC40 does seem to be one of Volvo’s more dependably models. The XC40 scored reasonably in a recent What Car? reliability survey of family SUVs (though it was nowhere near the top of the rankings) and Volvo has had plenty of time to iron out any niggles. That said, and its standard three-year warranty is not as generous as Kia’s seven-year cover or the up to 10 years offered by Toyota.
Expert rating: 4/5
Safety for a Volvo XC40
“The XC40 has an extensive list of safety features, and its calming demeanour is very reassuring”
Volvo has built its whole brand around safety. The XC40 has an extensive list of safety features, and its calming demeanour is very reassuring. To name just a few of the systems, all models come with plenty of airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, front and rear parking sensors and traffic sign recognition. You do have to move up a grade to get blind spot monitoring, though. During our test the driving aids were mercifully unobtrusive and, aside from occasionally misreading the speed limit, we didn’t even notice they were there. Small front pillars and the large windscreen provide good forward visibility, but the rear parking sensors and reversing camera are a necessity as rear visibility is quite poor. Moving up the grades you’ll gain side sensors and a 360-degree camera, which certainly comes in handy.
Expert rating: 5/5
How comfortable is the Volvo XC40
“While rivals like the Peugeot 3008 major on avant-garde flair, the XC40 offers understated Scandinavian chic”
The XC40’s interior takes a more traditional approach than newer models like the EX30. While rivals like the Peugeot 3008 major on avant-garde flair, the XC40 offers understated Scandinavian chic. There are a few shiny plastics in places, and the XC40 is not quite as plush as the larger XC90, but the interior still provides a calming and comfortable environment. Volvo knows how to make cossetting, supportive seats, and the ones in the XC40 have loads of adjustment. From ‘Plus' trim upwards the powered driver’s seat comes with a memory function to make sharing chauffeuring duties a doddle. All models get heated front seats and higher trims also gain a heated steering wheel and heated seats in the back, too. In the rear two adults should have a decent amount of space but things will get cosy if you need to squeeze in a third. Meanwhile, the shape of the rear window may limit how much small children can see out. The boot is large and well thought through with a handy adjustable floor which you can fold up to divide the space in half. Out on the road the XC40 is very good over bumps and rough surfaces – it is neither too soft nor too firm – and it is particularly relaxing to drive on the motorway.
Expert rating: 4/5
Features of the Volvo XC40
“We particularly like the built-in Google maps and the uncluttered digital driver display”
If you’ve recently spent any time in a Tesla or BYD, the XC40’s nine-inch central screen will look tiny, but it is well laid out and easy to use with a permanent bar at the bottom for heating controls. The only time you are likely to miss a larger display is when manoeuvring as the camera view is quite small. We particularly like the built-in Google maps and the uncluttered digital driver display, though. All XC40s come with a handy wireless phone charger, but you will need to find a cable if you want to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Other standard features include a powered tailgate, keyless start, and two-zone climate control, while range-topping models get additions like a panoramic roof and Harman Kardon sound system. On the outside there’s a choice of chrome or glossy black highlights depending on trim and we love the subtle hints of colour in the muted paintwork options.
Expert rating: 4/5
Power for a Volvo XC40
“The relatively large engine seems old-school these days and if you’ve driven an EV recently the XC40 feels comparatively sluggish”
Gone are the diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, leaving just one mild hybrid petrol set-up with two power options. This doesn’t offer any fully electric driving, instead the system is supposed to aid efficiency but the fuel economy in our range-topping test car was still on the lower side. The relatively large engine seems old-school these days and if you’ve driven an EV recently the XC40 feels comparatively sluggish. However, the power is there when you need it, and an enthusiastic prod of the accelerator is enough for the XC40 to spring into action. The ever-popular elevated driving position offers a decent view of the road ahead without causing the car to feel wayward in the corners. We particularly liked the heavier of the two steering weight options, which we made us feel more connected to the wheels than the softer option. Overall Volvo has done a great job of making the XC40 feel balanced and composed which results in a very relaxing car to drive.
