2019 Volvo XC40 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What’s new

　　The 2019 Volvo XC40 is an all-new vehicle.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Volvo has had much success with its five-passenger XC60 and larger three-row XC90 crossover SUVs. In fact, they're the brand's most popular vehicles. So if two is good, three is even better, right? Volvo must think so because the company is rounding out its portfolio with the all-new 2019 XC40. You might agree, too. If those other Volvos seem too big or expensive, this smaller XC40 could be just the thing.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for XC40 T4 Momentum

　　XC40 T4 Momentum

　　T4 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,200 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $35,200 MSRPT4 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,700 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,700 MSRPT4 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,750 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The 2019 Volvo XC40 successfully translates the distinctive look of Volvo's larger SUVs into a smaller package. You'll notice this as soon as you take a seat in the cabin. The steering wheel, touchscreen and center stack design will be immediately familiar to those who have driven an XC60. Numerous cubbies throughout the interior are also suitable for storing small items, and a removable cargo floor partition helps make the most of the smallish cargo area.

　　There are some shortcomings: In particular, while Volvo has a reputation for exceptional seat ergonomics, the XC40 is a notable exception to the rule. The front headrests are pushed aggressively forward and have only limited vertical adjustment. This means that some drivers will have trouble finding a comfortable seating position.

　　As expected from a manufacturer whose reputation was built on passenger safety, most of today's advanced driving aids are standard or optional. Every XC40 is equipped with Volvo's City Safety feature, which can warn the driver if it senses an imminent collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or large animal. It'll even apply the brakes if you don't react quickly enough. The optional rear cross-traffic alert system will also hit the brakes if a car is about to collide with you while backing up. Other systems include headlights that turn as you rotate the steering wheel, the semiautomated Pilot Assist function and automated parking.

　　Not every luxury automaker has been able to package its core strengths in a small, relatively affordable crossover. It's a bit late to the party, but Volvo has done its homework with the 2019 XC40. Even if you get the base model with no add-ons, this subcompact luxury crossover is very competitive against rivals such as the BMW X1, the Jaguar E-Pace and the Lexus NX 300.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

　　Even in its least expensive trim level, the new 2019 Volvo XC40 outclasses many of its small luxury crossover rivals. Its precisely detailed interior, powerful engine, and wide variety of safety features are sure to delight if you're shopping for an affordable and maneuverable luxury SUV.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　A spunky turbocharged four-cylinder motivates the XC40, making it feel spry, though even the sportier tuned R-Design trim feels calibrated more for comfort than performance. Braking, steering and shifting are all agreeable, and we preferred the Dynamic setting in most instances.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　The turbo 2.0-liter engine is sufficiently quick and responsive. There is a small powerband flat spot toward the mid- to upper-rpm range, but it's short-lived and more of a quirk since it doesn't really affect your ability to pass. It'll hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is competitive in the class.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　Drive modes provide normal and dynamic brake settings, which is a unique feature. The Normal setting is too sensitive, making the brakes touchy, while Dynamic gives a firmer pedal that makes it easier to be smooth. We recorded a stopping distance of 125 feet from 60 mph, a good result for the class.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　Steering effort is variable. In Normal mode, it's a little light and sensitive for how softly the suspension is tuned. The Dynamic setting lends more stability and control without being overly heavy. Turn-in is nice and quick, and the steering is accurate even if it offers just marginal road feel.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　Its proportions lend an athletic look, but it feels a little top-heavy and surprisingly underdamped when maneuvering at speed. The compliance helps smooth out small bumps, but big bumps and undulations really make the XC40 move around. The Infiniti QX30 and BMW X1 feel more nimble yet better tied down.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　The powertrain and transmission work well enough, but the shifter interface requires two taps every time you want to move to Drive or Reverse, which we found quite inconvenient. The transmission otherwise is responsive to shift commands, and even the stop-start system is fairly unobtrusive.

　　

Off-road

7.5

　　With a relatively generous 8.3 inches of ground clearance, fairly short overhangs and all-wheel drive, the XC40 has the tools to tackle soft roads if you care to venture out. It's not intended to be a rock crawler but will afford the average owner some basic off-road confidence.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　The soft-riding suspension is the comfort highlight of the XC40, which is surprising given the R Design's stiffer tuning. The front headrests could be a deal-breaker for some depending on body proportions and driving position. Although the climate system keeps up, the interface has downsides.

　　

Seat comfort

6.5

　　The stylish front headrests lean too far forward and offer limited height adjustment, which some may find very uncomfortable. The seat cushions are comfortably firm and only have mild lateral support, which matches the conservative handling. Sueded seat center sections don't breathe particularly well.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The suspension is non-adaptive and pretty softly sprung, so the ride is surprisingly plush-riding on the highway considering the shorter wheelbase and large 20-inch wheels. Sharp road bumps are nicely dulled, but more gradual undulations require a few moments for the car to recover composure.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　There's a layer of consistent road noise as well as faintly detectable wind noise. You'll hear the turbo spool up regularly if you don't have any audio playing, and the engine note isn't particularly unpleasant. This cabin is not especially quiet, though it's not far off most others in this class.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　The climate system didn't feel as if it's blowing as cold as the indicated temp. The system works just fine when cranked up. There's a lag time accessing the controls through the touchscreen at startup, which is frustrating on a hot or cold day. You can precondition the cabin on a schedule or remotely through the Volvo On Call app control.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　If not for the heavy reliance on the laggy touchscreen and the shifter that requires a double tap, the XC40 would have scored higher in this area. Volvo's excellent use of cabin space and conscious effort to maximize visibility for the driver is obvious. Tall drivers may not find a comfortable position, though.

　　

Ease of use

6.0

　　Volvo's labels and controls are less intuitive to learn and use than those of other brands. A majority of functions are accessed through the touchscreen, which creates a clean interior design but has a maze of menus and lags a bit (especially at startup), which can be frustrating. The double-tap shifter has to go.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　Nice, large squared-off upper door openings with easy step-over heights and doors that open almost to 90 degrees make this small SUV simple to get in and out of. The lower portion of the rear doors is a little narrow, and you may have to scoot around the rear wheelwell if you're parked next to another car.

　　

Driving position

7.0

　　There's a nice amount of adjustment in the driver's seat. The telescoping steering column may not have enough reach for long-legged drivers, but average-size people shouldn't have any issues. With the exception of the headrest design, a comfortable driving position shouldn't be too difficult to find.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　The packaging of the cabin lends an open feel and is among the most spacious in the class behind the BMW X1. The front room is great all around, and the back seat is especially roomy for the segment. At 5 feet 9 I sit very comfortably behind myself thanks to good legroom and a large toe box under the front seat.

　　

Visibility

8.5

　　Visibility is excellent thanks to the upright greenhouse, large windows, well-placed side mirrors, and rear headrests that electronically fall down. The rear pillars are still massive, but the windows are drawn back far enough to counteract this. The optional 360-degree camera system makes parking a breeze.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　Inside and out, the design is pleasing and does its best to blend high-quality materials with more budget-friendly stock. The digital interfaces and floating air vents anchor the upscale look. Overall it's a nice execution, though not quite at the same level of luxury of the larger Volvos we've come to love.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　The XC40's cargo area is smaller according to the numbers, but it is nevertheless nicely sized and full of smart storage features. Up front, the storage bins are clever as well, but there are a few options to keep personal effects hidden. The car seat anchors are a bit tough to access.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　A variety of storage spaces in the cabin are there for small items, including a clever little trash bin. But to hide valuables, the only real options are the center armrest and glovebox. Large felt-lined door pockets are nice to have since they prevent items from rattling around.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　The cargo area appears to have adequate space, but at 20.7 cubic feet, it's on the smaller side. Our tester had power-release flat-folding 60/40-split seats with a ski pass-through. A clever foldable load tray converts to a grocery bag holder — excellent execution here.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　The anchors are cleanly located under flip doors, but they're buried a little deep for comfortable access. You might have the best chance of fitting a bulky rear-facing seat in this car compared to most others in the class, but it'll still be a tight fit.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　With the exception of an overly sensitive forward collision system, the XC40 shows pretty strong on the technology front. We like the options provided for smartphone integration and the complimentary Wi-Fi trial. Even the native voice controls have above-average usefulness.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The optional Harman Kardon audio system produces great sound with 13 speakers versus the standard eight. The nav has a nice pinch-to-zoom interface and multiple map views but nothing fancy like Google Earth satellite view. Route guidance and map can be displayed within the configurable gauge cluster.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　CarPlay and Android Auto are standard alongside a native media interface, two forward USB ports and a 12-volt outlet. There's an additional 12-volt outlet in the rear and another in the cargo hatch. Our tester also had a large wireless phone charger and rear USB ports.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　Volvo offers a full suite of driving aids, some standard and optional. The lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring system work well, and the adaptive cruise is also decent. But we experienced a number of startling false positives with the forward collision warning system, which is not defeatable.

　　

Voice control

8.5

　　The built-in voice controls are pretty advanced and can access the navigation system, place phone calls and adjust cabin temperature. The guidance prompts are helpful, too. You can also press and hold for Siri or Google when your smartphone is connected.

　　

Which XC40 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base Momentum trim is a good jumping-off point, but we'd skip straight to the R-Design. It doesn't cost much more but adds a ton of upgrades that range from cosmetic to functional. It's also worth adding the Premium package for the full luxury experience. It equips the XC40 with adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, a power passenger seat and power-folding rear seats, among other features. The heated front seats and steering wheel combo is a good choice, too.

　　

2019 Volvo XC40 models

　　The 2019 Volvo XC40 is a compact luxury crossover with seating for five. Three trim levels are available: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Every XC40 comes loaded with luxury and safety features, including LED headlights, leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and forward collision warning and mitigation. Upgrading to the R-Design doesn't cost much more and adds exterior styling enhancements and more luxury features. Each is also available with several available features packages and stand-alone options.

　　The XC40 is sold with two powertrains, both utilizing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive T4 produces 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the all-wheel-drive T5 boosts output to 248 hp and 258 lb-ft.

　　Selecting either powertrain in the Momentum configuration equips the XC40 with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, automatic high-beam control, roof rails, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, automatic climate control, keyless ignition, a power-adjustable driver seat, driver-seat memory settings, 60/40-split rear seats, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting.

　　Also included are three USB ports (two in front, one USB-C in the rear), a configurable gauge cluster display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 9-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radio. Standard safety features include Volvo On Call communications, a rearview camera, lane departure warning and mitigation, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　Selecting the R-Design trim adds 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, LED foglights and cornering lights, a black roof, black exterior trim, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, dual-zone climate control, a cooled glovebox, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, front-seat extendable thigh cushions, a power passenger seat, leather upholstery with faux suede inserts, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded ambient lighting, and a navigation system.

　　The luxe Inscription starts with the Momentum's equipment and adds unique wheels, a panoramic sunroof, chrome roof rails, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, wood trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the R-Design's LED foglights and cornering lights, power passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, cooled glovebox, upgraded ambient lighting and navigation system.

　　Several packages are available for all trims. The Premium package adds heated wiper blades, adaptive cruise control, power-folding rear seats, a wireless charger, a storage bin under the driver's seat, a removable cargo floor, power-folding rear headrests, and a nifty feature that allows you to remotely control the rear child locks from the driver's seat. Selecting this package on the Momentum also includes the R-Design's features added by the Inscription model.

　　The Vision package adds power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors and an automated parking system. The Advanced package builds on top of the Vision pack with a 360-degree parking camera and turn-adaptive headlights and LED foglights. The Momentum-only Multimedia package adds navigation and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, which is available on the R-Design and Inscription as a stand-alone option.

　　Other stand-alone features include the panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels and adaptive suspension dampers.

　　

2019 XC40 Highlights

Trim: T4 MomentumT5 MomentumT4 R-DesignT5 R-DesignT4 InscriptionT5 InscriptionT4 Momentum

　　

Base MSRP	$33,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles