2020 Volvo XC40 Review

　　

2020 Volvo XC40 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).

　　Many automakers view smaller crossover SUVs as the next big growth opportunity. Luxury nameplates are no exception; nearly every high-end manufacturer produces at least one subcompact SUV. The Volvo XC40 is one of the newest; introduced just last year, the XC40 offers many of the qualities Volvo is known for but does so in a smaller and more affordable package.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) - $33,700 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $35,700 MSRPT4 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,950 MSRPT4 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,450 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,950 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Despite being the least expensive SUV in Volvo's lineup, cost-cutting measures are kept to a minimum. The XC40's large central touchscreen, digital instrument panel and floating air vents are nearly identical to Volvo's pricier offerings, while a robust set of driver aids keeps driver and passengers safe. In short, it's everything you would expect from a small Volvo.

　　Of course, the XC40 doesn't have as much passenger and cargo room as its siblings, and the interior isn't quite as nice. We also have some concerns with the lack of front-seat comfort and the difficult-to-use nature of the infotainment system. But on the whole, the XC40 is more enjoyable to drive than many of its rivals and, in many ways, represents a better value.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the XC40 drive? The XC40 feels spry overall. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels spunky, even if the 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds isn't explosive (we tested the XC40 T5). The transmission is responsive when you need a downshift. Even the engine stop-start system is fairly unobtrusive. And while we don't expect many owners to head off-road, the XC40 can handle light-duty stuff thanks to its short overhangs, all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

　　As for handling, the XC40 feels a little top-heavy and surprisingly soft 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 the BMW X1 feel more nimble yet better tied down.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the XC40? The ride is surprisingly comfortable, even with the sporty R-Design trim level. Small bumps are easily soaked up. However, larger bumps and undulations can upset the body. The seats are comfortably firm, but not everybody fits. In particular, you might find the headrests to be angled too far forward.

　　At highway speeds, 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.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Most controls are accessed through the touchscreen. This design approach creates a clean interior design, but the system's maze of menus and laggy responses never fail to frustrate. Another drawback: Tall drivers might not be able to find a comfortable seating position due to limited steering wheel adjustability and headrest design.

　　Otherwise, the XC40's interior is quite nice. It's easy to get into and out of the relatively roomy cabin, and there's enough legroom in the back for folks of an average height. There's good visibility all around, and the large windows in the rear corners help reduce blind spots.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The XC40 is suitably high-tech. The optional Harman Kardon audio system is an inexpensive step up from the base system and sounds great. You can pump in tunes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via the two standard USB ports. (Our test vehicle also had a wireless charging pad and rear USB ports.)

　　The integrated voice controls work well, though you can switch to Siri or Google when your phone is connected. There are lots of advanced driving systems here, and most work well. The exception is forward collision warning, which registered several false positives in our testing and cannot be turned off.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The XC40's cargo area is smaller according to the numbers, but it is nevertheless nicely sized and full of smart storage features. We like the smart storage features such as 60/40-split folding rear seats, a pass-through and a foldable tray that doubles as a grocery holder. There's a variety of other storage spaces in the cabin, including a clever little removable trash bin. Felt-lined doors keep items from rattling around.

　　Using your XC40 for kid duty? 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.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Our T5 all-wheel-drive R-Design trim is rated at 26 combined mpg (23 city/31 highway), which is slightly better than most AWD competitors, though the base car's mpg rating is more in line with the rest. We achieved 23.2 mpg on our 115-mile drive loop, which is more than a few mpg lower than expected.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the XC40 a good value? For the price, the XC40 makes a lot of sense if you're looking for a luxury subcompact SUV. The interior build quality may not be as nice as in other Volvos we've experienced, but it's still a pleasant place to spend time. Its base price falls well below the priciest competitors, but there are others that come in a little lower. That said, the XC40 feels like a better value at its price point than many others do at theirs.

　　Basic and powertrain warranties are slightly longer than what you'll get from some other competing SUVs. You also get decent free maintenance and roadside assistance coverage.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　The XC40 isn't as fun to drive as it would like you to believe. Though we appreciate the level of comfort in this tiny SUV, we had difficulty detecting the extra sportiness in the R-Design model we tested. Stiffer suspension? Really? It's not that the XC40 is a bore to drive, but the Infiniti QX30 and the BMW X1 are far more fun to fling around.

　　It has tons of personality, though. Volvo has been on a winning streak since the redesigned XC90 hit the streets, and that Scandinavian elegance has thankfully trickled all the way down to the XC40. The XC40 didn't quite wow us the way the XC60 did, but it is still one of the standouts in the class.

　　

Which XC40 does zzdcar recommend?

Unless you absolutely need leather seats, we recommend sticking with the base Momentum trim. It's reasonably priced and you can equip it with many of the features of the higher trims via packages. The Convenience and Premium packages are highly recommended. They add a lot of extras without adding much to the bottom line. If you want adaptive cruise control, you'll have to opt for the Advanced package.

　　

2020 Volvo XC40 models

The 2020 Volvo XC40 is a compact luxury crossover with seating for five. Three trim levels are available: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The Momentum comes respectably equipped with luxury and safety features. Upgrading to the R-Design costs a bit more and adds exterior styling enhancements and additional luxury features, while the Inscription trades the R-Design's sporty upgrades for even more amenities. Each trim is also available with several features packages and stand-alone options.

　　The XC40 is sold with two powertrains, both using a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive T4 produces 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft 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 features such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, and cloth and faux-leather upholstery.

　　Also included are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and an eight-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include lane departure warning and mitigation and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　There are two primary option packages for the Momentum: Convenience and Premium. Go with the Convenience package to get features such as dual-zone climate control and an adjustable cargo load floor. The Premium package adds a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a wireless charging pad, and a blind-spot monitor.

　　The R-Design trim includes both of the above packages, plus larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery with faux-suede inserts, and a navigation system. The luxe Inscription starts with the Momentum plus Convenience and Premium packages. From there, it adds unique wheels, leather upholstery, wood trim, and some of the R-Design's luxury features.

　　Other options to be on the lookout for include the Advanced package (more safety features, including adaptive cruise control) and the Momentum-only Multimedia package (adds navigation and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system).

　　

2020 XC40 Highlights

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

　　

Base MSRP	$33,700
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