2022 Volvo XC40

　　

2022 Volvo XC40 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　Most SUVs look very similar, almost boring sometimes, but not the Volvo XC40. You won't confuse this Swedish ride with anything else in the market, except for maybe its big sibling, the XC60. It's got an upright but classy look to it. And while this may be Volvo's smallest and most affordable SUV, the company has still seen to it outfit with a premium interior and plenty of advanced driver aids.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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

　　$175/mo  for XC40 T4 Momentum

　　XC40 T4 Momentum

　　T4 Momentum 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,100 MSRPT5 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,100 MSRPT4 R-Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,350 MSRPT4 Inscription 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,850 MSRPT5 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,350 MSRPT5 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,850 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The small XC40 can haul a family around, but not a big one. If the family is more than three or four, you should step up to the larger XC60 or three-row XC90. Otherwise, the XC40 easily satisfies and matches up well against other small premium rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X2, and Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB. Check out our Expert Rating for our test team's full evaluation of the XC40's technology features, utility and more.

　　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 outings 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below