2025 Volvo XC40

Pros

• A lot of standard and optional tools for driver assistance.
• Google-powered technologies that are helpful.
• Simple to see out.

Cons

• Cargo capacity for the class is small.
• The seats and ride aren’t comfortable enough for a high-end SUV.

How does the XC40 get its power? The Invoices’ test track showed that our test XC40 could go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is about normal for a very good small SUV. Most of the time, it’s not clear, but the transmission may be in a very high gear when you need quick power. The brakes feel strong and work well on our test track. The emergency stops are excellent, among the best in their category. Stopping properly on the road is effortless for them since they feel fantastic. On top of that, steering is strong. When driving on winding roads, the XC40 doesn’t shake, and its usual all-wheel drive gives it plenty of grip.

How does the XC40 make you feel? The XC40’s handling is rougher than we would like, even for a small luxury SUV like this one. Even though potholes are filled in, the road’s flaws will always be there. There is plenty of room in both the front and back seats. The front seats have mostly stayed the same, but the design is usually supportive without being stifling. For most drivers, the backrest should be fine, but some might think it’s too far forward.

It needs to be clarified why Volvo’s dual-zone automatic climate control only lets you change the temperature by two degrees, not one. When 71 degrees feels like the sweet spot, you go up a notch from 68 to 70 to 72, and so on. Despite how insignificant it appears, there is no solid rationale behind it. The XC40 was noisier than we had anticipated. You can constantly hear the motor, but the wind and the road barely register. The construction of other luxury SUVs is superior.

How is the state of the inside? With a Google-supported navigation system, the XC40’s interior has changed the most since it was first released. Beyond that, there hasn’t been much internal change. The XC40 has a volume knob, a few buttons, and a touchscreen for most of its features and settings, such as playing music and controlling the temperature. The system is easy to use and responsive, even though the screen is low resolution and set vertically. Sometimes, it’s hard to see how the menus are set up, so we wish it was easier to use.

The XC40’s ability to fit four people comfortably is something we like. There is a bump in the floor in the back center seat that makes it only good for small people. Other than that, everyone should have enough room, except the largest adults. It’s easy to get in and out because the doors are small and open wide. We were able to have the seat adjusted quickly, and it provided a comfortable driving position. It’s not a big deal, but having a little more reach on the steering wheel would be nice. The vertical windows and extra surround-view camera make it easy to see everything. If you want to see better out the back, you can even easily remove the back headrests.

What’s wrong with the tech? All of Volvo’s cars now have a new infotainment system that Google powers. The previous system was much inferior to this one. It’s easier to use Google Maps, which is the usual navigation app than most built-in navigation apps. Although you don’t have to sign in to use the system, if you do, you can get information from your friends or favorites as well. Voice directions are handled by Google Assistant, which is once again better than most systems made by automakers. Because it is easy to use and understands all commands, you don’t have to remember specific words when you change settings. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Volvo XC40 has many helpful driving features, including adaptive cruise control, which was also installed in our test vehicle. The equipment worked during our tests; it didn’t beep too much or send false messages.

What’s going on with storage? The Volvo XC40 has 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seat. Not the worst, but it’s still behind competitors like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The trunk space is very big and high, but it’s still low enough that it’s easy to move heavy things inside. The trims have smart storage spaces with folding hooks that keep things from moving around in the back, and the seats fold in half lengthwise and then across the middle. The front has a lot of room for cargo, and the door pockets are lined and big enough to fit small things like water bottles. The center desk is a little small, but the trash can that can be taken off is useful.

Putting a car seat on should be easy, even though the back is a little tight compared to other chairs in the same class. The openings in the doors are good, and the bolts are easy to get to.

How much fuel does it use? The EPA says that the Volvo XC40 gets 26 mpg on the highway and in the city. We got an average of 28.7 mpg on our mixed driving test route, which means that the EPA’s estimates for regular driving should be correct.

Is the XC40 worth buying? The Volvo XC40 comes with a good amount of basic features. For higher trims, the engine choices are also endless, so you can choose between a base engine and a loaded model that gets better gas mileage. The XC40’s dashboard is beautiful and well-made, but it feels less high-end than an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz. The front doors of our test car would not open with the key fob or the touch buttons on the door handles. The door finally opened, but the locks should always be open when you press a button.

Volvo’s guarantee coverage could be better than the norm in the industry. However, Volvo offers service appointments for three years and 36,000 miles and roadside help for four years and an unlimited number of kilometers, which is better than most of its opponents.

The XC40 isn’t a fast SUV, but it also needs to move better. The suspension keeps the body from rolling too much around tight corners, and the driving is quick and gives you good feedback from the road. Similar trends can be seen in the XC40’s personality and appearance as a whole. It might not be the most stylish or eye-catching SUV on the road, but its classic look will last for a long time. Not only is the XC40 a cheaper version of Volvo’s other models, but it also looks and feels like them.

For a cheap model, the XC40 Core comes with many nice features, like warm front seats, wireless phone charging, and lane-keeping assist. The only thing that is missing is adaptive cruise control, which is hidden away as part of the hands-free Pilot Assist system. It would help if you chose the top Ultra trim level to do that.

Types of Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 luxury subcompact SUV has three different trim options: core, plus, and ultra. Each has an all-wheel drive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.