If you love Volvo’s large SUVS but want something more compact and cost-effective, the XC40 might be right up your street. It looks great outside and in, has lots of interior space, is well equipped and gives you a smooth, relaxing drive. It’s a great choice for families but more car park-friendly than a large SUV, while the range of models available includes hybrid and electric options.
Looking for a car to suit the whole family? We've got you covered with a list of the best used family cars.
Launched in 2018, the XC40 offers you a wide choice of models and engines, including conventional petrol and diesel versions and petrol mild-hybrid models. There’s also a petrol plug-in hybrid, which was initially called ‘TwinEngine’ but was then re-named ‘Recharge’ in 2020. If you want zero-emissions on every journey you should opt for the P8 Recharge –a pure electric XC40 that was launched in 2020. The XC40 models with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive are among the most cost-effective versions in the range; some versions have four-wheel drive and you’ll find that many used XC40s (and all of the plug-in hybrid and electric models) have an automatic gearbox.
The trim levels for the XC40 are called Momentum, Inscription and R Design. Momentum is the most cost-effective version; Inscription gives you some more luxury features while R Design models have a sportier look. You might find a First Edition model among the used XC40s on sale. This special-edition model was sold in limited numbers when the car was launched and it features a lot of equipment as standard.
Even the entry-level XC40 Momentum is extremely well equipped with sat nav, smartphone connectivity, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors and a widescreen digital driver’s display. Higher-spec models have features such as heated leather seats and an upgraded stereo.
All XC40s also have a comprehensive set of driver safety features to reduce the likelihood of an accident. These include blindspot monitoring, driver alertness monitor, automatic emergency braking and ‘run off-road’ protection, which helps to prevent you from accidentally driving off the edge of the road.
Most of the XC40’s features are reached through the dashboard touchscreen display. Once you’ve learned your way around the system it’s very user-friendly.
Petrol XC40 models can give fuel economy of 34-40mpg, according to official figures, and diesels can give 44-52mpg, depending on which engine is fitted. Automatic models are more efficient than manuals. Plug-in hybrids can give up to 134mpg with a fully charged battery, and have a zero-emissions range of up to 28 miles. The electric P8 has a range of up to 260 miles.
As a premium brand car, the XC40 costs more than some similar cars, but you may feel its design and technology are good value.
Other premium-brand compact SUVs include the Audi Q3 and Jaguar E-Pace, and there are lower-priced options like the Ford Kuga and Honda CR-V. There are more practical and efficient options than the XC40 (though not by much) but its design, tech and relaxing driving experience really stand out.
The XC40 is actually on our list of the top 10 most comfortable used cars. What makes a car comfortable? Our guide has all the answers.
Despite its relatively compact size, the XC40 is, for passengers, among the most spacious cars of this type. There’s lots of legroom in the front and back seats and particularly generous headroom for everyone, so four tall adults will fit comfortably. A family of four should have more than enough space, whatever the age of the children. Helpfully, the XC40’s height puts the back seats at roughly the same level that most people would carry a small child, so getting the kids in and out of the car puts less stress on your back. There are other compact SUVs with bigger boots, but the XC40 has enough space for holiday luggage, even if you don’t pack light. The back seats can fold down, as well.
Volvo makes some of the safest cars on the road and the XC40 is no exception. Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded it a full five-star rating – indeed, the car’s many safety systems earned it one of the highest scores ever recorded.
The XC40 Recharge P8 is a fully electric car with a range of up to 260 miles, according to official figures. An 80% recharge takes as little as 40 minutes from a 150kW public charger while a full recharge at home takes around 7.5 hours. Also available are plug-in hybrid T5 models with a zero-emissions range of up to 28 miles, and petrol mild-hybrid B4 and B5 models.
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