Overview
The spunky little sibling within the Volvo lineup is the 2023 XC40 SUV, which blends Volvo’s safety-first ethos and upscale ambiance with a younger character. The XC40’s cabin is sensible and properly trimmed, and the seating place is way greater than that of rivals such because the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. A number of know-how options are on the prepared as nicely, together with Volvo’s superior driver-assistance tech and a brand new Google-based infotainment system. Two four-cylinder powertrains can be found—each with a 48-volt hybrid system—however solely the extra highly effective of the 2 has all-wheel drive. An electrical model can be accessible should you’re searching for a extra eco-friendly choice, however we evaluation the XC40 Recharge individually.
What’s New for 2023?
Not solely has the 2023 XC40 adopted Volvo’s new Core, Plus, and Final trim ranges, but it surely has additionally swapped out its T4 and T5 four-cylinder powertrains for brand spanking new B4 and B5 ones that characteristic a 48-volt hybrid system. To mark the event, Volvo has given the XC40 a light-weight exterior styling refresh that features revised headlamps, an up to date entrance bumper and grille, and new wheel designs. Three new colours—Brilliant Nightfall Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic, and Silver Daybreak Metallic—can be found, as is a brand new Metropolis Block textile upholstery choice. Inside, the XC40 transitions to Volvo’s newer Google-based infotainment system however retains the identical 9.0-inch touchscreen show.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
Whereas we haven’t pushed the XC40 with its up to date powertrains but, we’d nonetheless choose the B5 as a result of it has the extra highly effective 247-hp engine and gives all-wheel drive. We’d select the mid-range Plus trim, because it comes commonplace with a panoramic sunroof, leather-based seats, LED fog lights, a power-folding rear seat, and a crystal gearshifter.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Below the hood of each XC40 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain making both 194 horsepower in B4 kind or 247 horsepower within the B5. Each characteristic a 48-volt hybrid system. The extra highly effective B5 pairs completely with all-wheel drive whereas the entry-level B4 comes solely with front-wheel drive. We haven’t had an opportunity to check drive the XC40 with its new powertrains but, however the older T5 model scooted to 60 mph in a fairly brisk 6.2 seconds. The eight-speed automated transmission dealt with gearchanges at once and transmitted no harshness to the cabin whereas doing so. Our sole grievance was the coarse sound the T5 engine emitted beneath heavy throttle. We anticipate comparable habits from the up to date B5 setup, however we’ll replace this story after we get an opportunity to take it for a spin. The XC40’s towing capability—a rarity amongst subcompact-luxury crossovers—stays a stout 3500 kilos.
Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG
The XC40’s EPA fuel-economy scores are a class-competitive 24 mpg metropolis and 32 mpg freeway for the B4 model and 23 mpg metropolis and 30 mpg freeway for the B5. After we get an opportunity, we’ll take the XC40 on our 75-mph freeway gasoline financial system route and report its real-world take a look at outcomes right here. It’s up towards robust competitors within the type of the environment friendly Mercedes-Benz GLB250, which delivered a powerful 32 mpg in our testing. For extra details about the XC40’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Up to date Swedish styling meets enjoyable and practical design contained in the XC40. The cabin’s mild and ethereal ambiance imparts a really upscale vibe even within the base Core trim. Passenger area is commodious in each the entrance and rear seats. As is the case with its dearer stablemates—the XC60 and XC90—the XC40 is practical inside, nicely made, and fantastically designed—if not fairly as plush and splendid. Volvo designers took the chance to include younger thrives within the cabin of the Plus trim, such because the textured metallic trim rather than conventional wooden inlays and rectilinear vents with floating chrome adjusters. High-of-the-line Final fashions sport a classier look, with driftwood trim and a shift knob crafted from Orrefors crystal. In our baggage take a look at, the XC40 managed to accommodate 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. Moreover, Volvo has built-in a lot of creative cargo-storage options all through the XC40’s inside, resembling a hook that flips out from the glovebox to carry takeout luggage, a divider for the cargo space, and a detachable rubbish bin with a hinged door within the heart console.
Infotainment and Connectivity
From its distinguished place within the heart of the XC40’s dashboard, Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system is projected brightly on a 9.0-inch touchscreen. Virtually every part contained in the cabin is managed by way of this display, however there are few bodily buttons. System usability is a combined bag: The primary menus are intuitively organized, however on-screen icons are too small, which makes them fussy to make use of on the go.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Volvo gives loads of driver-assistance tech as commonplace, together with automated emergency braking. Nonetheless, extra superior options together with a semi-autonomous driving mode are non-compulsory. For extra details about the XC40’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Normal automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Normal lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Out there adaptive cruise management with a semi-autonomous driving mode
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Volvo’s guarantee protection is honest, and three years of complimentary scheduled upkeep are a pleasant perk. Sadly, there’s nothing right here that makes the XC40 a standout amongst its rivals, which all provide roughly the identical protection.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled upkeep is roofed for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Extra Options and Specs