Volvo XC40 review

The XC40 mixes style, space and comfort with cutting-edge safety and relative affordability so ably that we named it our 2018 What Car? Car of the Year

Star Rating Red

RRP £36,860

New
Used

Play

Volvo XC40 rear driving

Volvo XC40 side profile driving

Volvo XC40 front cornering

Volvo XC40 side profile static

Volvo XC40 rear static

Volvo XC40 boot space

Volvo XC40 interior

Volvo XC40 interior details

Volvo XC40 interior rear seats

Volvo XC40 interior details

Volvo XC40 exterior details

Volvo XC40 rear cornering

Volvo XC40 interior

Volvo XC40 boot space

Volvo XC40 exterior badge

Video thumbnail

New car deals

Best price from £36,860

A circular icon with a £ sign at the centre.

What is What Car? best price?

The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.

Available now from: £36,860

RRP from: £36,860

Available now

From £36,860

Leasing deals

From £338

About our price indicator

What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)

Volvo XC40

Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £337.85 Initial payment £4,054.20

Step-by-step

Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.

Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end

What you get

When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:

Full manufacturer’s warranty
Road tax and roadside assistance included
Free returns within 30 days*

Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.

In partnership with

AutoTrader logo

£4,299 total upfront (£4,054 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months

Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
No balloon payments
Road tax included

Power

161 bhp

0-62 mph

8.6 s

Efficiency

42.1 mpg

Figures for 2.0 B3 MHEV Ultra Dark DCT Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

5-Star

Fuel efficient

Reliable cars

Jump to:

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Buying & owning

Lawrence Cheung

Updated: 10 December 2025

How we test cars

You've probably read about Volvo's decision to ditch estate cars and sell SUVs only, and the subsequent U-turn when buyers demanded their return. And whatever the future holds for the Swedish brand's line-up, the Volvo XC40 is likely to remain a big-seller.

Indeed, as the entry-point into Volvo's petrol-powered SUV range and a former What Car? Car of the Year, the XC40 is a hugely popular car – but is it still one of the best family SUVs you can buy? After all, there are much newer alternatives to consider now, including the BMW X1, as well as the Mini Countryman, Range Rover Evoque and Volkswagen Tiguan.

New car deals

Best price from £36,860

A circular icon with a £ sign at the centre.

What is What Car? best price?

The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.

Available now from: £36,860

RRP from: £36,860

Available now

From £36,860

Leasing deals

From £338

About our price indicator

What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)

Volvo XC40

Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £337.85 Initial payment £4,054.20

Step-by-step

Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.

Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end

What you get

When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:

Full manufacturer’s warranty
Road tax and roadside assistance included
Free returns within 30 days*

Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.

In partnership with

AutoTrader logo

£4,299 total upfront (£4,054 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months

Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
No balloon payments
Road tax included

Volvo XC40 video review

In this review, we'll tell you how the Volvo XC40 stacks up in all the important areas, plus which version we think makes the most sense. Alternatively, if you're in the market for a fully electric family SUV, check out our Volvo EX40 review.

What’s new?

- April 2025 - Plus Pro trim introduced with non-dazzling ‘pixel’ LED headlights and 360deg parking cameras
- April 2025 - All XC40 models gain a new, more powerful and simpler infotainment system
- July 2024 - New Black Edition pack, available on Plus and Ultra models, features black paint, wheels, trim and badges

scroll for more

The 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey is live, tell us about your car now

Verdict

Star Rating Red

The Volvo XC40 blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a superb interior, excellent ride comfort and top-notch safety. In other words, it’s a stylish, premium product that’s backed up by real substance. We recommend the B3 petrol engine and mid-spec Plus trim.

Best buy

2.0 B3 MHEV Ultra Dark SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (163 ps) review

RRP £45,960

Pros

Stylish and high-quality interior
Comfortable ride on most versions
Comprehensive safety kit

Cons

Lacks the rear-seat flexibility of some rivals
Fairly small infotainment screen
Some rivals are tidier to drive

Best buy

2.0 B3 MHEV Ultra Dark SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (163 ps) review

RRP £45,960

New car deals

Available now

Leasing deals

Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

Volvo XC40 rear cornering

Strengths

Supple, comfy ride
Easy to drive
Quieter than many rivals

Weaknesses

Some road noise
Not the most agile

How fast is it and which engine is best?

All Volvo XC40s have a seven-speed automatic gearbox, front-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre petrol engine. However, there are two versions of the engine available: the B3, which has 161bhp, and the more powerful B4, with 194bhp. Both have mild-hybrid tech to aid efficiency.

scroll for more

Our pick is the B3, because it's sprightly enough for most buyers, with a 0-62mph time of 8.6secs. It's noticeably gutsier than the 1.5 TFSI 150 engine in the Audi Q3. The B4 cuts a second off the sprint time, but we don't think it's worth the extra cost.

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

The XC40 isn't a sporty car, and when you up the pace you'll notice a fair amount of body lean though corners and some nosedive under hard braking. However, most buyers will be driving their XC40 in a relaxed manner. If you do that, you'll find the handling perfectly adequate.

While the steering isn't particularly feelsome, it responds accurately enough and the XC40 actually hangs on more gamely through tight twists and turns than a Mini Countryman or Tiguan. In short, some alternatives are more fun, but the XC40 is easy to drive. Check out the Cupra Formentor is handling is a top priority.

The XC40 is more comfortable than most of its rivals, though, including the Audi Q3, the firmer-riding BMW X1 and even some relatively comfy alternatives, such as the Range Rover Evoque.

scroll for more

On faster roads, the XC40 breezes over ripples and expansion joints and takes the sting out of razor-edged potholes around town – even if you go for the big 20in alloy wheels that come as standard with range-topping Ultra trim.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

You can hear some turbo whistle coming from under the bonnet when accelerating enthusiastically, but both XC40 engines are quieter than the rather coarse-sounding engine in the X1 xDrive23i or the 1.5 TFSI 150 in the Q3.

All the latest deals, offers and much more from the What Car? team. Don't miss out.

See our full privacy notice for more details.

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Whichever XC40 you choose, you'll hear a low level of wind buffeting around the windscreen at motorway speeds. There's also some road noise, especially when big 20in alloy wheels are fitted (the Evoque is notably more subdued in this respect). Still, the XC40 is slightly quieter overall than an equivalent Q3, Countryman or Tiguan, and nowhere near as rowdy as the X1 on a motorway.

The XC40’s brakes are progressive, making it easier to come to a smooth stop than in a Q3.

“Comfort is key for buyers of family SUVs like this, and the XC40 really excels. The trade off is a little more body lean than in rivals but it's a compromise I'm happy with.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

scroll for more

Tips & Advice

How to test drive a car

There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

Star Rating Red

Volvo XC40 interior

Strengths

Lofty driving position
Comfortable seats offer lots of adjustment
Superb interior quality

Weaknesses

Compromised over-the-shoulder visibility
Infotainment system isn't brilliant

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

Volvo now ranks alongside the best premium brands when it comes to interior quality, and the XC40 is no exception. Pretty much everything you touch feels upmarket and ready to stand up to the rigours of daily use, putting the interiors of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mini Countryman and VW Tiguan to shame.

scroll for more

The great mix of high-end plastics, leather and metal or wood inlays, and carpeted sections of the door panels and centre console gives the XC40 real panache. It looks and feels so classy inside that the Range Rover Evoque is the only family SUV that comes close, and that's a far more expensive option.

The design looks simple and while it may not be particularly flamboyant, it has aged well. Mid-level Plus trim gets extra ambient lighting and part-suede upholstery, while the Plus Pro and Ultra trims both get leather upholstery and a crystal gear selector.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

The front seats in some rivals (such as the Audi Q3) provide a little more side support, but the ones in the Volvo XC40 are still very comfortable and some of the best you’ll find in any family SUV. There’s a wide range of adjustment, including four-way powered lumbar support on all versions. If you go for Plus trim, you get fully electric adjustment and a handy memory function for the driver’s seat.

scroll for more

The driving position is brilliant in other ways, too. You sit higher than you do in many rivals, including the Q3, X1 and Tiguan, making the XC40 feel like a proper SUV from behind the wheel, rather than just a jacked-up family hatchback.

A digital driver's display is standard and while it doesn’t offer many layouts, it proves easy to read at a glance. Our only criticism is that the minimalist design of the dashboard means you have to delve into the infotainment touchscreen to adjust nearly everything, including the interior temperature. That can be rather distracting when you're driving, although its the same deal in many rivals.

The XC40's elevated seating position gives you a good view of the road ahead, helped further by the relatively slim windscreen pillars. You also get fairly large door mirrors, so you can see clearly what’s drawing up alongside, and bright LED headlights are fitted to make driving at night easier.

Over-the-shoulder visibility is compromised by how the window line kicks up towards the back of the car. Fortunately, all trims include front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.

scroll for more

Opting for the Plus Pro version gets you a 360-degree camera system to make navigating tight spaces even easier. That trim also upgrades the standard LED headlights to adaptive 'pixel' LED headlights, which allows you to keep full beam on without dazzling other road users.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

In the middle of the XC40's dashboard is a 9.0in portrait-oriented touchscreen, which works in much the same way as a tablet computer. While the idea of a screen that lets you swipe, pinch and scroll might sound good in theory, the reality is that you have to take your eyes off the road for longer than is ideal just to complete simple tasks – such as changing the radio station, for example.

Matters aren't helped by the fact that some of the icons are small and the screen doesn’t always react immediately to prods.

Still, the XC40's screen is crystal clear and there are plenty of features included as standard. You get built-in sat-nav (powered by Google Maps),Wireless phone charging and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

scroll for more

“Digital dials are clear and easy to read, but I wish they were more configurable. By contrast, both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 feature a number of different layouts.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

Volvo XC40 boot space

Strengths

Plenty of space for tall adults in the back
Thoughtfully designed storage cubbies
Square boot is easy to pack

Weaknesses

Rear seats don't slide or recline
Seatbacks split 60/40 rather than 40/20/40

How much space does it have for people?

There's lots of space to stretch out in the front of the Volvo XC40. You won’t be banging elbows with your front passenger, because the interior is fairly broad by family SUV standards.

scroll for more

It’s also full of thoughtful details. You get a pop-out rubbish bin between the front seats and carpeted door pockets that are each big enough to take a small laptop or two large bottles of water.

What’s more, the XC40 is roomy enough in the back for taller adults to sit comfortably without their heads brushing the ceiling – even if you opt for Ultra trim with its panoramic glass roof – or their knees bashing the seat in front. It’s similar to the Audi Q3, although offers slightly less leg room than the BMW X1 and VW Tiguan. Even so, only a carload of giants will have any cause for complaint.

Thanks to its relatively wide rear bench, three adults can sit side by side fairly easily, with a bit more shoulder room than in the Q3. There’s also plenty of space under the front seats for their feet. The middle passenger’s legs will need to straddle a fairly big hump in the floor, though. As for storage space, there are big door bins and a couple of cupholders in the rear centre armrest.

scroll for more

How much room does it have for luggage?

The XC40 has an official boot capacity of 443 litres – less than equivalent versions of the Q3, X1 and Tiguan. However, the load bay's commendably square proportions make packing super-easy, and if you don't opt for a spare wheel, you get a big underfloor storage area that makes up for any shortcomings above deck.

We managed to squeeze seven carry-on suitcases below the XC40's parcel shelf, which is actually one more than we fitted in the Q3. However, that’s one fewer than in the X1, and two down on the Tiguan.

There’s no lip to negotiate at the entrance of the XC40's boot and opting for at least Plus trim adds a hinged panel midway along the floor. The panel clips up vertically and creates a divider to prevent smaller items from sliding around too much.

Split-folding rear seats are standard. However, the seatback is split 60/40, rather than the more versatile 40/20/40 arrangement that you get in the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque and VW Tiguan.

scroll for more

It's also a pity that – unlike in the Q3, X1 and Tiguan – the rear seats don't recline for extra comfort, or slide back and forth. There is a ski hatch in the rear seatback, though, so you can slot long, narrow items through from the boot between two rear passengers.

“The XC40’s boot is well thought out, and I like the recessed areas which can hold smaller items such as cleaning cloths or a first aid kit.” – Doug Revolta, Head of Video

Tips & Advice

Need ultimate practicality?

We’ve run the rule over the most spacious models on sale to deliver the definitive rundown of the cars with the biggest boots

Will the car fit your needs?

As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

Volvo XC40 exterior badge

Strengths

Well priced for a premium-badged family SUV
Strong resale values
Performed well in Euro NCAP safety tests

Weaknesses

Fuel economy is nothing special
So-so warranty length and reliability

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

As premium family SUVs go, the Volvo XC40 is priced attractively and should hold its value well – if not quite as well as the Range Rover Evoque. Slow depreciation also means the XC40's PCP finance deals are usually competitive – you can check the latest prices on our New Car Deals pages.

scroll for more

The turbocharged 2.0-litre B3 is the least powerful engine, but it’s still slightly bigger than engines found in some equally-sized rivals. As a result, fuel economy is respectable rather than brilliant (expect around 35mpg in normal driving). By comparison, an Audi Q3 will achieve more than 40mpg.

Ways to buy

Cash from £36,860 Own the car outright. No monthly payments.

Lease from £338pm Drive a new car every few years. Lower upfront costs.

£4,054 initial payment , 36 month contract , 5000 miles p/a . Subject to status and conditions.

Available Now from £36,860 Choose a car from stock. Drive away today!

The most cost-effective version for company car drivers paying BIK tax is the fully electric Volvo EX40 (previously known as the XC40 Recharge).

Entry-level Core trim provides a decent list of goodies, including adaptive cruise control, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights and heated front seats. It also has 18in alloy wheels and a powered tailgate.

Many buyers will find that enough, but our favourite trim is the even better equipped Plus. It adds keyless entry, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a heated front windscreen.

Plus Pro gets leather seats and extra tech including a 360-degree camera. The premium is just about justifiable but we’d still be happy with regular Plus.

scroll for more

Ultra trim is a bit too steep on price, but it’s worth considering for its Harman Kardon sound system, tinted rear windows and panoramic sunroof.

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

As a brand, Volvo finished a disappointing 21st out of 30 manufacturers in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey. The XC40 itself finished poorly in the family SUV class as well, coming 54th out of 76 cars in total.

You get a three-year/60,000-mile warranty as standard, which includes roadside assistance, a three-year paintwork warranty and 12 years of cover against rust. That's par for the course among premium family SUVs, matching the Audi Q3, but falling short of the five-year/50,000-mile warranty offered with the Genesis GV70.

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

When it was tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP back in 2018, the XC40 was awarded the full five star rating. The problem is that its rating has now expired, due to the tests getting more stringent every year and changing lots since then.

scroll for more

Even so, you still get a good level of safety kit as standard, including an automatic emergency braking system that recognises cyclists, pedestrians and large animals as well as cars.

Every XC40 also comes with traffic-sign recognition and Oncoming Lane Mitigation (which intervenes if you cross a road's centre line into the path of other vehicles). Plus trim adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and an assisted driving function (named Pilot Assist) which can steer, accelerate and brake in certain situations – although your hands must always be on the wheel.

“Every trim comes well equipped, but I reckon the Plus trim is worth the extra over entry-level Core.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor

Buy it if…

- You fancy an SUV that prioritises on comfort

- You value a well-built interior

- You regularly travel long distances

Don’t buy it if…

- You want the most fuel efficient SUV

- You want the latest technology inside

- You want an SUV that’s fun to drive

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

scroll for more

Volvo XC40 owner reviews

Sort by: Most Recent Star rating

Anonymous

Volvo Xc40 petrol

Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs

Jun 3, 2026 4:10 PM

High spec and I love it

Anonymous

Volvo Xc40 petrol

Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs

May 29, 2026 7:20 AM

My Volvo XC40 has a high storage capacity and is the most comfortable and reliable car I have driven. Its internal infotainment system is accurate and entertainment system very easy to use.

Clif

Volvo Xc40 petrol

Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs

May 18, 2026 11:31 PM

Paul

Volvo Xc40 petrol

Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing

May 14, 2026 9:14 AM

I love my xc40 ultra. Beautiful refined and luxurious

Brian

Volvo Xc40 petrol

Likes: Reliability, Servicing, Running costs

May 6, 2026 7:07 PM

Load more owner reviews

Tips & Advice

Organise your motoring life

Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered

Never miss a motoring date

Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help

Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines

If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines

Can I buy a car with cash?

Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect

How to lease a car

Car leasing is like long-term rental, and can be an affordable route to a new car. When the deal ends, you hand the car back

Protect your investment

GAP insurance allows you to get the full price for your car if it’s stolen or written off, but only a quarter of Brits buy it

Reduce your car finance bills

Refinancing your car effectively means taking out one loan to pay off another, which could help reduce your monthly payments, or reduce your finance term

What is hire purchase?

Hire purchase allows you to make monthly payments to buy your next car – although these will be higher than with a PCP

What is PCP finance?

Low monthly payments are key to the appeal of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements. But are there downsides?

Similarly priced cars

Lexus LBX front cornering

Lexus LBX

Star Rating Red

Smart #3 front cornering

Smart #3

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

Volvo EX30 front cornering

Volvo EX30

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

Kia EV3 front cornering

Kia EV3

Star Rating Red

Nissan Leaf driving front right

Nissan Leaf

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

Volkswagen T-Roc front driving

Volkswagen T-Roc

Star Rating Red

If you're interested in finding a Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, or any of the other small suv cars mentioned here, head over to our Cars available now pages to find new cars listed for sale at great prices.

Volvo XC40 specifications

Best buy

2.0 B3 MHEV Ultra Dark SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (163 ps) review

RRP £45,960

RRP price range

£36,860 - £47,360

MPG range across all versions

40.3 - 134.5

Available fuel types (which is best for you? )

Petrol Hybrid, Electric, Petrol Plug-in Hybrid, Petrol

Available colours

Number of engines (see all)

Number of trims (see all)

Warranty

3 years / 60,000 - 100,000 miles

Company car tax at 20% (min/max)

£2,537 - £3,304

Company car tax at 40% (min/max)

£5,074 - £6,609

FAQs

Is the Volvo XC40 being discontinued?

While the Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid is no longer offered, the pure-petrol XC40 is very much still on sale. You can also get a fully electric version, which is now called the Volvo EX40.

Does a Volvo XC40 hold its value?

Yes, the XC40 is predicted to hold on to its value well by family SUV standards, which is one of the reasons PCP finance deals are usually very competitive.

Why should I buy a Volvo XC40?

The XC40 is a brilliant family SUV that offers a great mix of performance, practicality, comfort and interior quality. In short, it's definitely worth putting on your shortlist.

Which is the best engine for the Volvo XC40?

We reckon the entry-level B3 is the one to go for. It's a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol with mild-hybrid assistance, and offers all the performance you're likely to want.

New car deals

Best price from £36,860

A circular icon with a £ sign at the centre.

What is What Car? best price?

The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.

Available now from: £36,860

RRP from: £36,860

Available now

From £36,860

Leasing deals

From £338

About our price indicator

What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)

Volvo XC40

Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 36 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £337.85 Initial payment £4,054.20

Step-by-step

Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.

Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end

What you get

When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:

Full manufacturer’s warranty
Road tax and roadside assistance included
Free returns within 30 days*

Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.

In partnership with

AutoTrader logo

£4,299 total upfront (£4,054 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 36 months

Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
No balloon payments
Road tax included