The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Fun styling
- New RWD model’s range
- Lots of tech
- Delightful interior design
Dislikes
- Small-ish interior
- AWD means big range drop
- Not exactly inexpensive
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 Volvo C40’s new electric motors give it a big increase in range this year—plus it’s slightly cheaper than before.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Volvo C40? What does it compare to?
The C40 Recharge is Volvo’s sleek-looking small EV. Shop it against the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, and even Volvo’s own XC40 Recharge.
Is the 2024 Volvo C40 a good SUV?
It’s an appealing overall choice thanks to its pert styling and terrific safety set. Sure, some competitors can tp its 297-mile top range estimate, but the C40 comes close while dishing out its own form of style. It’s a 7.5 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Volvo C40?
New motors and upsized batteries provide an uptick in estimated range for the 2024 C40 lineup, which sticks with single- and dual-motor options. Other minor changes include new wheel designs and a few styling and feature tweaks.
The C40 is a style-forward sibling to the XC40 Recharge. Its comparatively rakish roofline gives it a slightly slipperier shape that comes at the expense of utility. While still fairly practical, it’s not the EV you’ll want if you deliver furniture for a living.
The new rear-drive version of the C40 Recharge offers up to 297 miles of range via a new 255-hp motor and 82-kwh battery, per EPA test standards. Optionally, second motor mounted up front provides optional all-wheel drive and total output of 402 hp That version nets 257 miles of range. Regardless of power output, the C40 models are quick and refined—though that second motor version is downright rapid at around four seconds to 60 mph.
Inside, the C40 models stick to Volvo norm with a bright, airy cabin made even more sky-like thanks to a big, fixed glass roof. Rear-seat riders will find decent legroom and headroom. Google Built-In infotainment tech is quick and responsive, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All C40s are well equipped with standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Volvo’s ProPilot Assist system that allows for limited stints of hands-off driving is fitted at the top of the range. While we’re normally a huge fan of this tech, we understand it’s likely less critical for an EV than it is for a road-trip machine.
How much does the 2024 Volvo C40 cost?
Volvo wants $54,895 for a base C40 Core with standard Google Assistant and Google Maps, fabric upholstery, and 19-inch alloy wheels. For $1,800 more, the Plus adds a surround-view camera system and suede-like upholstery. The twin-motor setup costs $1,750 more. Given its range hit, it might be an item to skip if you live in the Sun Belt.
Where is the 2024 Volvo C40 made?
In Belgium.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Styling
The 2024 Volvo C40 is a distinctive-looking choice.
Is the Volvo C40 a good-looking car?
It wears fun styling that makes it a standout, especially compared to Volvo’s similar but less adventurous XC40 Recharge. We like the C40 well enough to give it a 7 out of 10, with points above average for interior and exterior design.
The C40 looks like a standard XC40 Recharge up front, with big headlights and a blocked-out grille. From the side, things are conventional right up until the rear seats, at which point the roofline dives toward the rear bumper. It’s rakish but not over-the-top, and Volvo says it also slips through the wind better than the boxier XC40. Standard 19-inch wheels fill its big wells beautifully; the optional 20s look a bit big to us. Volvo offers sedate but pretty paint colors, too.
Inside, it’s classic modern Volvo, if such a thing can exist. A vertical 9.0-inch touchscreen cants slightly toward the driver. Look for tall climate control vents and only a few buttons and knobs. There’s no warm interior hue here, but the grays and blacks Volvo offers are still soothing and comforting.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Performance
The 2024 Volvo C40 is pleasant to drive.
With a new rear-wheel-drive version that offers a lower price point and more range, the 2024 Volvo C40 becomes a more palatable EV choice. Its 6 out of 10 rating comes from its overall composure. Opt for the dual-motor version and it’s quite fast, too.
Is the Volvo C40 4WD?
It can be. The dual-motor version adds a second motor to power the front axle, which also results in more power.
How fast is the Volvo C40?
The base version has just one 248-hp motor, which pairs with a 79.0-kwh battery pack to deliver a 0-60 mph time of about 6.6 seconds. Opt for the twin-motor variant and a second motor pops in to boost things to 402 hp. Its 4.4-second run to 60 mph is far quicker, though it does see a big drop in estimated range.
The C40 has a pleasant ride on smooth pavement, but pockmarked streets conspire with big 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tires to disturb the interior. Combine its busy ride with numb steering and it’s not exactly a lot of fun. It is, however, quiet and refined, imparting a more grown-up feel than some of its competitors.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Comfort & Quality
The 2024 Volvo C40 has a beautiful cabin, but it’s not especially roomy.
While stylish inside and out, the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge is light on cargo space. It’s a 7 on the TCC scale thanks to great front seats and a cargo area that’s better than a sedan but still not huge.
All models can be swathed in a choice of various leather-free upholstery trims, including a particularly divine wool blend at the top of the lineup. Standard power adjustment and heating for the front seats make them a comfortable place to whittle away electrons.
Rear-seat passengers will find decent legroom, though the bench itself is a bit narrow for three. The roofline slopes rearward aft of the back-seat passengers, which cuts into cargo room but mostly leaves headroom alone.
Compared to the similar XC40, the C40 comes up a bit short on cargo space. You’ll find just 15 cubic feet, with the rear seats upright, though that grows to around 45 cubes with the second row seatbacks folded down. It’s fine for errand-running, but you may find bigger items to be a tight fit.
The C40 has lovely materials throughout.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Safety
The 2024 Volvo C40 is a safety champ.
How safe is the Volvo C40?
It has done well in what tests have been performed. The IIHS rated the Volvo C40 Recharge a Top Safety Pick+. All versions come standard with the array of features we expect from a Volvo: automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control. The automaker’s Pilot Assist tech, which centers the vehicle in its lane and keeps a set distance from the car in front, is limited to the top trim. While we realize EVs are not typically purchased as road-trip vehicles, Pilot Assist can be nice for highway commutes, too.
Outward vision is good forward but a bit tricky over the shoulder thanks to the sloped roofline.
Overall, the C40 rates an 8, with room to grow to a 9 if and when the NHTSA tests it.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Features
By EV standards, the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge comes in a wide array of configurations.
The C40 comes nicely outfitted, though at $54,895 to start, it’s no cheap option. We score it at 8 out of 10 thanks to its standard fare, its big infotainment screen with Google Built-In tech, and a handful of high-zoot driver-assistance options.
The Volvo C40 comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, too.
Base models include seats wrapped in fabric upholstery composed of recycled materials, 19-inch alloy wheels, a large sunroof, a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.0-inch vertical infotainment screen, and a reasonable set of crash-avoidance features.
Which Volvo C40 should I buy?
For $1,750 extra, the twin-motor setup is worthwhile for drivers in wintry climates. Another $1,800 buys the mid-level Plus trim with its surround-view camera and upgraded trim.
How much is a fully loaded Volvo C40?
The top $60,095 Ultimate adds Volvo’s Pilot Assist system for limited hands-off driving, plus upgraded headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, and Harman Kardon audio. It’s also the gateway to the decadent $250 wool blend upholstery option, which we’d absolutely add.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Fuel Economy
The 2024 Volvo C40’s improved battery and motor tech adds more range for 2024.
Is the Volvo C40 good on driving range?
It’s better now than it was last year. The top rear-wheel-drive version is estimated to deliver 297 miles on a full charge. Opt for the second motor that gives it all-wheel drive and that figure slides to 257 miles.
These models are all rated for DC fast chargers, which can top off a battery from just 10% to 80% in less than half an hour. Drivers can also charge on Level 2 and home-style Level 1 setups.
