2024 Volvo XC40

Volvo refreshed the front end somewhat last year, and Recharge models have a solid body-color face instead of a traditional grille. The clamshell hood provides a unique start to the profile, as do the hammer-like headlight details. Some of the contrasting details and lower bodywork give it a two-tone flair, while vertical taillights provide the nod to many Volvos present and past. 

The interior doesn’t match the level of drama and intrigue of the exterior, but it’s a design that will likely win you over in time with its spot-on details and bright, contrast-focused materials choices. A vertical touchscreen bisects the dash, and various colors and textures to the upholstery choices make the dash, door panels, and even carpet part of a bright ambience that’s anything but the austere German look. Nothing in here looks or feels cheap, either, at first look, or after spending hours in the XC40—a feat for Volvo’s lowest-priced model line at present.

Is the Volvo XC40 4WD?

Now that the base front-wheel-drive gasoline B4 models have been dropped, all gasoline XC40 models have all-wheel drive. All three model levels of the XC40 Recharge come with rear-wheel drive standard but can be optioned with dual-motor all-wheel drive for $1,750. 

How fast is the Volvo XC40?

Twin Motor versions of the Recharge are the quickest in the lineup, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds. Single Motor versions, at 6.9 seconds to 60 mph, are nearly a second slower than the gasoline version’s 6.1 seconds, but in around-town driving they feel quicker due to the near-instantaneous torque delivery of their electric propulsion system. 

By the numbers, gasoline models have a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, making 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Single-motor Recharge versions make 248 hp and 310 lb-ft and dual-motor Recharge versions make 402 hp and 487 lb-ft; all those motor units do no gear-shifting to deliver their acceleration. Recharge models offer a one-pedal driving mode that ramps up motor regeneration so that you do more “braking” with the electric motors (by letting up on the accelerator), but it’s a mode that can easily be toggled off. 

Both gasoline and Recharge EV versions have responsive, precise steering and a rather firm ride, but you should be aware that the XC40 has a different feel on the road depending on whether it has an engine or electric motors. With up to about 850 pounds more curb weight in the Recharge versus the gasoline models, and the big battery pack mostly underneath, count on the Recharge not to be quite as nimble, even if it is quicker. 

That said, the Recharge is actually more refined, upscale, confident—and superior—in all aspects of ride and handling, thanks to a retune of its suspension to go with the shift to a rear-wheel-drive bias. We’d warn against the 20-inch wheels and tires in top gasoline versions for how they transmit harshness from the road, but in the Recharge versions it’s not as big of a deal.

While the XC40 isn’t intended for serious off-roading, it stands up to family-SUV expectations in one way: Every XC40 model—electric or gasoline—is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

A power driver’s seat is standard, while a power passenger’s seat is optional. Front and rear seats are better-proportioned than most in this size of vehicle, with all-day comfort for those 6 feet tall or more, though small door openings are a concession to the short package. Interior upholsteries are impressive, with an emphasis on a warm ambience and light and dark contrasts—including cloth, synthetic and real leather, or on the Recharge, a distinctive wool blend that you need to consider if you’re getting a loaded version. 

Rear-seat riders have good legroom for a small crossover SUV but not enough width for three adults to sit in true comfort. 

The 21-cubic-foot cargo area can accommodate a couple of roll-on suitcases, though it grows to 47 cubes with the rear seatbacks folded. 

Recharge models give up no significant passenger or cargo space, and they actually add some cargo versatility—with a “frunk” (front trunk) in what would otherwise be the engine bay. It’s less than a cubic foot in actual space but good for keeping the eggs away from the crush or the handbag out of sight.

The NHTSA gives the gasoline XC40 five stars overall, with nearly top marks in every test, although it doesn’t extend that rating to the XC40 Recharge. 

The gasoline XC40 earns mostly top scores in IIHS testing, although it gets a next-best score of “Acceptable” in the updated side impact test and no longer makes the Top Safety Pick list.  Despite the Recharge’s remake underneath, to rear-wheel-drive based, the IIHS extends previous results; those were excellent—with top “Good” results in all the occupant-safety categories. 

Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors are included in all XC40 models, and top Ultimate models add a Pilot Assist system that centers the vehicle in its lane and keeps it a safe distance from other cars ahead.

The criticism in the way Volvo presents its feature set is that it leaves the impressive Pilot Assist system for top Ultimate trims only. 

All XC40 models get a 9.0-inch infotainment system that is, compared to some interfaces in rival models, quite intuitive to use. While you need to be on the Google ecosystem to make the most of it, the system does fully support Apple CarPlay, or Google’s Android Auto from the handset of your choice instead. 

The 2024 Volvo XC40 family does feel like a premium vehicle through and through, but mid-level Plus and top-level Ultimate models do add a number of features that together amount to more of a pronounced luxury car ambience. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the touchscreen system, wireless device charging, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a power tailgate. 

Base Core models start at $41,995, including the $1,295 destination fee. Plus versions start at $46,995 and add a panoramic sunroof, air purification, fog lamps, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and more. Top Ultimate versions cost $50,795 and get Harman Kardon Premium sound, adaptive cruise control, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assist system.

The premium for the fully electric powertrain is roughly $15,000, and it doesn’t include all-wheel drive. XC Recharge models start at $56,930, $59,890, and $63,280, respectively for the three levels, and the Twin Motor all-wheel-drive layout is $1,750 extra. 

Which Volvo XC40 should I buy?

Volvo has an eye for detail, and the versions of the XC40—electric or gasoline—that work best are those that include the brand’s upscale finishes and more comfort features but don’t go over-the-top on price. For that reason we recommend the mid-level Plus model for both the gasoline XC40 and the electric XC40 Recharge. 

In addition to the panoramic roof and upgraded lighting, the Plus gets a far superior base microfiber upholstery along with driftwood trim and a tailored steering wheel—amounting to a vehicle that feels the part of a premium brand. We’d add the $550 Climate Package (heated steering wheel and rear seats), for a total of $46,995. 

As for the XC40 Recharge, the mid-level Plus also represents the best compromise between equipment and price, adding the microfiber upholstery, a power passenger seat, panoramic roof, and more. Here, the Climate Package costs $1,000, and it’s an even more important option as it includes a heat pump that helps boost range and comfort on longer cold-weather trips. 

How much is a fully loaded Volvo XC40?

The Ultimate comes with leather seats, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, wood trim, a power tailgate, the panoramic sunroof, and a bunch of other features. Load one up with the Climate Package and tow hitch ($1,435) and it adds up to $51,345, Likewise, the top end for the Recharge EV in Ultimate guise, including the optional tow hitch, is $61,530—or $63,280.

Recharge models do a lot better—and better than last year’s XC40 Recharge—with range ratings of 293 miles for rear-wheel-drive XC40 Recharge Single Motor versions and 254 miles for all-wheel-drive XC40 Recharge Twin Motor versions. These two models achieve 106 MPGe and 98 MPGe, respectively, equivalent to 3.1 miles per kwh and 2.9 mi/kwh.

It should be noted that Recharge Single Motor and Dual Motor models have different battery packs. Single Motor models have a new 82-kwh pack with CATL cells and can charge at a peak 200 kw, able to get from 10-80% in just 28 minutes. Dual Motor models peak at 150 kw and take 34 minutes. An 11-kw onboard charger allows a 0-100% charge time of roughly 8 hours in either case.