2020 Volvo XC40

The Scandinavian has been struggling against the well established Germans in every segment that they face off. These are the initial years of the Volvo XC 40 as a compact luxury crossover and it remains to see if it shall grow to the likes of its older sibling the XC 90 or be lost over time like the Infiniti QX30 which was sacked 2 years post-release.

The 2020 XC 40 is a blend of all the latest tech and the reliability of Volvo all in one compact crossover. The Thor Hammer inspired DRLs and various signature Volvo cues all around the vehicle it does stand out from the crowd.

The 2020 XC40 is offered in three trim levels – Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. There are two sub-models namely T4 and T5 which differ in the engine and drivetrain. The luxury features and some design aspects do change as we move up the trims.

Trim	Momentum	R-Design	Inscription
MSRP T4 (FWD)	$33,700	$39,950	$40,450
MSRP T5 (AWD)	$35,700	$41,950	$42,450
Key Features	Sensus 9" touch screen and voice-activated control systems	High-gloss Black grille, front and rear skid plates, roof rails and window frames	Leather-faced upholstery
	Sat nav with real-time traffic and lifetime map updates	Black stone roof and door mirrors	Power-operated tailgate
	Keyless start	Dual integrated exhaust pipes	Front parking sensors
	Three USB sockets	Uprated sports suspension	Powered driver's seat
	Access to web apps, including Spotify, TuneIn, Google Local Search and Yelp	18" diamond cut/matt black alloy wheels	Driftwood interior inlays
	Volvo On Call smartphone app and emergency assistance package	Leather/nubuck upholstery	Chrome exterior highlights
	LED headlights with active high beam	Front seat cushion extensions	18-in. alloy wheels
	Dual-zone climate control with 'CleanZone' air-filtration	Perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob	Exterior roof in body color
	12.3" active TFT configurable driver's information display	Aluminium dashboard inlays	Driftwood inlays
	Rear parking sensors	LED front fog lights with cornering function	Orreford crystal gearshift knob

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The T5 R-design trim is probably the best pick due to the performance and luxury options that are standard on it. Starting at $42,945, the R-design T5 features the integrated dual exhaust and sport suspension settings which do add to the drive quality. The optional Advanced package adds adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous mode, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and adaptive LED headlights which benefit the driver in everyday traffic situations.

 The XC 40 is mated to a 2.0L Turbocharged inline-four which produces 184 HP in the front-wheel-drive layout and 248 HP in the all-wheel-drive layout. The engine powers the XC40 rather well and the FWD drive setup does seem underpowered but is efficient when compared to the more powerful AWD. It is a frugal engine when compared to being performing.

The 8-speed auto transmission is smooth and consistent throughout the drive. The paddle shifters are an added benefit to take control of the gears and shifts. Dynamic mode has quicker gear transitions for better performance optimization.

Models	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
MSRP	$34,695	$32,000	$42,795	$39,595
Engine	2.0L i4	2.0L i4	2.0L i4	2.0L i4
Transmission	8 speed automatic	Continuously variable transmission	9 speed automatic	9 speed automatic
Horsepower	248 hp@ 5500rpm	169 hp@ 6600rpm	246 hp@ 5500rpm	246 hp@ 5500rpm
Torque	258 ft-lbs@ 1800rpm	151 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm	251 ft-lbs@ 1250 rpm	269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm

The XC 40 is the most powerful performer in the lot followed by the Jag E-Pace. Lexus fails to impress with the lackluster performance. The Rover packs a punch to impress and stands at the third spot with the highest MSRP.

Acceleration

The Volvo XC40 is all fresh and hungry to devour all competition. The figures may not seem as impressive as the performance SUVs but it does give a thrill to make everyday drive interesting. Gunning the XC40 is fun on traffic lights and it propels quicker than most vehicles around it.

Models	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
0-60 MPH	6.7 sec	8.9 sec	7.0 sec	7.2 sec
Quarter mile	15.1 sec	17.2 sec	16.2 sec	15.6 sec
Engine	2.0L i4	2.0L i4	2.0L i4	2.0L i4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.0	4.5	7.1	7.7

Volvo proves to be a better player here with the fastest 0-60 and quarter-mile times. The Rover comes in second followed by the E-Pace but here Jag takes the Rover in the quarter-mile. The Lexus is the slowest out of the lot giving unimpressive numbers.

Ride and Handling

The Volvo XC40 rides truly well and truth be told, its ride quality is one of its features. It absorbs bumps and uneven roads quite well and feels comfortable around the city or interstate. Nonetheless, there are minor degrees of tire clamor and wind commotion at the front A-column yet, of course, that is negligible. There is a modest quantity of body move around the corners even in the R-Design trim which has a sport-tuned suspension yet that has been overseen entirely well. 

The XC40 is especially agile and simple to move, regardless of whether in a parking area or on the interstate. Regardless of its short length and shorter wheelbase, the XC40 is agreeable and adroit at engrossing street flaws. It's amusing to push on a winding street, particularly the R-Design models with their sportier suspension arrangement and bigger wheels.

Braking

The XC40 is suited for the everyday requirements and adds some more practicality to the same. It has good braking caliber which brings it to a complete stop from 60MPH at just 125ft of travel. 

The XC40 takes 125 ft to come to a stop from 60 mph which is a respectable distance for a car in this segment.

There are different mode settings for the brakes just like the engine, normal and dynamic. The normal mode has sensitive brakes and well suited for city drives, however, switch up to the dynamic mode and the brakes are smoother and the pedal feels weighted.

Model	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
Brake Front (in.)	13.6	12	12.8	12.8
Brake Rear (in.)	11.9	11.1	12.5	11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3629	3307	3865	4035
60-0 MPH (ft.)	125	129	129	134

The E-Pace travels the most distance owing to its heavy frame. The Volvo is the quickest to stop with the largest discs in this line-up. The Lexus and Rover travel the same distance on braking from 60MPH, the difference in the weight is managed by the adequate sized brakes.

Volvo has a brand image that appeals to the smart buyers with good reliability and lower ownership costs, the fuel efficiency is relevant for it. The compact SUV does retain most of its brand values and provides decent fuel economy in terms of light-footed highway travel returning an impressive 33 MPG figure.

Model	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
MPG (city)	23	29	22	21
MPG (highway)	33	37	29	28
MPG (combined)	27	33	25	24

The Volvo XC40 gives decent fuel efficiency compared to the competition. It returns 23 MPG in the city conditions, which is better than the Jaguar and Land Rover. The Lexus has an underpowered engine and has traded off performance for fuel-efficiency.

The insides persist a similar structure we find in other Volvos. Stepping into the cabin, the most noticeable feature is the huge vertical screen that has become Volvo's trademark now. The dashboard is clean with simply the infotainment screen and a line of switches down underneath for the music framework. The vertical AC vents flanked on either side of the screen look very tasteful and clean.

Materials used in the cabin are completely sophisticated with a few soft-touch fabrics,  all things considered, it does feel above its class now and then. The brushed metal trim on the dashboard is an extremely decent touch. The instrument cluster is all advanced with fresh graphics and itemized data. The steering wheel is wide and pleasant. By and large, it's an extraordinary cabin to be in and presumably truly outstanding in class.

Model	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.0/56.7/40.9	35.7/55.1/42.1	39.0/NA/40.2	39.2/NA/40.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.1/56.3/36.1	36.4/52.9/33.1	38.0/NA/34.8	38.2/NA/35.1

The XC40 is truly extensive inside and truth be told, has one of the better seating spaces. The seats themselves are entirely agreeable and come enveloped by leather. It is possible to seat three individuals on the back seat, it wouldn't be as comfortable though. 

Interior Features

• Panoramic sunroof
• Front radar
• 9-inch center touchscreen
• Leather upholstery
• 3-spoke steering wheel with leather stitching
• Wireless phone charging
• 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• 2-Zone electronic climate system
• Hands-free tailgate
• Heated front seats
• Power Driver Seat with Memory function
• Auto Dimming Interior Mirror

Infotainment

The infotainment system in this particular SUV is rather appealing, the UI is not very easy to use and may take a while to get used to. Otherwise, it's rather simple and convenient with not many complications with a few features demanding some extra attention to navigate through.

The digital instrument cluster is rather good with customizability according to personal choices. The graphics are clear making readability rather easy even in harsh daylight settings.

Cargo Capacity

It is a compact Utility vehicle for sure and yet the cargo capacity on offer is not what we would call exceptional. It is rather decent with enough space to carry a couple of large and medium-sized suitcases. If this space is not enough the rear 60/40 foldable seats provide the extra room for storage.

Model	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	20.7	21.7	20.3	24.2

The best contender here is the E-Pace with the highest storage capacity out of all the competition followed by the Lexus. The Volvo takes the third spot on the podium followed closely by the Rover

The Volvo XC40 goes with best-looking proportions. The front fascia wears LED DRLs that resemble Thor’s hammer. You’ll also find traces of the bigger XC90 and XC60 in terms of design layout. Go towards the side and you’d witness the differences more noticeably from its elder siblings. The window line kinks upwards at the C-pillar dual-tone paint job, providing a floating effect to the roof. 

The 20-inch wheels makes the car stunning. The rear has been kept simple and tidy. The L-shaped tail lights runs towards the tailgate and you find a Volvo badge at the tailgate center. This shows how beautifully designed is the Volvo XC40. 

Model	Volvo XC40	Lexus UX 200	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	Jaguar E-Pace
Curb weight (lbs.)	3629	3307	3865	4035
Length(in)	174.2	177	172.0	173.0
Width(in)	73.3	72.4	78.1	78.1
Height(in)	65.3	60.6	64.4	64.9
Ground clearance (in)	8.3	N/A	8.3	8.8
Wheelbase (in)	106.4	103.9	104.7	105.6
Track width (in) F/R	63/64	61/61	63.8/64.1	64/65.1

The XC40 is not the largest car in the segment. It comes second in terms of length but quite narrower when compared to the Evoque or the E-pace. It is the tallest SUV here and has a decent amount of ground clearance which gives it some off-road capabilities. Also, in spite of its compact proportions, it has the longest wheelbase in the competition. It is also one of the lighter vehicles here.

Exterior Features

• Roof top in contrast colour,
• R-Design roof pillar emblem
• Body-coloured door handles with Illumination
• Front grille with dark grey insert and chrome frame
• R-Design grille with high-gloss black insert and Silk metal frame
• Hidden tail pipes, in-coloured Silver skid plate
• Roof Spoiler
• Bright aluminium Roof rails
• 18 inch wheels

 

Volvo XC40 comes loaded with a lot of standard safety features and driver assistance systems like you’d expect from a Volvo and the XC40 is no different. The car intends to prevent an accident in the first place more than providing you safety in the event of an accident. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS has tested the XC40 yet and so we cannot offer you their ratings but we can tell that it’s pretty safe by the level of equipment it already has.

Safety Features

• City Safety pack
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Driver Alert Control
• Run-off Road Mitigation
• Run-off Road Protection
• Road Sign Information
• Speed Limiter
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Anti-lock Brakes
• Multiple Airbags
• Seatbelt Pretensioners
• Stability Control System

Volvo XC40 vs Jaguar E-Pace

Both cars are very similar in terms of power and torque figures but the Volvo XC40 is quicker than the E-Pace. The Volvo also has the better balanced handling whereas the E-Pace does not have much to offer in ride quality. Both cars look good from outside while the XC40 looks neatly placed cabin. Also, the E-Pace is more expensive than the Volvo XC40. 

Volvo XC40 vs Lexus UX200

The Lexus UX200 may be quite underpowered comparatively but performs well when it comes to ride quality. It is also stylish and upscaled. The Volvo XC40 offer better interiors but comes with $2000 more than the Lexus. 

Volvo XC40 vs land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque offers the best in class interiors and technology with the new updates. It also offers better ride quality than the peers. Evoque has its own game of offroading. However, the Evoque turns out to be an expensive pick than the XC40. The Volvo XC40 is a value for money car in all ways. 

 

Being a Volvo, the XC40 offers a lot in a small bundle. The car is loaded with hefty features under a neat cabin. It’s a great car to drive in the city with excellent ride quality. As far as the price is concerned, the carmaker has placed it very well among the rivals. That is why the Volvo XC40 is a value for money car to consider.