LIKES
- Upright looks
- Fun driving experience
- Comfortable cabin
- Good overall infotainment interface
DISLIKES
- FWD models are less tempting
- Can get a bit pricey
- Recharge’s range
- Somewhat tight cargo area
BUYING TIP
- The XC40’s more powerful turbo-4 unlocks its best performance, and the modest upcharge to Ultimate trim brings a lot of features.
The 2023 Volvo XC40 remixes small crossover norms by providing grown-up conveniences with fun style.
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Volvo XC40? What does it compare to?
The 2023 Volvo XC40 is a small, city-friendly SUV that squares off against the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 a good SUV?
The 2023 Volvo XC40 is a stylish small SUV with a comfortable interior and a top-notch safety record. The all-electric XC40 Recharge is pricey for an EV, though its caffeinated personality makes it worth a look. We rate the XC40 lineup at 6.7 out of 10, based on gas-fueled versions.
What's new for the 2023 Volvo XC40?
Light styling tweaks outside give way to a new Google Android-based infotainment system to mark 2023 for the XC40.
The all-electric version called XC40 Recharge wears the bulk of the styling changes, including a new grille insert up front. Standard gas-fed models share new lower front bumper elements. Unchanged is the XC40’s basic shape as a pert, upright small crossover SUV with plentiful fun touches. It’s boxy and airy, but not old-fashioned thanks to a big uptick toward the rearmost roof pillar and rugged-looking unpainted trim on some versions.
Inside, the XC40 is mostly conventional Volvo, which means its touchscreen infotainment system is arranged vertically and it’s light on switches and knobs. Volvo tosses in some playful details, such as ovoid climate control vents and interesting upholstery options, though the formerly available lava orange carpet has yet to make a return.
The gas-fueled XC40 comes in two versions: B4 with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 187 hp and B5, which powers the front and rear wheels with 248 hp from an uprated version of the turbo-4. The XC40 Recharge makes use of two electric motors fed by a 78-kwh lithium-ion battery pack.
Front-drive models deliver modest acceleration. XC40 B5s are pretty quick, with good passing reserves for highway jaunts. The XC40 Recharge is downright rapid, with instant response.
These small crossover SUVs are tuned for fun, with quick steering and a fairly firm but not punishing ride quality. Recharge models are heavier, so they can dive into corners a bit more, but all can be entertaining enough.
Those turbo-4 engines squeeze out as high as 27 mpg combined, while the electric version is good for a somewhat modest 223-mile range on a full charge.
A fresh, modern interior includes great space for adults up front and a reasonable back seat for a smaller SUV. The bite-size cargo area is par for the class, though.
The XC40 is tops when it comes to safety, with excellent crash-test scores and impressive driver-assistance tech on the options list.
How much does the 2023 Volvo XC40 cost?
This year, the XC40 starts at $37,645, plus $2,000 for all-wheel drive and the more powerful turbo-4. That buys a base Core model that’s reasonably well outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, parking sensors, and driver-assistance tech.
The XC40 Recharge runs $54,645 with standard all-wheel drive.
Where is the 2023 Volvo XC40 made?
In Belgium and China.
Styling
The 2023 Volvo XC40 is still fun to look at.
Is the Volvo XC40 a good-looking car?
It’s a playful choice, even if Volvo has dialed back its brash interior choices in favor of more soothing styles that fit with the rest of the brand’s showrooms.
The XC40 looks more like a high-top sneaker than a conventional crossover outside, and its class-up interior helps cement the deal. We rate it at 7 out of 10.
The cabin misses out on some of the exterior’s intrigue, though it’s a delightful place to spend time. The vertical touchscreen works well with the rest of the design, which trades conventional climate control vents for complex units. Fun surface details range from various fabric, vinyl, leather, and even wool upholstery choices to patterned surfaces on the dash and door panels. Nothing in here looks or feels cheap, either, which is something we can’t say about some of the XC40’s pricier rivals.
Performance
The 2023 Volvo XC40 is downright fun to drive.
With three powertrain options and a balanced chassis, the Volvo XC40 is a fun-to-drive choice. Its point above average here applies primarily to the mid-level powertrain, called B5 in Volvo-speak, that both sells the best and delivers the most appealing balance between performance and price.
Is the Volvo XC40 4WD?
Only base B4 versions come with front-wheel drive, but they are not quick and not that much cheaper than B5s with all-wheel drive.
Those base B4 models are the slowest of the bunch, even if they weigh the least. With 187 hp, their undertaxed 2.0-liter turbo-4 delivers just enough punch to keep up with traffic. Better yet is the B5 powertrain, which costs $2,000 more. It boosts turbo power to a far more effective 248 hp, and it includes all-wheel drive. B5 models shave two seconds off of the 0-60 mph sprint, resulting in an impressive 6.1-second estimate.
Both B4 and B5 XC40s make use of a cooperative 8-speed automatic transmission, which mostly fades into the background. That’s a good thing.
Quick-witted steering and a firm ride give the XC40 a sporty flair. While never punishing, the XC40 hardly ignores both smaller and bigger bumps. In part, that’s a byproduct of the short wheelbase, but the big wheel options also have a lot to do with all that underbody busyness.
They’re a bit heavier, which pays off with a compliant ride but more dive into corners when pushed down a winding road.
Comfort & Quality
The 2023 Volvo XC40 has a spacious cabin—for passengers.
Measuring just 174 inches between its front and rear bumpers, the 2023 Volvo XC40 is a bite-size SUV that’s easy to park in crowded areas. It’s surprisingly spacious inside for passengers.
We give it two points above average, with one each for its bigger-than-sedan trunk and another for its sumptuous front seats. A power driver’s seat is standard, while a power passenger’s seat is optional. Volvo offers a wide range of upholstery choices including cloth, synthetic and real leather, and an especially sumptuous wool blend that’s unfortunately limited only to the top trim of the Recharge.
Rear-seat riders have good leg room for a small crossover SUV but not enough width for three adults to sit in true comfort.
Safety
Safety is one of the best reasons to choose the 2023 Volvo XC40.
How safe is the Volvo XC40?
It’s one of our highest-rated models thanks to top crash-test results, good standard crash-avoidance features, and even better (if pricey) optional tech.
We rate the 2023 XC40 at 9 out of 10 for its safety.
The NHTSA rates it five stars overall, with nearly top marks in every test. The IIHS is nearly as ebullient, only dinging it with one “Acceptable” score in the latest version of its side-impact tests. Still, the 2023 XC40 earns a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Features
The 2023 Volvo XC40 offers superb standard and optional equipment.
Starting at $37,645, the 2023 XC40 comes well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone projection, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a power tailgate.
Another $2,000 buys all-wheel drive and the more powerful turbo-4 engine.
All that is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with three years of maintenance.
The only downside here is that Volvo makes it difficult to add its impressive Pilot Assist system.
Which Volvo XC40 should I buy?
We don’t often recommend going all-in, but the XC40 works better in top Ultimate trim than it does in mid-level Plus guise.
How much is a fully loaded Volvo XC40?
The XC40 tops out in Ultimate trim. Recharge models cost the most: over $62,000 once you add extra-cost paint and upgraded upholstery.
Fuel Economy
Depending on which one you want, the 2023 Volvo XC40 provides average fuel economy or average electric range.
Is the Volvo XC40 good on gas?
It’s all right. The base B4 models with front-wheel drive are estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 highway, 27 combined according to the EPA. All-wheel drive brings more power but a modest hit: 23/30/26 mpg, per EPA estimates.
Those figures are good for a 3 on the TCC scale.
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