2025 Volvo XC40 review
While Volvo continues to grow its electric vehicle offerings, the XC40 carries on as the Swedish brand’s entry-level gas-powered crossover, slotted below the XC60 and XC90. Available in four trim levels, including the stylish new Black Edition Ultra, the XC40 features a premium cabin with a large vertical display running a Google-based infotainment system. There’s seating for up to five, although the rear seat works better for just two. The XC40 has two available mild hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and the more powerful B5 is paired exclusively with all-wheel drive trims.
Explore the evolution of the Volvo XC40
Get our expert take on used Volvo XC40 models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Volvo XC40
When the XC40 joined the Volvo lineup in 2019, it was the Swedish car company’s first entry into the lucrative compact crossover market. Styling was similar to the larger XC60 and XC90, including the signature Thor’s Hammer headlight motif, a design feature that continues today. While it was an entry-level model in the Volvo lineup, the XC40 had an extensive standard equipment list with a wide range of advanced driver-assist features. The cabin had a premium vibe that featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a nine-inch vertical touchscreen display. In 2023, Volvo moved to a Google-based infotainment system, which was a significant improvement.
The Volvo XC40 came to market with two engine options, including a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine designated the T5, which came exclusively with all-wheel drive. The all-electric XC40 Recharge (renamed EX40 in 2025) was added to the lineup in 2021, boasting a 402-horsepower dual-motor drive system—we cover the EV variant separately.
Model highlights
Engines are all mild hybrids (starting in 2023)
Google-based infotainment system (added in 2023)
Advanced driver-assist features are standard
Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ standard
All-electric XC40 Recharge (added in 2021) is reviewed separately
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2019 - 2026
2026 Volvo XC40
Highlights
Front-wheel drive and B4 engine are now standard
Adaptive cruise control standard
New Black Edition
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2025 Volvo XC40
2024 Volvo XC40
2023 Volvo XC40
Highlights
Updated Google-based infotainment system
Mild hybrid system added for slight mpg boost
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2022 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
2020 Volvo XC40
Highlights
Leather upholstery replaced by cloth/faux-leather combo on base trim
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2019 Volvo XC40
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
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