The XC40 has been a popular entry for Volvo in the sub-compact crossover SUV segment the last few years. Most of the attention has gone to the Recharge EV model, but there is a regular gas ICE model too, which will presumably soon be history when Volvo goes all-electric, as they have promised.
Actually, the latest B5 model gets a new mild-hybrid powertrain along with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. The small motor-and-battery package is not so much there to add a lot of power and/or to enable EV running for any distance, as it is on most other hybrids. It is more to smooth out the power delivery at lower RPM, something that is especially evident when the “stop-start” system that shuts down the engine at stop lights re-engages.
As such, it doesn’t have a big effect on fuel consumption compared to the previous T5 engine-only powertrain. In restrained urban driving, we saw 12.6 litres per 100 km, which we thought was a little on the high side for a sub-compact, especially considering that the official NRC rating is 9.9 city and 7.8 highway. We would have been happy to get that, but we all know how optimistic those “official” numbers often are.
The XC40 looks quite “avant-garde” and fashionable to our eyes, almost like a concept car with its big 20-inch wheels and tires pushed out to the corners, and angular creases all over the body sides. In that sense, it offers an alternative design ethos to most of the other small luxury crossovers out there. It is when you open the door and park yourself in the very supportive seat that you fully realize that this is a car designed in the Scandinavian tradition, with simple, minimalist design, and materials that project a quality appearance, like the Driftwood decor and blonde headliner. The crystal knob atop the shifter may be a little over the top in that regard, but most will think it is cool.
Dominating the dashboard, as is so often the case these days, is the 9-inch touchscreen featuring, for the first year in an XC40, Google-based infotainment functions, including Maps, Assistant, and Play. There is also Apple Car Play available, although it is of the wired configuration. There are very few actual buttons and knobs to use, and the touchscreen controls are in some cases rather small to use. Thankfully, for those who like to change their music channels often, there are easy-to-use buttons on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, those available channels do not include any on the AM band, nor are there HD channels available on the FM band. I guess Volvo does not wish its drivers to listen to local talk radio or traffic reports – too old-tech. Or maybe only digital music is appropriate on the 13-speaker, 600-watt harman/kardon audio system.
All XC40s in Canada come with the same powertrain, the 247-horsepower 2.0L hybrid backed up by an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and with a 0-to-100 km/h time in the low six-second range, some might call it quick and even sporty, although apparently Volvo isn’t among them. There are no steering-wheel shifter paddles, and no “sport” or even “eco” drive modes, although, curiously, there is an “off-road” mode. The driver can tap the gearshift (yes, there is an actual stick rising from the console) to manually change gears, but otherwise, displays of sporty enthusiasm from the XC40 driver are not made any easier by Volvo’s approach.
The suspension is firm enough to feel sporty, to the point where ride comfort can feel a bit compromised on an uneven surface, and steering and braking are confidence-inspiring in the tradition of European cars, so it wouldn’t take much to make a sport hatchback out of the XC40. But, as it stands, the XC40 is a competent and engaging drive. And, a safe one, as one would expect from Volvo. All the latest electronic gear is here on the Ultimate model, including cross-traffic alert, blind spot info, lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, and what Volvo calls Pilot Assist, which controls all the distances beside and in front of the car, essentially as close to hands-free driving as you can get, without actually being “set and forget.”
Aside from all the luxury and safety features of the XC40, the actual utility of this small SUV is worth mentioning. The second-row seats easily fold flat, and if the rear head restraints are folded electrically first, they need not be removed to allow that result even with the front seats all the way back, something that most small hatchbacks can’t claim. The power tailgate is operable hands-free, and there is a power outlet in the cargo bay. The cargo load floor can be configured as a cargo divider and grocery bag holder. The towing capacity is a very useful 3,500 pounds.
So, the XC40 B5 checks all the boxes in a compact SUV, unless you must have fully electric power, and of course, Volvo can sell you one of those. Design, safety, luxury, performance and utility don’t come cheap, though, as you’ll be looking at $59,590 for the Ultimate model we drove. The base “Core” model is $49,940.
