Volvo XC40

XC40 at a glance

The XC40 was introduced in 2017 and is still in production today — it's one model line, built on the compact car CMA platform. Volvo shares this platform with the Geely group; it's the first Volvo model on this platform. In 2018, the XC40 was named 'European Car of the Year'.

The car is praised for its distinctive design, comfortable seats, well-thought-out interior with plenty of storage, and high safety standards. It's smaller than the XC60, making it more city-friendly, but there's less space in the rear seats and boot than in larger Volvo SUVs.

Early vs facelifted XC40 — what's the difference

Early models (from 2018) came with petrol and diesel engines, along with Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trims. The infotainment system was Volvo Sensus with a vertical touchscreen.

Around 2020-2021, diesel engines were phased out, replaced by mild hybrids (B3, B4), plug-in hybrids arrived, and the fully electric XC40 Recharge was introduced. A new infotainment system with integrated Google services also came along.

2022 XC40 refreshed: it received new, slimmer front headlights and a different front bumper, with trims renamed to Core, Plus and Ultimate. Later, the electric version was renamed to EX40, so newer electric cars in ads can be found under both names.

Engines and gearboxes

Petrol: T3 (1.5-litre three-cylinder, around 160hp), T4 (around 190hp) and T5 (around 250hp, often with all-wheel drive). Diesels D3 (around 150hp) and D4 (around 190hp) are mostly found in earlier models. Later, mild hybrids B3 and B4 were introduced.

Plug-in hybrids T4 Recharge and T5 Recharge combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor; electric range, depending on the year and battery, is several tens of kilometres, but much less in winter. Most engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, hybrids and later mild hybrids with a 7-speed dual-clutch box; the weakest versions also came with a manual gearbox.

The electric XC40 Recharge was initially offered with two motors (P8, around 408hp, all-wheel drive), later a single-motor version was added. From 2023, single-motor cars are rear-wheel drive. Batteries are around 70kWh and around 80kWh capacity; real-world range is usually 300–450km, around 20–30% less in winter. At home and public charging points, it usually charges at up to 11kW, at fast-charging stations (CCS2) up to around 150–200kW, depending on the version.

What to check when buying a used XC40

Check the service history and mileage via technical inspection and Volvo service records. For diesel cars that have done a lot of city driving, check the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and AdBlue system, and ensure the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly without judders.

For plug-in hybrids, make sure the battery charges and that the electric range matches the age. For the electric XC40, ask for a battery health (SoH) report, test the charging, and inquire if software updates have been performed.

Test the multimedia, cameras, and driver assistance systems — the early Sensus system can be slower. Inspect the large alloy wheels and tyres, and the body for painted parts and uneven gaps.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common XC40 trims found in Europe.

XC40 trim comparison

For most buyers, the best choice is the Momentum or Inscription with a petrol or mild-hybrid engine. If newer multimedia and driver-assistance systems are important, it's worth seeking out the refreshed XC40 Plus trim.

Frequently asked questions