More youthful appearance and a charming driving demeanor - 2022 Volvo XC40 Review
0Overview
Among the already fashionable lineup of Volvo SUVs, the even more chic 2022 XC40 is a hip and youthful one. The entry-level model is powered by a 184-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that wears the T4 badge, but the spunkiest version is the T5, which offers 248 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. The XC40 brings with it plenty of tech, too, including available driver assists that are borrowed from higher-end Volvo models, including the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode. Still, the XC40 isn't all flash. Its cabin is thoughtfully designed with clever storage opportunities, and its cargo area is generously sized, earning it a spot on our Editors' Choice list. Plus, when compared to German rivals such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, the Volvo's higher seating position will appeal to SUV enthusiasts. If you're looking for an electrified SUV with similar traits, Volvo also offers the XC40 Recharge, which we review separately.
What's New for 2022?
Volvo's smallest SUV receives few changes for 2022. The XC40 no longer offers a power-operated liftgate, front fog lamps, or rear child locks as standard equipment. The mid-range R-Design and upscale Inscription models gain a wireless smartphone charging feature, though, and, for buyers who want it, they can pay extra for the power liftgate as a standalone option on all models.
We'd select the T5 R-Design model, not solely for the seasonal security of all-wheel drive, but also for the more powerful 248-hp engine. The T5 R-Design comes standard with navigation, a panoramic roof, and a sporty appearance. We'd add the Climate package, which provides heating for the rear seats, steering wheel, and headlamp washers, as well as the Advanced package, which brings adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous mode, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of every XC40 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making either 184 or 248 horsepower (called T4 and T5, respectively). The more powerful T5, which pairs exclusively with all-wheel drive, helped our Momentum test vehicle scoot to 60 mph in a reasonably brisk 6.2 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission handles gearchanges without delay and transmits no harshness to the cabin while doing so. Our sole complaint is the coarse sound the engine emits under heavy throttle. When cruising, the powertrain is quiet and refined. The XC40's towing capacity—a rarity among subcompact-luxury crossovers—is a stout 3500 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Despite boasting class-competitive fuel-economy ratings from the EPA (22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway), the XC40 T5 produced merely average performance for the segment in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, at 29 mpg. The über-efficient Mercedes-Benz GLB250 handily beat the XC40 in our testing, with 32 mpg. The front-wheel drive T4 model earns EPA ratings of 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. For more information about the XC40's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Contemporary Swedish styling meets fun and functional design inside the XC40. The cabin's light and airy atmosphere imparts a truly upscale vibe even in the base Momentum trim. Passenger space is commodious in both the front and rear seats. As is the case with its more expensive stablemates—the XC60 and XC90—the XC40 is functional inside, well made, and beautifully designed—if not quite as plush and luxurious. Volvo designers took the opportunity to incorporate more youthful flourishes in the cabin of the Momentum and R-Design trims, such as the textured metallic trim in place of traditional wood inlays and rectilinear vents with floating chrome adjusters. Top-of-the-line Inscription models sport a classier appearance, with driftwood trim and a shift knob crafted from Orrefors crystal. In our luggage test, the XC40 managed to accommodate 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. Additionally, Volvo has integrated a number of inventive cargo-storage features throughout the XC40's interior, such as a hook that flips out from the glovebox to hold takeout bags, a divider for the cargo area, and a removable garbage bin with a hinged door in the center console.
Infotainment and Connectivity
From its prominent and slightly canted position in the center of the XC40's dashboard, Volvo's Sensus Connect infotainment system is projected brightly on a 9.0-inch touchscreen. Almost everything inside the cabin is controlled via this screen, but there are few redundant physical buttons. System usability is a mixed bag: The main menus are intuitively arranged, but submenus suffer from small touchscreen icons that are fussy to use on the go. We also noticed pronounced system lag immediately upon startup.