Volvo XC40 2024 review
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Volvo XC40 has been one of Britain's best-selling premium compact SUVs since it arrived, and it is easy to see why. It takes everything people like about Volvo — calm Scandinavian design, superb seats and a safety-first mindset — and packages it in a right-sized SUV that fits British roads and British driveways.
The B3 mild-hybrid petrol is the volume seller in the UK, pairing a 2.0-litre engine with a small electric boost for smoother town driving and slightly better economy. It is not exciting, but it is refined and perfectly adequate, while the 7-speed automatic shifts cleanly. Inside, the XC40 feels genuinely premium: the materials are lovely, the Google-based infotainment is among the best in the class, and the driving position is commanding.
Practicality is good rather than great — rear legroom is fine for teenagers and the boot is usefully shaped, though rivals like the BMW X1 offer more space. Volvo's reputation for safety is unmatched, with a full suite of driver assistance fitted as standard. If you want a compact SUV that feels like a warm hug rather than a sports car, the XC40 is the default choice.
UK price from: £29,935
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol mild-hybrid |
| Power | 163 PS |
| 0-60 mph | 8.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 112 mph |
| Fuel economy | 42.2 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 154 g/km |
| Boot space | 443 litres |
| Length | 4,440 mm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 9-inch Google built-in infotainment with Google Maps and voice assistant
- Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control
- Full LED headlights with active high beam
- Powered tailgate with hands-free opening
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel (Winter Pack)
- 360-degree parking camera
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Blind spot monitoring with steer assist and cross-traffic alert
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £64.99 | Genuine Volvo pads; pattern equivalents from about £35 |
| Cabin pollen filter | £24.99 | Replace yearly to keep the air clean and demisting sharp |
| Oil filter | £12.99 | Needed at each 18,000-mile or annual service |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £34.99 | Aero flat blades; genuine last noticeably longer |
| Battery (AGM, 80Ah) | £159.99 | Stop-start system requires an AGM type |
| Tyre (235/50 R19) | £149.99 | Typical fitted price for a premium-brand tyre |
Pros
- Beautifully designed cabin with the best seats in the class
- Outstanding standard safety equipment, as you would expect from Volvo
- Google-based infotainment is slick and easy to use
- Strong resale values on the UK used market
Cons
- B3 petrol is refined but unexciting to drive
- Rear space and boot lag behind the roomiest rivals
- Options are pricey and the best kit sits on higher trims
- No diesel option for high-mileage drivers
