Exterior The XC40 reprises the avant-garde flavor of its larger XC90 and XC60 siblings, albeit in truncated form. The result is a tidy, high-beltline SUV with a high stance and short enough overhangs to suggest off-road chops and a high driving position. That’s a welcome departure from the glorified-hatchback profiles in rivals like the GLA-Class and QX30. The XC40’s beltline kicks up into an enveloping C-pillar — a common styling trick among small SUVs, but one that can sacrifice over-the-shoulder visibility.
Interior The five-seat cabin’s muted textures and deft simplicity should look familiar if you’ve been in an XC60 or XC90. Volvo promises ample storage space, including a bin ahead of the cupholders with wireless smartphone charging. Between a pair of tall air vents is Volvo’s now-familiar dashboard touchscreen — a big, 9-inch vertical unit that integrates most climate and audio controls. It’s angled slightly toward the driver and sports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A four-year subscription to Volvo’s On Call telematics service and smartphone app is standard.
Under the Hood The T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque; it pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Specs for the T4 — also a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder — are still to come, as of publication. The XC40 will eventually offer hybrid and fully electric versions, too.
Safety The XC40’s standard City Safety system includes low-speed collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and animal detection. Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous system is available.
