Used 2020 Volvo XC40

So good is the 2020 Volvo XC40 compact-crossover SUV that in its first year of production, it snagged two KBB Best Buy Awards, as well as the hearts of the KBB editorial staff. The XC40 runs in a crowed field, with rivals like the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA hot on its heels. But the overall look, feel and driving experience in the XC40 really set it apart, an observation borne out by its strong first-year sales.

This 2-row/5-passenger crossover SUV seems to have the right combination of looks, size and features, not to mention a price young, affluent buyers are looking for. With a broad range of models, a long list of sophisticated options and a powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine, the 2020 XC40 SUV looks to be an all-around winner.

You may not be able to tell a book by its cover, but the 2020 Volvo XC40 drives true to its exterior identity. It’s strong, fun and dynamic, yet also sensible. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that’s standard in T5 models is more powerful than its 248 horsepower suggests. In fact, it’s a little dynamo of a powertrain, smartly connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Turbo lag is minimal. This little luxury SUV has plenty of get-up-and-go, with a 6.2-second 0-60-mph time and guts in reserve for higher-speed passing. In the front-drive T4 models, horsepower drops to 187.

The XC40 is exceptionally nimble and easy to maneuver, whether in a parking lot or on the freeway. Despite its short length and shorter wheelbase, the XC40 is comfortable and adept at absorbing road imperfections. It’s fun to push on a winding road, especially the R-Design models with their sportier suspension setup and larger wheels. We appreciated the XC40 T5’s standard all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance while test-driving during a severe Texas rainstorm. Grip was commendable when pushed on the slick roads and confidence-inspiring in general. The high seating position is excellent.

The XC40’s interior weds form and function into a masterpiece of design. The union creates a visual smorgasbord for the eye while simultaneously inventing storage spaces where none existed before. A perfect example is the available rear-storage solution that permits the rear cargo floor to be folded up, creating a secure cargo box buttressing the rear seatback.

Volvo has always excelled at seat comfort and the XC40’s front buckets are no exception, offering excellent back and leg support as well as a high perch for improved outward visibility.

The XC40’s cockpit is thoroughly modern, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and large 9-inch center touch screen for the audio, climate and navigation. While we found rear-seat head- and legroom adequate, the front-seat anchors intrude on foot space, causing passengers to press their feet close together. Other quibbles include sun visors that don’t slide, and the small transmission selector that can be fussy to use when initially putting the vehicle in Drive or Reverse.

“A tough little robot.” That’s the way XC40 designer Ian Kettle describes the appearance of this small Volvo SUV. We agree, and furthermore we love that Volvo didn’t just make a downsized version of the XC60 and XC90, as elegant as those larger SUVs are.

The new XC40, by contrast, is rugged yet youthful and spunky. It’s described as more a cousin than a brother to the larger XC models. The XC40 is angular and stands out with a C-pillar that rises sharply from the base of the rear-door windows. Up front the grille is concave, there are those distinctive “Thor’s hammer” headlights, and crisp creases in the hood. In back, even the standard power tailgate is beautiful, and tucked underneath are the twin exhaust housings. Volvo XC40 Momentum models can be had with a white contrast roof, while the R-Design variants have a black roof.

APP-BASED CAR SHARING
As our phones become more integral to our lives, Volvo keeps pace by offering an app that allows owners to share their cars with friends or family without the need to pass off the keys. The Volvo On Call app allows an owner to approve use, set a time frame and inform the borrower to the car’s location. The car can be unlocked and started via the user’s phone.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
In the 2020 XC40, Volvo has maximized a small space, creating unique cubbies and storage spots throughout the cabin. By moving the speakers from their traditional spot in the doors, for example, Volvo engineers free up more storage space. Likewise, a clever foldout glove-compartment hook can be employed to hold a plastic grocery bag or purse.

The 2020 Volvo XC40 is available in two variants, T4 or T5. The T4 is front-wheel drive (FWD) and uses a lower-power engine, while the T5 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a potent powerplant. Both can be had in a choice of three trims: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.

Even in base form, the 2020 XC40 SUV is surprisingly well equipped. Standard fare includes T-Tec seating, power driver’s seat with memory, power tailgate, automatic climate control, a slick 12.3-inch digital dash display, 18-inch wheels and LED headlights. The XC40’s safety features include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and road-sign recognition.

The infotainment system is robust, centered around a horizontally aligned 9-inch touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot (6-month trial included), and an 8-speaker/250-watt AM/FM/HD Radio audio system with two USB ports in front and a USB-C connector in the rear.

Stepping up to the R-Design adds a sport chassis designed for more athletic handling, 19-inch wheels, 8-way power-operated passenger seat, panoramic moonroof, navigation, dual-zone climate control and LED fog lights. The top-line XC40 Inscription brings driftwood inlays, a crystal shift knob and other aesthetic touches.

Options available across all trims include the recommendable Premium Package that bundles Volvo semi-autonomous Pilot Assist drive system, the ingenious folding load-floor system, universal garage remote, hands-free tailgate operation, wireless phone charger, and hidden storage compartment under the driver’s seat. Other options include a blind-spot warning system, headlight-cleaning system and a Harman Kardon premium audio system that sounds fantastic.

The 2020 XC40 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but in a choice of two outputs/drive configurations. The XC40 T5’s engine is tuned to 248 horsepower and comes standard with AWD. The front-drive XC40 T4 uses the same engine but detuned to make just 187 horsepower.

Both are mated to a well-functioning 8-speed automatic transmission. As with more and more new cars, the XC40 uses an automatic start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle, such as at stoplights. However, the system is defeatable via a menu on the touch screen (swipe right to access it).

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (XC40 T4 FWD)
187 horsepower @ 4,700 rpm
221 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (XC40 T5 AWD)
248 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg