Used 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 subcompact SUV/crossover SUV runs in a field crowded with excellent rivals like the Audi Q3, Lexus UX, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. But its overall look, feel, and driving experience has made it an immediate hit, as its strong initial sales demonstrate.

It’s so good that in its first year of existence (2019), it won two KBB Best Buy Awards. The 2021 model year now includes Volvo’s first completely electric vehicle (EV), the XC40 Recharge, which has a range of 200 miles.

The 5-seater XC40 has the right combination of looks, size, and features at a price within the reach of young, affluent buyers. Its broad range of models, generous standard equipment, long list of sophisticated options, and punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged engine make the 2021 XC40 a superb choice.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine of the T5 is even livelier than its 248 horsepower suggests. It’s a little dynamo, with minimal turbo lag. This subcompact luxury SUV will zip from standstill to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has plenty of muscle in reserve for higher-speed passing. In the front-drive T4 models, horsepower drops to an adequate 187.

The XC40 is exceptionally nimble and easy to maneuver, whether in a parking lot or on the freeway. Despite its short length and modest wheelbase, the XC40 is comfortable and adept at absorbing road imperfections. It’s also fun to push on a winding road, especially the R-Design models, with their sportier suspension and larger wheels.

Drivers will be grateful for the XC40 T5’s standard all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance whenever the weather turns rough. Grip is commendable when snaking around dry roads and confidence-inspiring in general. The elevated seating position is also excellent.

The whole cabin of the 2021 XC40 is an impressive feat of design and deliberation, blending aesthetics with practicality. A perfect example is the optional rear storage feature that enables the rear floor to be folded up, creating a secure cargo box up against the backs of the rear seats.

The front bucket seats follow the typical Volvo formula of wonderful comfort, excellent back and leg support, as well as an elevated position for improved outward vision.

The XC40’s cockpit is brilliantly contemporary, with a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a large 9-inch center touchscreen for the audio, climate, and navigation. Headroom and legroom in the back are adequate, but the front seats’ 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 fiddly when putting the vehicle in Drive or Reverse.

“A tough little robot” is how XC40 designer Ian Kettle describes the appearance of this small Volvo SUV. That’s cool. It’s also cool that Volvo didn’t just make a downsized version of the XC60 and XC90, as elegant as those larger SUVs are.

By contrast, the XC40 is angular, with a C-pillar that rises sharply from the base of the rear windows. Up front, the grille is concave, flanked by those distinctive “Thor’s hammer” headlights, and the hood is enlivened by crisp creases. At the back, even the tailgate is arguably beautiful, and tucked underneath are the twin exhaust outlets. Volvo XC40 Momentum models can be had with a contrasting white roof; the R-Design variants have a black roof and their own grille treatment.

The XC40 Recharge is distinguished by its unique grille as well as its gloss black roof and mirror caps.

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 hand over the keys. The Volvo On Call app lets an owner approve use, set a time frame, and inform the borrower of the car’s location. The car can be unlocked and started by the user’s phone.

BUILT-IN ROUTE PLANNER
With the new electric Volvo XC40 Recharge, a built-in route planner allows the driver to relax and enjoy the journey by automatically recommending when and where to charge the vehicle. Available where Google Services is offered.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 comes with either the T4 or T5 drivetrains. The T4 deploys front-wheel drive (FWD) and uses a lower-powered engine. The T5 has all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, plus a gutsier engine. Both are available in Momentum, R-Design, or Inscription trim levels. And now there’s the all-electric Recharge model.

The entry-level Momentum trim is surprisingly well equipped. Standard features include leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, powered tailgate, automatic climate control, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, 18-inch alloy wheels, and full LED headlights with active bending lights. The XC40’s safety features include lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and road sign recognition.

The infotainment system is centered around a vertically aligned 9-inch touchscreen display, along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi (6-month trial included), an 8-speaker/250-watt audio system, plus two USB-A ports up front and two USB-C ports in the back.

The new electric Volvo XC40 Recharge has a 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, and uniquely shaped door panels with abundant storage. Notably, it’s the first Volvo with the company’s scalable Advanced Driver Assist sensor platform, which will allow for even better safety in the future.

The R-Design adds a sport chassis for more athletic handling, 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power-operated front passenger seat, panoramic moonroof, navigation, and dual-zone climate control. The top-line XC40 Inscription brings driftwood inlays, a crystal shift knob, and other cosmetic indulgences.

Other options include Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control/lane-centering, front parking sensors, parking assistance, 360-degree camera system, wireless charging, high-pressure headlight cleaning, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated seats/steering wheel/wiper blades, and a Harman Kardon audio system upgrade (which sounds great).

The regular 2021 XC40 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but in a choice of two outputs/drive configurations. The XC40 T4 has 187 horsepower and front-wheel drive. The XC40 T5’s engine is tuned to develop 248 horsepower and drives all four wheels

Both are linked to a refined 8-speed automatic transmission. The XC40 has an automatic stop/restart function that cuts engine power at idle, such as at stoplights. However, it can be turned off by accessing a menu on the touchscreen.

The new 2021 XC40 Recharge is an AWD electric version with front and rear electric motors and an EPA-estimated range of 208 miles. The heated and cooled battery, a lithium-ion unit securely integrated into the floor of the vehicle, has a capacity of 78 kWh. It can be brought up to 80-percent charge in as little as 40 minutes when using a DC fast charger.

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: 23/32 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

Front and rear electric motors (XC40 Recharge)
402 total horsepower
486 total lb-ft of torque
78-kWh lithium-ion battery
EPA range: est. 208 miles