Reviews of the Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is a mid-size premium SUV that provides family drivers with a practical and comfortable lease car. Slotting into Volvo's SUV range below the XC60 and XC90, it comes with unique styling, a spacious interior, and fantastic safety kit. 

Rivals to the XC40 include the BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque, VW Tiguan, and Audi Q3. 

Our Volvo XC40 review covers:

• Unique exterior styling with 'Thor Hammer' headlights 
• Minimalist interior packed full of premium materials 
• Up to 443 litres of boot space 
• A petrol mild hybrid powertrain 
• Three trim levels 

Pros:

• High-quality cabin 
• Good to drive 
• Great range of safety features 

Cons:

• Infotainment system seems outdated 
• Road noise at higher speeds 
• Boot space falls short of rivals 

Combining cool Scandinavian design with modern SUV design principles, the XC40 is undoubtedly trendy. It has a sharp exterior design with a flat bonnet and a bold front grille complemented by its Thor Hammer headlights. But what we like about the XC40 is that it looks unique; too many SUVs nowadays look similar, but not this one. 

The cabin of the XC40 is more than roomy enough for a family. Two adults can easily fit in the front, and there's plenty of space in the rear to stretch your legs (although not as good as the BMW X1). You'll also find various smart cabin storage solutions for water bottles, laptops, and even hooks for shopping bags or takeaway food. 

An essential part of a family SUV is having a good boot, and the XC40 delivers. It comes with 443 litres of cargo space as standard, and although this is less than the Volkswagen Tiguan and BMW X1, you get a power tailgate, a foldable floor, and a lockable underfloor storage. 

Inside, the XC40 is full of neat details that give it an edge over some of its rivals. You'll find a nice mix of soft-touch plastics, leather, and metal, all put together in Volvo's typical minimalist and elegant design. 

Unlike many of the curved displays found in the XC40's rivals, its infotainment system is a nine-inch portrait display. It's clear to read, responsive and features Google built-in, but there's no denying it's a bit outdated compared to the systems found in the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3.  

Three trim levels are available for the XC40: Core, Plus, and Ultra. 

Core kicks off the range with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, LED headlights, an air quality system, a power tailgate, and Google built-in. 

Plus adds 19-inch 5-Y spoke matte graphite diamond cut alloy wheels, high-level interior illumination, keyless entry with hands-free power tailgate, and BLIS and cross traffic alert. 

Ultra has 20-inch 5-double spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and pilot assist. 

The XC40's engine range includes two mild-hybrid petrol units, the B3 and B4. Both have a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a small electric battery, front-wheel drive, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

The entry-level B3 unit is our pick of the bunch. Returning a power output of 163hp and 265Nm of torque, it's more than powerful enough for around-town and motorway driving. Its acceleration from 0 to 62mph is 8.6 seconds, which is not much different from the B4's 7.6 seconds. 

If you're after slightly more power, the B4 increases power output to 197hp, but it's not all that different considering the extra cost. 

There is an electric version of the XC40 available in the form of the EX40, that returns a combined range of 311 miles. 

If you're after a comfortable SUV that's good to drive in all conditions, the XC40 will fit the bill. If you mainly operate around town, the one thing you'll love about the XC40 is its fantastic driving position. You get a great view of the road, which helps you navigate narrow city streets and tight parking spots. 

Its ride quality around town is also very good, absorbing potholes and bumps in the road much better than the Range Rover Evoque and Volkswagen Tiguan. 

As you increase up to motorway speed, the XC40 is more of a cruiser than an overtaker. It remains comfortable and relaxed at high speeds, but it won't put you on the edge of your seat, not even with the B4 engine. 

One of the standout features of the XC40 on the road is the sheer amount of driver assistance systems. Around town, features like the 360-degree parking view and cross-traffic alert are useful, while on the motorway, you can take advantage of lane-keeping assist, collision detection, and blind-spot assist. 

Prices for the new Volvo XC40 start from £29,450.00 OTR* or to lease from £306.14 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Volvo XC40? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.