2023 Volvo XC40

The spunky little sibling in the Volvo lineup is the 2023 XC40 SUV, which blends Volvo’s safety-first ethos and upscale ambiance with a more youthful character. The XC40’s cabin is practical and nicely trimmed, and the seating position is much higher than that of rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. A host of technology features are at the ready as well, including Volvo’s advanced driver-assistance tech and a new Google-based infotainment system. Two four-cylinder powertrains are available both with a 48-volt hybrid system but only the more powerful of the two has all-wheel drive. An electric version is also available if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, but we review the XC40 Recharge separately.

Engine Performance

Under the hood of every XC40 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain making either 194 horsepower in B4 form or 247 horsepower in the B5. Both feature a 48-volt hybrid system. The more powerful B5 pairs exclusively with all-wheel drive while the entry-level B4 comes only with front-wheel drive. At our test track, the all-wheel drive B5 model hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the older T5 version, which scooted to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Fuel

The XC40’s EPA fuel-economy ratings are a class-competitive 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the B4 model and 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the B5. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the XC40 B5 all-wheel drive delivered only 27 mpg. That's not a great result given that it’s up against the more efficient Mercedes-Benz GLB250, which delivered 32 mpg in our testing.

Price

B4 Core $37,445

B5 Core $39,445

B4 Plus $41,845

B5 Plus $43,845

B4 Ultimate $45,595

B5 Ultimate $47,595