Home > News & Blogs > First Drive Review: 2019 Volvo XC40 Sets a New Standard Over Outdated Rivals

First Drive Review: 2019 Volvo XC40 Sets a New Standard Over Outdated Rivals

2019 Volvo XC40 Review: Scandinavian Luxury Meets Urban Adventure | MotorVero

The 2019 Volvo XC40: Redefining Compact Luxury with Scandinavian Flair

2019 Volvo XC40

Volvo has long been synonymous with understated elegance and safety, but the 2019 XC40 marks a bold departure into more youthful territory. This compact luxury SUV combines the brand's renowned craftsmanship with playful design elements and urban practicality, creating a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

2024 Acura MDX Image
2024 Acura MDX

$64030

Gas

45002 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2016 Lexus ES 350 Image
2016 Lexus ES 350

$23988

Gas

49923 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2017 Buick Cascada Image
2017 Buick Cascada

$18495

Gas

83815 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


Key Takeaways:

  • Distinctive Scandinavian design with youthful, urban appeal
  • Surprisingly spacious interior with clever storage solutions
  • Available with 248-hp turbocharged engine and AWD
  • Packed with safety tech and premium features
  • Innovative subscription ownership option available

Design: Scandinavian Minimalism Meets Urban Edge

The XC40 represents Volvo's first foray into the premium compact SUV segment, and the design team has clearly relished the opportunity to experiment. While maintaining the brand's signature design language—evident in the "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights and upright SUV profile—the XC40 adds several playful touches that set it apart.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Notable design elements include:

  • A concave grille unique to the XC40
  • Upswept rear pillars creating dynamic proportions
  • "Floating" roof available in contrasting colors
  • Bold color options including Lava Orange accents
  • Optional white roof, mirror caps, and wheels

Volvo's designers drew inspiration from diverse urban sources—street fashion, modern architecture, and pop culture—resulting in a vehicle that feels contemporary without being trendy. The XC40's fresh aesthetic makes many luxury competitors appear conservative by comparison.

2024 Jaguar I-PACE Image
2024 Jaguar I-PACE

$81853

electric

0 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2018 Acura ILX Image
2018 Acura ILX

$64030

Gas

45002 mi

Good Deal   Good

4 (5)

Audi e-tron 50 Quattro Image
Audi e-tron 50 Quattro

$119680

electric

10000 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


Interior: Thoughtful Design Meets Sustainable Materials

2019 Volvo XC40

Step inside the XC40, and you'll find an interior that blends premium materials with clever functionality. While recent Volvos have featured nature-inspired palettes with open-pore wood trim, the XC40 embraces a more urban aesthetic with patterned metal accents and vibrant color options.

Key interior features include:

  • Standard leather seating surfaces across all trims
  • Recycled materials including door panel fabric made from 97% plastic bottles
  • Innovative storage solutions throughout the cabin
  • Comfortable front seats with excellent support
  • 9-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system

The rear seating area, while adequate for adults, shows some compromises typical of the class. The seat cushions are somewhat low, and the fixed backrest angle may prove too upright for some passengers on longer journeys.

--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The initial XC40 launch models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This powertrain delivers:

Performance Metric Specification
Engine 2.0L Turbocharged I4
Horsepower 248 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque 258 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,800 rpm
Transmission 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain AWD (FWD available on T4)

On the road, the XC40 feels energetic and responsive, with minimal turbo lag and strong mid-range punch. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly under normal driving but can be caught off-guard during more aggressive maneuvers. Selectable drive modes (Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, and Individual) allow drivers to tailor throttle response, steering weight, and transmission behavior to their preferences.

Toyota Grand Highlander Image
Toyota Grand Highlander

$55278

Gas

0 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2024 Lexus GX 550 Image
2024 Lexus GX 550

$72986

Gas

3 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

BMW 6 Series 640i Coupe RWD Image
BMW 6 Series 640i Coupe RWD

$50000

Petrol

63325 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


Ride and Handling

As the first Volvo built on the new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 features a unique suspension setup compared to its larger siblings:

  • Front MacPherson struts with coil springs
  • Rear multilink independent suspension
  • Sport-tuned suspension on R-Design models
  • Available adaptive dampers (summer 2019)

The XC40 delivers a comfortable yet controlled ride, with body motions well-checked during cornering. The steering is light but precise, making the SUV easy to maneuver in urban environments. While not a sports car, the XC40 offers more engaging dynamics than many luxury compact SUVs.

--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Practicality and Storage Solutions

Where the XC40 truly shines is in its thoughtful approach to everyday usability. Volvo's designers have packed the vehicle with clever storage solutions that rival minivans for practicality:

Innovative Storage Features:

  • Oversized door bins with space for laptops and large water bottles
  • Removable trash bin for front console
  • Flip-out hook on glovebox door for bags
  • Card holders in dashboard and center console
  • Under-seat storage compartments
  • Dedicated "phablet" storage with wireless charging

The cargo area offers 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 47.2 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. Clever touches include:

Technology and Safety Features

The XC40 brings Volvo's reputation for safety innovation to the compact segment, offering an impressive array of standard and available driver assistance systems:

Standard Safety Equipment:

  • City Safety with automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection
  • Lane Keeping Aid
  • Road Sign Information
  • Run-off Road Mitigation

Available Advanced Features:

  • Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system
  • Blind Spot Information System with steer assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto-brake
  • 360-degree surround view camera
  • Park Assist Pilot
  • --THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

The technology interface centers around Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, featuring:

  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen
  • Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Available 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2019 XC40 launched with two well-equipped trim levels, with additional variants arriving later in the model year:

Trim Starting Price Key Features
T5 Momentum $36,195 Leather upholstery, LED headlights, power tailgate, dual-zone climate control
T5 R-Design $38,695 Sport seats, metallic mesh trim, paddle shifters, sport suspension
T4 Momentum (FWD) $34,195 187-hp engine, front-wheel drive, otherwise similar to T5 Momentum

Later additions included the Inscription trim, offering more luxurious appointments, and the introduction of hybrid and full-electric variants.

2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Image
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia

$27697

Gas

28912 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)

2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 Image
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450

$42492

Gas

56030 mi

Fair Deal   Fair

0 (5)

Porsche 911 Image
Porsche 911

$124900

Petrol

10,283 mi

Good Deal   Good

0 (5)


Innovative Ownership: Care by Volvo

Recognizing changing consumer preferences, Volvo introduced an innovative subscription program for the XC40 called Care by Volvo. This all-inclusive package includes:

  • 24-month commitment with no down payment
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage
  • Scheduled maintenance and wear-item replacement
  • Option to switch vehicles after 12 months
  • Flat monthly payment ($600 for Momentum, $700 for R-Design)

This program reflects Volvo's forward-thinking approach to vehicle ownership, appealing particularly to urban dwellers who value convenience.

--BOTTOM ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Competitive Landscape

The XC40 enters a crowded segment dominated by German luxury brands. Here's how it compares to key competitors:

Model Starting Price Base HP Cargo Space Distinctive Feature
Volvo XC40 $34,195 187 (T4) 20.7 cu ft Innovative storage solutions
Audi Q3 $34,700 184 16.7 cu ft Virtual Cockpit display
BMW X1 $35,400 228 27.1 cu ft Sporty handling
Mercedes-Benz GLA $34,250 208 17.2 cu ft Coupe-like styling

Final Verdict

The 2019 Volvo XC40 successfully brings Scandinavian luxury to the compact SUV segment while injecting a dose of youthful energy. It stands out from competitors with:

  • Distinctive, fashion-forward design
  • Exceptional attention to practical details
  • Strong standard safety features
  • Innovative ownership options

While the rear seat comfort could be improved and the infotainment system has a learning curve, the XC40's strengths make it one of the most compelling choices in its class. For urban dwellers seeking a premium compact SUV with personality and practicality, the XC40 deserves serious consideration.

2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus RWD Image
2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus RWD

$24950

Gas

37670 mi

Fair Deal   Fair

0 (5)

2014 Cadillac ATS Image
2014 Cadillac ATS

$19499

Gas

72889 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)

2020 Lincoln Aviator Image
2020 Lincoln Aviator

$36811

Gas

81310 mi

Very Good Deal   Very Good

0 (5)


proImg

motorvero013

Last Updated On May, 05-2025

Share Now: