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First Drive Review: 2019 Volvo XC40 Sets a New Standard Over Outdated Rivals
The 2019 Volvo XC40: Redefining Compact Luxury with Scandinavian Flair
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.
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.
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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.
Interior: Thoughtful Design Meets Sustainable Materials
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.
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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.
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.
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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:
- Underfloor storage compartment
- Foldable cargo floor divider with hooks
- Integrated storage for cargo cover when not in use
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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
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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.
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.
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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.

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Last Updated On May, 05-2025