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2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review by Larry Nutson +VIDEO


2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review (select to view enlarged photo)

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2019 Volvo XC40
SUV entry luxury

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel


The compact crossover SUV segment is a very lucrative playing ground for an auto maker and one of the hottest segments in the marketplace. Volvo, not to be left on the sidelines. is in the game with its all-new XC40.

With more and more of the global population re-urbanizing and more and more cities becoming very densely populated resulting in crowded streets, a city-sized SUV will be the right choice for many.

I’ve been wanting to get some seat time in the XC40 since its introduction last Spring. Scheduling issues kept getting in the way, but finally it all came together. I had a week’s time with the XC40 T5 AWD R-Design model. Finished in Crystal White Metallic with a black roof, the two-tone or bi-color—if you prefer the more contemporary—XC40 turned some heads as I went about my business. A few thumbs-up came from the young adult generations.


2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review (select to view enlarged photo)

The XC40 carries Volvo’s design language with a slightly-aggressive stance. Overall length is a tad over 174 inches, making for easy maneuvering and parking on city streets. Short overhangs, a distinctive design and interesting body sculpturing make for lots of appeal on the XC40.


2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review (select to view enlarged photo)


2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review (select to view enlarged photo)

The cabin interior is not only good looking but very functional. The Orange Lava carpeting on the interior of my XC40 grabs you immediately. Centered in the instrument panel is a large iPad-like touch screen for vehicle settings, climate, audio, infotainment and mobile phone. You swipe left or right to access all that it can do. Purse and shopping bag hooks, under-seat storage, a removable trash bin and a wireless device charging pad add some uniqueness and practicality. A fully digital 12.3-inch driver display houses tach, speedo and information displays.

There’s 20.7 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the 60/40 folding rear seat. A multi-position removable and folding rear load floor can be positioned to create a partition for grocery bags or other items below the cargo cover. With the rear seat-back folded you get 47.2 cu.ft. for hauling more stuff.

Power in the XC40 comes from a 248-HP 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 258 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and optional paddle shifters put the power to all four wheels. Selectable drive-mode settings range from Comfort to Eco, Dynamic, Off-road and Individual. Engine, transmission, steering, ride, and traction calibrations are modified as appropriate for each setting.

Zero to 60 mph is in a quick 6.2 seconds and top speed is 140 mph. EPA test-cycle ratings are 26 mpg combined, or 3.8 gallons per 100 miles, with 23 city mpg and 31 highway mpg. The gallons per 100 miles number is a good one to work with since it tells you how much it will cost to drive a certain distance.


2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review (select to view enlarged photo)

My XC40 T5 AWD carried a base price of $35,200 plus a $995 destination charge. The R-Design package adds $2500. Running down the price sticker from top to bottom, also equipped were a Premium Package ($900), Vision Package ($1100), Advanced Package ($995), heated front seats and steering wheel ($750), metallic paint ($595), Panoramic Roof ($1200), Orange Lava interior carpeting ($100), 20-inch “5-Double Spoke” Matt black alloy wheels ($800), and a 600w Harmon Kardon audio system with 13-speakers ($800). The bottom line hit $45,935. So as you can see, it’s easy to add about $10K very quickly.

The XC40 also is available with Momentum or Inscription trim packages. More information, specifications and detail on the 2019 Volvo XC40 can be found at www.volvocars.com.

Volvo's City Safety feature comes on all XC40s. It warns the driver when it senses an imminent collision and apply the brakes if you don’t. The system not only detects other vehicles but also pedestrians, bicycles and large animals..sorry, squirrels.

As part of the Premium Package, Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive systems and adaptive cruise control might just be the thing to have if you do lots of long highway drives.


2019 Volvo XC40 Entry Luxury SUV Review (select to view enlarged photo)

Overall, I found the XC40 to provide an overall very satisfying driving experience. It’s quiet with a nice open and spacious feeling in the cabin, seat design is very comfortable for long road trips, has a smooth ride but yet the suspension is tuned for sporty handling, and the engine provides plenty of zip. In a pinch it’s 8.3 inches of ground clearance will help get you down an unpaved road or through some deepish snow.




The new Volvo XC40 small SUV has been named the 2018 European Car of the Year ahead of the Geneva Motor Show last March in Switzerland. It is the first win of this prestigious award for Volvo Cars. The XC40 is also a semifinalist for the 2019 North American Utility of the Year and a candidate for the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year.

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