Verdict
A
← Volvo XC40 · 2018-present · First Generation (2018-present)
Volvo XC40 First Generation (2018-present)
Volvo's smallest. Pick T5 AWD or Recharge BEV (now EX40). 2018 European Car of the Year.
BHP
187-402 bhp
0–60
4.7 s
Top speed
112 mph
MPG
27.0 mpg
New
$22,000-$58,000
Single generation since 2018 on the CMA platform (shared with Polestar 2, Lynk & Co 01). Powertrains: T4 (187 hp / 221 lb-ft) FWD I4 base, T5 (247 hp / 258 lb-ft) twin-charged 2.0L I4 AWD with 8-speed Aisin auto, T5 Recharge PHEV (262 hp combined, ~25 mile EV range), and the Recharge Pure Electric (rebranded EX40 for 2024+). EX40/Recharge BEV options: single-motor RWD (268 hp, 78 kWh, ~293 mi WLTP / 250 mi EPA) or twin-motor AWD (402 hp combined, 4.7 sec 0-60). DC fast-charging 150-200 kW. Trims: Momentum (gone), Core, Plus, Ultimate (replaced R-Design / Inscription naming for 2023+). 2018 European Car of the Year winner. Cabin design has been class-leading: cubby behind shifter, removable trash bin, premium speaker grilles. Sensus infotainment originally, transitioned to Google built-in (Maps/Assistant/Play Store native) for 2022+. Pilot Assist semi-autonomous standard mid-trim and up. Polestar Engineered software upgrade available on T5 Recharge / Twin Motor for ~$1,200, adds 13 hp. Built at Volvo Ghent, Belgium. Volvo's best-seller in many markets.
Strengths
- 2018 European Car of the Year
- Cabin design class-leading at launch
- Twin-charged T5 (247 hp) is genuinely quick
- EX40 / Recharge BEV now 250+ mile range
- Google built-in (2022+ refresh)
Weaknesses
- T4 base feels underpowered for the weight
- Recharge BEV early-build range was modest (~210 mi)
- Sensus infotainment laggy pre-2022
- Rear seat space tight for the segment
- Belgian build quality variable on early cars
Notable tech
- CMA platform (shared Polestar 2)
- Twin-charged T5 (supercharger + turbo)
- 78 kWh battery (Recharge BEV / EX40)
- Google built-in (2022+)
- Pilot Assist semi-autonomous
- Polestar Engineered software (+13 hp)
- 150-200 kW DC fast-charging
Common issues
- Recharge BEV battery management updates (early cars)
- Sensus freezes (pre-2022 examples)
- Twin-charged T5 supercharger noise
- 12V battery drain on PHEV examples
- Front camera / radar calibration issues
- Driveline shudder on Twin Motor BEV (recall)
- Door card creak on early-build cars
Used-market budget
$28,000
T4 / T5 ICE $22-32k. T5 Recharge PHEV $26-36k. Recharge Pure Electric (early) $24-32k. EX40 Twin Motor (newer) $40-58k. R-Design / Polestar Engineered upgrades modest premium.