The 48V system adds an electric motor to the XC40’s 2.0-liter turbo engine, which can add assistance while driving and acts instead of a traditional starter motor. Gone are the old T4 and T5 designations, now replaced by new terms: B4 and B5, signifying the XC40’s new mild-hybrid powertrains. The Volvo XC40 simplifies its engine lineup for 2023. Despite this being the least expensive Volvo, the cabin looks much like the higher-end models. The XC40’s understated styling permeates the interior too. The XC40 includes a bevy of standard safety features, like rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and collision avoidance that can help steer the vehicle away from danger in certain situationsFundimentally, the Volvo XC40 isn’t new, but its luxurious feel and stylish looks have aged well, making it a top contender for first-time luxury crossover buyers. Of Course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Paired with the stylish exterior, the XC40 still manages to look fresh despite not having changed much of the basic design since its 2018 introduction.įor 2023, the XC40’s screen migrates to a new Android-based operating system, that incorporates things like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The sleek, simple and sophisticated 9-inch infotainment screen is the focal point of the interior and looks just as nice as those of the pricier Volvos. The cabin is full of well-fitting, soft-touch plastics, with eco-friendly suede and reclaimed wood accents doting the interior. Unlike some competitors, the XC40’s design doesn’t have a rakish fastback roofline, so there’s lots of headroom and legroom, though Volvo prioritizes passengers over cargo. The new mild hybrid powertrain never feels short of power, but its observed and EPA-rated fuel economy trails behind competitors. The XC40 is decidedly comfortable, which feels more like a traditional luxury experience than the X1 and GLA, which advertise sportiness over size. The ride is smooth, and the steering is confident if not sporty. There isn’t much driving verve in this experience, but, that isn’t a bad thing. The Volvo XC40’s demeanor is soft, bordering on relaxed, with a touch of Swedish sumptuousness. Under the hood, the big news is standard mild-hybrid power. The Volvo XC40 is five years old now but it hasn’t aged a day, and 2023’s external changes consist mainly of deleting the previously-optional contrasting roof. Also, the XC40’s $36,350 base price undercuts the Germans and puts it in competition with larger, higher-trimmed mainstream crossovers the Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V. That could be the leg up that could entice buyers over competitors with cozier interiors and firmer rides. Unlike those cars, XC40’s interior is decidedly spacious, and its driving demeanor is explicitly comfort-oriented. Its main competitors would be the newly-updated BMW X1, Audi’s Q3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. In both price and physical size, the Volvo XC40 is aimed directly at the heart of the entry-level luxury crossover segment. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. Either trim can be had in three levels Core, Plus, or Ultimate. It can be had in either B4 or B5 guise-different from the old T4 and T5 naming schemes of previous years. Despite its luxe pretensions, it also happens to be the cheapest Volvo one can buy.įor the 2023 model year, Volvo has simplified the XC40 lineup, making it (mild) hybrid only, aside from the fully-electric XC40 Recharge model, which we review separately. Offering a high-riding stance and tidy dimensions in a handsome Swedish wrapper, the XC40 is a maneuverable, easy-to-park and practical crossover. Where they offer the pretense of performance the XC40 stays true to Volvo’s quieter, softer formula. Soft, spacious, and comfortable, the 2023 Volvo XC40 has consistently stood as the anthesis of the more sport-oriented entry-level luxe crossovers from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
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