Used Volvo XC40 2017-present review

Category: Family SUV

The Volvo XC40 mixes style, space and comfort. It's now a highly desirable used choice. 

Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Volvo XC40 long-term test review
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Volvo XC40 2019 RHD infotainment
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Volvo XC40 2019 RHD infotainment
  • Volvo XC40 with heated seats
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Volvo XC40 long-term test review
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Volvo XC40 2019 RHD infotainment
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Used Volvo XC40 17-present
  • Volvo XC40 2019 RHD infotainment
  • Volvo XC40 with heated seats
Used Volvo XC40 2017-present review
Star rating

What's the used Volvo XC40 estate like?

To many, Volvos are seen as being well thought out, 'fit for purpose' cars that are also very safe. However, there have been a few desirable and stylish examples in the firm's past that have bucked this stereotype, and in the last few years, its produced a whole host of good-looking, upmarket SUVs, like this compact Volvo XC40, that manage to satisfy all of the aforementioned criteria.

Indeed the Volvo XC40 oozes style both inside and out - and it's no wonder it carried off our overall What Car? Car of the Year award in 2017. Now, it makes for an excellent used buy, with plenty of examples to choose from on the forecourts.

Overview

The XC40 mixes style, space and comfort with cutting-edge safety. It's a highly desirable used choice.

  • Stylish interior
  • Comprehensive safety kit
  • Supple ride on most versions
  • Fiddly infotainment
  • Lacks flexible rear-seat arrangement
  • Some reliability reports were a little mixed

It offers a wide range of engine options, too. Under the bonnet, to begin with, was a range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Petrols on offer comprised a 154bhp T3, 187bhp T4 and 244bhp T5. A downsized three-cylinder 1.5 arrived in 2018 as a direct replacement for the existing T3 (upgraded in 2019 to 161bhp).

This smaller engine allowed for a slew of plug-in hybrids to join the range in 2020 with the 204bhp T4 and 258bhp T5 Recharge models. A fully electric Recharge T8 with a range of around 250 miles also arrived in 2020, as did an entry-level 127bhp T2 petrol. The existing T4 and T5 petrol engines gained 48V mild hybrid technology and a boost in power to become the 194bhp B4 and 247bhp B5 models.

There are also two 2.0-litre diesels: the 148bhp D3 and 187bhp D4. These diesels, however, were dropped in late 2020 in preference for the plug-in hybrid models.

A recent rationalisation of the range means all XC40s now get a seven-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive, even the entry-level petrol B3. There are also two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), called the T4 and T5 Recharge, plus the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Trims start off with entry-level Momentum. This comes with lots of goodies, including cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a 9.0in tablet touchscreen, digital instruments, 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear parking sensors. Next up is the sportier R-Design. This adds seats trimmed in leather and nubuck, power-folding door mirrors, privacy glass and ambient interior lighting. The more luxurious Inscription model completes the range with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, front parking sensors, an electric tailgate, wood trim inlays and a crystal gear selector on automatic versions.

Trims with 'Pro' at the end of the name add adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable passenger seat with memory function, headlight washers, a heated windscreen and 19in or 20in alloy wheels. Options worth seeking out include the Convenience Pack for its extra practicality.

Later, post-2021 cars, had trim levels that ranged from relatively basic (Core) to properly sumptuous (Ultimate).

On the road, the Volvo XC40 is a smooth and hushed performer, with a low level of wind and road noise, helping to make the interior a noticeably refined place in which to spend time, and most engines provide more than enough oomph.

Fling it through a series of bends and the XC40 reveals itself as competent, though not inspiring. It leans a fair bit and the steering, while reasonably quick, is a little imprecise, but there’s plenty of grip.

The car rides well, being composed and breezing over road ripples easily, although oddly it’s rather better on the ‘sports’ suspension fitted to R-Design models than the softer ‘dynamic’ suspension. Our experience of the car on the optional adaptive suspension suggests it’s not worth seeking out a car with this fitted.

Inside, you'll find an excellent driving position with good visibility, a comfortable seat and plenty of adjustment. The standard digital instruments prove easy to read at a glance, and because the minimalist dashboard design carries few physical buttons, it’s easy to interpret those that are there. However, you do have to access quite a lot of functions through the infotainment touchscreen; this can be a faff, but at least the screen is crystal-clear.

When it comes to interior quality, the XC40 is exceptionally classy. All the surfaces that you interact with regularly feel suitably upmarket, thanks to plush, soft-faced materials, smart wood veneer or metal highlights. Everything feels robust, too, so it should stand the test of time and the demands of family use.

There’s plenty of space up front, while rear passengers have enough leg and head room, although rivals such as the BMW X1 and VW Tiguan offer slightly more.

On paper, the boot in the Volvo XC40 is smaller than those rivals', but in everyday use it’s wide, deep and easily accessible, with a useful underfloor storage area.

If you're interested in finding a used XC40, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

Volvo XC40 long-term test review

Ownership cost

What used Volvo XC40 estate will I get for my budget?

Because it's desirable, the XC40 maintains its value rather well, but there are still used bargains to be had. Prices start at around £15,000 for a relatively high-mileage XC40. Up the folding to between £16,000 to £18,000 for a good 2018 model, £18,000 to £20,000 for a 2019 or 2020 car, £20,000 to £25,000 for a 2021 car and over £25,000 for a 2022 example. The latest 2023 cars will set you back over £31,000.

Check the value of a used Volvo XC40 with What Car? Valuations

Used Volvo XC40 17-present

How much does it cost to run a Volvo XC40 estate?

MPG

On paper, the most economical XC40 is the diesel 2.0 D3 with an official combined fuel consumption figure of 47.1mpg. The more powerful D4 gets close with 44.1mpg. The best-performing petrols are the T2 and T3 models, with each returning 40.4mpg.

The regular T4 and T5 petrols offer the worst figures at 35.3mpg and 34.0mpg respectively. Things improve with the mild hybrid B4 at 39.2mpg, while the B5 manages 36.7mpg.

In order to achieve something close to the 134.5mpg figure quoted for the Recharge T4 and T5 plug-in hybrid models, you'll need to regularly charge the car and utilise its electric motor. All-electric T8 XC40s have a 78kWh battery that can accept a 150kW charge for a 10-80% recharge time of roughly 30 minutes, while a 7kW wall charger at home will take 12 hours to refill an empty battery to 100%.

Insurance

Insurance costs are fairly low for the Volvo XC40, laden as it is with safety and security kit; Volvo’s safety record helps to keep the car in the 30-33 groupings.

Road tax

Annual road tax will be the same for all models registered after the tax changes of April 2017. It’s worth making sure the on-the-road cost of the XC40 you’re looking at didn’t creep past £40,000 when it was new, because at this point it will attract an extra luxury car tax surcharge. Current costs are £170 a year for hybrids, £180 a year for petrol or diesel-only and the luxury tax is £390 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing

Servicing costs are reasonable and you can opt for a number of servicing plans for your used car that can help you spread the cost.

Reliability

The Volvo XC40, as revealed by our annual What Car? Reliability Survey, has shown a generally reliable performance with real-world owner reviews offering a balanced view.

Owners appreciate its reliability, noting minor electronic issues such as glitches with the infotainment system and driver aids, which, although inconvenient, don't impair the SUV's drivability.

The Volvo dealer network's service quality appears to vary, with experiences ranging from highly efficient to somewhat frustrating due to repair delays and communication gaps.

However, the overall sentiment remains positive, with the XC40 standing out as a dependable option for those in search of a premium compact SUV, and signs of service improvements are encouraging.

Discover more about the used Volvo XC40's reliability and owner experiences on our dedicated reliability page.

Volvo XC40 2019 RHD infotainment

Our recommendations

Which used Volvo XC40 estate should I buy?

Engines

If you mostly do shorter, urban journeys, go for the 154bhp T3 petrol. It should have all the performance you'd need without being horrendously thirsty. The only point of note is that in 2018 the engine went from being a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit to a smaller three-cylinder 1.5. Both produce 154bhp (up until 2019, when it got a boost to 161bhp).

Trims

Well equipped, sporty looking and reasonably priced, R-Design is our favourite trim, because this version handles better on its sports suspension than the rest of the range. Don't bother with a Pro version of this trim level, because that'll give you 20in wheels that spoil the ride.

Our favourite Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design

Used Volvo XC40 17-present

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Volvo XC40 estate?

The BMW X1 in its latest guise is a deservedly popular SUV, with a spacious, practical and high-quality interior. You also get a fine-handling car and a class-leading infotainment system. It’s not the quietest car, but it does feel larger than the XC40.

The VW Tiguan is one of the best-selling cars in this segment. It has a spacious and practical interior, is good to drive and has plenty of kit as standard. Against that, the diesel engines are gruff and it’s quite pricey, even used.

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Used Volvo XC40 17-present