Review: Volvo XC40

Marianne Turner
Marianne TurnerAutomotive Content Editor
Review: Volvo XC40
Review: Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is a stylish, compact premium SUV that's as practical as it is nice to look at.

Designed to suit modern family life, it’s got safety, comfort, and tech all wrapped in a neat package. 

Overview of the Volvo XC40 

Volvo’s reputation for creating safe and reliable cars continues here, with the XC40 earning top marks for its safety features and robust build quality. Its raised driving position, compact dimensions, and smooth performance make it ideal for both city driving and long motorway journeys, ideal for all the drives of family life. 

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Volvo XC40 Interior 

Step inside the Volvo XC40 and you’ll find a cabin that feels really luxurious for its segment. The interior has been designed with families in mind, with plenty of space, clever storage solutions, and an impressive level of comfort.  

The seats are supportive and finished in high-quality materials, they provide excellent visibility for the driver and passengers alike. A large, easy-to-use touchscreen integrates navigation, media, and climate control through Volvo’s intuitive infotainment system with Google built-in.  

Families will appreciate the thoughtful touches throughout the cabin, plenty of cup holders, deep door bins, and USB-C charging ports for everyone’s devices. The rear seats are roomy enough to accommodate child seats with ease, and wide-opening doors make it simple for children to get in and out. 

 

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Volvo XC40 Exterior 

The XC40’s confident exterior features Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and a clean, modern silhouette. Its compact proportions make it easy to park and manoeuvre, whilst still offering the commanding driving position that families love in an SUV.  

The power tailgate and optional hands-free boot opening are great for those moments when your hands are full of shopping or sports bags. Roof rails add versatility for carrying bikes or roof boxes, making it ready for weekend adventures as well as weekday routines.  

 

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Volvo XC40 Space 

It may be a compact SUV, but you’ll find plenty of space in the XC40. There’s ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, so parents, kids, and occasional back-seat adults can travel in comfort.  

The boot is generously sized and cleverly designed, featuring a flat loading floor, hidden storage compartments, and a foldable floor divider that keeps bags and equipment neatly in place. The boot capacity of the XC40 is 569 litres with the rear seats upright, fold them down and you’ll get an impressive 1,432 litres.  

Whether it’s the weekly shop, school bags, or luggage for a family holiday, the XC40 can handle it all with ease. 

 

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Behind the Wheel of the Volvo XC40 

Driving the Volvo XC40 is a calm, confident experience. It feels smooth and stable, and can take you seamlessly between tight town roads and long stretches of motorways. Its elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, whilst light steering and helpful driver-assistance features make parking and manoeuvring effortless.  

The mild-hybrid engines strike a good balance between power and efficiency, ensuring strong performance with impressive fuel economy. Volvo’s advanced safety technologies (lane keeping assist, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control) work discreetly so as not to disturb your drive.  

The XC40’s suspension soaks up bumps with ease, giving passengers a comfortable and quiet ride. It’s a car that takes the stress out of driving and allows you to simply enjoy the journey. 

 

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Vertu’s Verdict 

The Volvo XC40 is a wonderful choice for families who want a stylish and safe SUV that fits perfectly into their lifestyle. It’s ideal for parents who value comfort and quality, but also need the practicality of a family-friendly vehicle. The XC40 luxurious feel and thoughtful design make everyday journeys smoother and more enjoyable, whether it’s the morning school run or a weekend road trip.  

With its excellent safety features, premium feel, and flexible space, the Volvo XC40 offers everything a modern family could want in one smart, dependable package.