Volvo doesn’t skimp on tech at the base level but builds the XC40 into a true luxury vehicle in upper trims.
Volvo includes all the desirable infotainment and active-safety functionality in all three XC40 and XC40 Recharge trim levels, leaving the more distinctive materials and trims and additional comfort and convenience items for the upper trims. It’s also backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with three years of maintenance. The standard equipment, big touchscreen, and good warranty add up to an 8 on our scale.
The criticism in the way Volvo presents its feature set is that it leaves the impressive Pilot Assist system for top Ultimate trims only.
All XC40 models get a 9.0-inch infotainment system that is, compared to some interfaces in rival models, quite intuitive to use. While you need to be on the Google ecosystem to make the most of it, the system does fully support Apple CarPlay, or Google’s Android Auto from the handset of your choice instead.
The 2024 Volvo XC40 family does feel like a premium vehicle through and through, but mid-level Plus and top-level Ultimate models do add a number of features that together amount to more of a pronounced luxury car ambience. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the touchscreen system, wireless device charging, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a power tailgate.
Base Core models start at $41,995, including the $1,295 destination fee. Plus versions start at $46,995 and add a panoramic sunroof, air purification, fog lamps, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and more. Top Ultimate versions cost $50,795 and get Harman Kardon Premium sound, adaptive cruise control, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assist system.
The premium for the fully electric powertrain is roughly $15,000, and it doesn’t include all-wheel drive. XC Recharge models start at $56,930, $59,890, and $63,280, respectively for the three levels, and the Twin Motor all-wheel-drive layout is $1,750 extra.
Which Volvo XC40 should I buy?
Volvo has an eye for detail, and the versions of the XC40—electric or gasoline—that work best are those that include the brand’s upscale finishes and more comfort features but don’t go over-the-top on price. For that reason we recommend the mid-level Plus model for both the gasoline XC40 and the electric XC40 Recharge.
In addition to the panoramic roof and upgraded lighting, the Plus gets a far superior base microfiber upholstery along with driftwood trim and a tailored steering wheel—amounting to a vehicle that feels the part of a premium brand. We’d add the $550 Climate Package (heated steering wheel and rear seats), for a total of $46,995.
As for the XC40 Recharge, the mid-level Plus also represents the best compromise between equipment and price, adding the microfiber upholstery, a power passenger seat, panoramic roof, and more. Here, the Climate Package costs $1,000, and it’s an even more important option as it includes a heat pump that helps boost range and comfort on longer cold-weather trips.
How much is a fully loaded Volvo XC40?
The Ultimate comes with leather seats, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, wood trim, a power tailgate, the panoramic sunroof, and a bunch of other features. Load one up with the Climate Package and tow hitch ($1,435) and it adds up to $51,345, Likewise, the top end for the Recharge EV in Ultimate guise, including the optional tow hitch, is $61,530—or $63,280.
