Ask anyone about Volvo, and they’ll probably answer—simple and Swedish. Simplicity has been a defining trait of Volvo cars for a very long time. And, in the subcompact segment, Volvo’s entry-level XC40 is easily one of, if not the best overall—at least in our books. Remarkably underrated, this stylish little SUV packs a lot for what it asks.
Available since 2019, the Volvo XC40 subcompact has been an excellent alternative in the luxury crossover segment. Sitting below the compact XC60, the XC40 is your cheapest way into Volvo ownership. Its popularity has grown considerably thanks to how value-rich the SUV is. Prices start at a touch over $36,000 for the entry-level 2022 XC40 T4 Momentum, while the top-spec T5 Inscription costs a hair under $43,000.
As for changes, the 2022 Volvo XC40—versus the 2021 model—gets a few omissions. No rear child locks, powered tailgate is an optional extra, and front fog lamps are reserved for the upper trim levels. Cosmetically, 2021 and 2022 cars are pretty similar. So what makes Volvo’s entry-level SUV stand out? Why is it so underrated? Let’s find out.
2022 Volvo XC40’s Exterior Design Is About Style And Personality
The XC40 was always quite an eye-catcher, and Volvo has decided to leave it mostly undisturbed for the 2022 model year. What you have carried over is a funky and youthful exterior. Apart from the fog lamp situation mentioned above, the overall design is largely the same as the 2021 model. At the front, the Volvo grille stands tall and wide with LED headlights flanking either end.
At the rear, you’ll find the signature Volvo taillights, a design borrowed from more expensive models like the XC60 and XC90. As for exterior colors, nine choices are available with contrasting roof options, either in black or white. Move up to the R-Design, and the XC40 looks sportier courtesy of bigger wheels, black-painted roof/window surrounds, and a bespoke R-Design grille. The Inscription trim level, on the other hand, takes a classier approach with different wheel designs and splashes of chrome instead of a blacked-out theme.
Interiors Of The 2022 Volvo XC40 Look Simple Yet Premium
When it comes to interiors, Volvo does a fantastic job. It’s never too overly done, and the layout is functional yet minimal. Step inside the XC40, and you’ll instantly recognize the familiar Volvo design features. The interior is devoid of buttons, although there are a few placed conveniently below the infotainment unit, similar to what we find inside the XC60 and XC90. Most interior commands like adjusting the air conditioning, radio, and media, are all controlled via the touchscreen.
What stands out as one of the XC40’s top highlights is material quality and fit and finish. For an entry-level subcompact, Volvo has managed to offer lots of soft-touch plastics on top of the dashboard, door pads, and center console. Also, the premium feel of the primary touchpoints, be it the steering wheel or indicator stalks are simply excellent.
As standard, all Volvo XC40s get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment with Bluetooth and smartphone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The screen, much like a Tesla control center, is used to control most vehicle functions, including changing radio presets, climate control settings, fan speed..etc. In addition to the customization, the instrument cluster displays the speed limit and other vital roadside information in an easy-to-read visual format.
Volvo offers the 2022 XC40 with standard automatic high-beam assist, lane-keeping assist, and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Additionally, the subcompact SUV gets lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. But that’s not all; the entire XC40 range gets seven airbags, automatic wipers, ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control as part of the standard equipment list.
2022 Volvo XC40 Offers Brisk Performance
As for available powertrain options, all XC40s come with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder in two states of tune: 187 horsepower or 248 horsepower. Dubbed T4 and T5, respectively, the 187 horsepower engine is available only with FWD, whereas the 248 horsepower variant is exclusively AWD. In terms of torque outputs, the T4 powertrain puts out 221 lb-ft, while the T5 generates 258 lb-ft. Transmission duties are taken care of by an 8-speed automatic that’s standard across the range.
Performance is punchy, although not as exciting as perhaps a BMW X1. However, there is enough oomph to get you from A to B without any problems. The 8-speed box is quick to handle gear changes and shows no signs of hesitation when flooring it. Plus, the SUV handles pretty well despite having a fairly tall design.
Overall, the XC40 is an excellent piece of hardware. Premium fit and finish, quality interiors, and attractive styling, all make the Volvo XC40 an irresistible buy. However, pricey optional extras, expensive top-end variants, and fairly lackluster performance could perhaps be the reason for its underrated status. That said, the 2023 XC40 has been announced, and it promises to have ironed out many flaws of the previous model year.
Sources: Volvo