Yahoo Autos 2023 Volvo XC40 and XC40 Recharge Review: Gas or electric? You can’t go wrong
Pros: Cute and functional design; efficient powertrains; a good overall value
Cons: Recycled materials can feel cheap; Recharge has average EV range; doesn’t qualify for federal EV tax credit
The 2023 Volvo XC40 is arguably the most visually attractive subcompact luxury SUV out there. It’s boxy, proportioned well and features the trademark Swedish design we love. Volvo prodded this year’s XC40 with a number of updates, and now the previously ho-hum powertrains are a little nicer to live with (if hardly zesty in their performance). Of course, you can bypass them altogether with the all-electric XC40 Recharge that shares its design, interior features and utility with the gas model, but really amps up the fun with sprightly acceleration and better handling. Oh, and of course, doesn’t require stops at the gas station or emit CO2.
While the XC40 isn’t the biggest in the segment, it’s not the smallest either. This, plus its utilitarian proportions make it more useful than it may look on the outside. Fans of Google tech will enjoy the Google-based infotainment system, but you can still use Apple CarPlay for streaming apps from the Apple ecosystem. All told, the XC40 is one of our favorite subcompact luxury SUVs, and indeed, one of the few we recommend. It has the size, style and quality that justifies its higher price over various non-luxury entries. Plus, the gasoline versions, particularly the upgraded B5, provide stronger value than its various competitors. Even the electric Recharge, which carries a steep price increase, at least provides a strong performance upgrade for the money.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2023?
The XC40 lineup, including the XC40 Recharge, get a mild refresh for 2023. Small styling changes include a new front bumper, frameless grille and “pixel” LED headlight technology. New colors and wheels come into the fold, too.
Both of the gasoline-powered XC40s gain 48-volt mild-hybrid systems to aid efficiency. Inside, Volvo adds non-leather upholstery to the Recharge, and all models adopt the Google-based infotainment system that was previously a Recharge exclusive.
What are the XC40’s interior and in-car technology like?
Volvo’s interiors are very tidy and architectural in terms of design, and the XC40 is no exception even if its specific design doesn’t exactly mimic other models. It’s pleasingly simple, using comfortable, quality materials and Swedish design as its foundation. Textile upholstery is standard, while luxurious leather is available. Plus, the XC40 Recharge offers non-leather greener alternatives such as Volvo’s “Microtech” textile or a wool blend (above, bottom right).
Besides its design, one of the ways the XC40 differs from its siblings (and its competitors) is its clever center console design. It features numerous large, grippy bins to store, secure and charge devices, plus useful cupholders and a sizable under-armrest bin. There's even a little compartment specifically designed to act as a garbage can. Clearly, lots of care and thought went into the XC40.
There’s a lot of tech baked right in, too, from the standard 9-inch vertically oriented Google-based infotainment screen to the 12-inch digital instrument panel. We appreciate the embracing of technology, and even if you don’t want to go all-in on the Google apps, Apple CarPlay works just as well with this infotainment system. That said, utilizing native Google Maps (it even displays in the cluster) as the navigation system and Google Assistant for voice commands make this infotainment system feel more like an extension of the smartphone than any others out there.
How big is the XC40?
The back seat is a little small for larger adults, but that comes with the territory for most in this segment. The XC40 falls into the smallest subcompact luxury crossover category where it faces both smaller and larger rivals — the larger ones being the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. Even if it is only medium-sized in its segment, the XC40’s boxy shape and well-thought-out ergonomics make it rather utilitarian. Rear headroom is plentiful. We also found it easy to install a child car seat, though there isn’t a lot of room for said children to swing about once installed.
The XC40’s cargo space behind the second row is on the small side, but the area is tall, and it’s easy to load items into the large opening. Volvo gets creative with the floor, too, as you can lift it up and arrange it to create separate sections to keep items from falling into one another. Maximum cargo capacity is 57.5 cubic feet, which is bigger than nearly all of its competitors. The Mercedes GLB is most notable for being able to carry more stuff. If you opt for the Recharge, there's a small frunk available for additional storage (seen above, bottom right).
What are the XC40’s fuel economy and performance specs?
There are three powertrains available for the 2023 XC40: the B4, B5 and Recharge.
The XC40 B4 features a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder, and is only available with front-wheel drive. It makes 194 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Though not as peppy as the B5, it offers excellent fuel economy: 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. Volvo says it’ll go from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is on the slow side for a luxury vehicle.
To get all-wheel drive, you have to step up to the XC40 B5. It also has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but it produces 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy penalty for the extra power and all-wheel drive is negligible at 23 mpg city, 30 highway and 26 combined. This engine hacks off a full 2 seconds from the 0-60 time, which is something you’ll definitely notice.
The XC40 Recharge has a 78 kilowatt-hour battery pack and one identical electric motor on each axle to provide all-wheel drive. It produces 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, which is as much of a massive performance upgrade as it seems – the 0-60 time plummets to 4.7 seconds. Its EPA-estimated range is 223 miles. Maximum charging speed is 150 kW on an applicable DC fast charger, which Volvo says is good enough to go from a 10-80% charge in 37 minutes.
