Engine and Transmission

From Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission Rating:

Under the hood of every XC40 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making either 184 or 248 horsepower (called T4 and T5, respectively). The more powerful T5, which receives all-wheel drive as standard, helped our Momentum test vehicle scoot from zero to 60 mph in a reasonably brisk 6.3 seconds. The less potent T4 will come with front-wheel drive only when it goes on sale in summer 2018.

The eight-speed automatic transmission handles gearchanges without delay and transmits no harshness to the cabin while doing so. Our sole complaint is the coarse engine sound under heavy throttle; when cruising, the powertrain is as quiet and refined as it is in other applications throughout the Volvo lineup.

Test Results: Acceleration

Manual Shifting Capability

While our Momentum test vehicle offered manual shifting via the shift lever, the midrange R-Design trim comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters rendered in a lovely metallic plastic.

Automatic Stop/Start

Tow Ratings Compared

Towing capacity is something that’s a rarity among subcompact luxury crossovers; the XC40 boasts a stout 3500-pound limit that easily exceeds the Lexus NX’s rating.

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