2020 Volvo XC40 | Top Luxury Pick... For Now...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- The subcompact luxury crossover segment is becoming increasingly competitive with new models from every corner. Does the 2020 XC40 have what it takes to stay on top? Let's find out.
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about reliability: a recent survey by consumers associations (i.e. it's based on users experience) in 5 European countries, places Volvo in the middle of the group with a score of 90/100 (91 is the entry score for excellence - first is Lexus with 97) but also places the XC40 at the first place in the SUV segment with a score of 99 (second place to Lexus NX, Toyota Rav4 and Kia Niro with 98)
I know it's kind of off topic but do anyone know of a good place to stream new series online ?
I like your factual down to earth reviews and your split screen driving shots; well done!
I agree on the amber turning signals. And I may hold out for an all-electric "Recharge" version of the XC40.
I also prefer amber turn signals - it's a lot easier to notice them. I don't get why Volvo, a company that pays incredible attention to safety, decided to go with red ones on their SPA cars...
I’ve had mine for a year. I’ve also struggled with the shifter in stressful situations, tending to get stuck in neutral. It gets dangerous if I need to quickly move out of the way and caused a few close calls. I absolutely LOVE this car, and will continue to stick with volvo after this lease is up.
I like the amber turning indicator light better than the red , it seems to be more of a attention getter by it being a different color from your break light. And it's a better style design giving the vehicle a more pricier look
As a Volvo guy: I'd buy this someday Alex.
I prefer amber turn signals as well, but it’s not that strong of a preference. I rented an XC40 recently and I really enjoyed it! I found the driver’s seat to be exceptionally comfortable. Also, I was very pleased with the vehicle all around including the interior design, and stable, quiet high speed cruising and handling. I agree with you, Alex, this is an excellent vehicle and I enjoyed, as always, your comprehensive review and your high rating of the XC40.
Alex .. your presentations are most informative, great job .. one of my favorites. I too prefer the amber turn indicators 👍🏾
Well, I did put my own money on it...and IT turned out to be the XC40 T5. This is our 11th Volvo and it is a fantastic vehicle! I do wish it had a more normal shift "lever" and I'd prefer a non-electronic parking brake actuator. Didn't get the Polestar tune; but might consider that for a Christmas present ;)
Our fourth C70 is now seven years old and this XC40 might stay in the family even longer than that!
Amber turn signals, as I understand, are safer than red ones. It alerts drivers more emphatically that you are changing lanes or there is a hazard. I think they’re better all around!
12:30 Alex, you’re spot-on. Reviewers whining about shifter design is a problem exclusive to someone driving a different car every day.
That's not the point. The point is you shouldn't have to learn how to do something, even in your own car that you'll drive every day, that is NOT intuitive and automatic. I could "learn" to use a steering wheel that made the car turn in the opposite direction; the point is I shouldn't have to because it doesn't make sense. A lever has been fine for ages; this is an answer to a problem nobody had in the first place. How much extra room are you gaining? Virtually negligible.
mrsj1417 It’s more complicated than just providing extra space in that area. In fact there is no longer a physical connection to the transmission as once existed. Continuing to build a mechanical lever that activates an electronic switch is needlessly complicated and prone to failure. Also, transmission levers have changed commonly over the last 100 years of motoring. Sometimes column shifters. Sometimes console shifters. Manuals, automatics. Gates. No gates. 1960s premium Chrysler models had dash-mounted push buttons. I rent lots of cars. When I enter a new model, it takes all of 5 seconds to “figure it out”. It’s approximately as confusing and difficult as the various light switch and wiper controls; which is to say, not difficult at all.
alliejr well said
@@alliejr That is such a reach, lever shifters have been around forever and typically last the life of the car. Electronic shifters are not more reliable, they're just different for the sake of being different
A lot of reviewers of the XC40 always miss showing this feature: trunk release by slowly putting foot under rear bumper.
Just bought a 2020 XC40 T5 Momentum. Love the looks, drives great in Sport Mode. Got a great deal as well. Cargo space is a bit on the tight side, but for 90% of the time, it will be totally adequate.
How much did you pay for your T5? I have been trying to figure out how much would be a fair price for them. Thanks in advance!!
Thanks Alex! Just bought a 2020 XC40, really like the performance!
Test drove both the Q3 and XC40 T5 this week and am buying the Volvo. Better handling, and cleaner user interface were the two big drivers. On the downside the Q3 runs on regular fuel and the T5 requires premium.
Picked my T5 up this week. Dealer said I can put regular in that it just will not go as fast. Personally, I will always use premium. I’m having fun with it, but still on a learners curve. I hope you enjoy yours.
I have driven an Audi Q3 and a Volvo XC40 and I definitely prefer the Volvo. It rode much better, it was quieter, the driver’s seat was more comfortable, and in general just seemed more sophisticated. The XC40 was a pleasant surprise and this is coming from a big Audi fan who owns a Q5.
Alex,
Always love your videos. Your approach is much more straightforward, consistent and coherent than most other car reviews. I do wish you would add one or two categories to your ratings system:
Outward visibility: many modern cars have hilariously small side windows, short front windscreens with too tall dashes and obstructive body designs (Mazda 3, etc.,...).
And some sort of reliability score
Keep up the awesome work! Thanks!!
Great design, and spec. Pity dealers insist on ripping you off. (My experience) Get the customer service sorted then maybe the premium price may be justifiable.
great video, we just bought a XC40, and still learned some new things about it. We really like during this first 22 hours that we've owned it. And we got the Volvo XC40 trailer receiver and bike rack. Terrific. Folds down when opening the rear hatch door. Excellent option, and good to see one doesn't have to go to after-market supplier. Plus the red leather interior upholstery makes my wife very happy!
Best looking option in the segment IMO
Picked a CX-5 Signature over this. I live in the desert and ventilated seats were a must have. Not available on the Volvo. The CX-5 has the same performance and luxury feel for a lot less money.
"Recently BMW said hold my beer and released an M performance version"
Awesome commentary 😎
Amber light are definitely better in my opinion
Personally went with the UX Hybrid after considering the X1, XC40 and UX
1. Fuel consumption is nearly 50% higher on the X1 and XC40, and that doesn't even take the premium gas into consideration (Premium is $5/gallon here vs $4.20/gallon)
If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that means fuel spending would be X1/XC40: 577 gallons @ $5/gallon - $2,885 /year, vs UX; 375 gallons @ 4.20/gallon = $1575 /year. Gas prices are cheaper in the U.S, but that's not the norm.
2. I live in Toronto, I spend most of my time driving in bumper to bumper traffic, where Hybrids do very well, and 0-60 times mean little.
3. Reliability. BMW is not bad, but I have been reading about some issues with Volvo
4. Insurance - Cheaper with the UX (almost $500 / year)
5. Resale value - Lexus will win, simply because of the name.
Obviously trunk space and rear headroom are issues for the UX (along with a few odd things, including 0-60 times if you are about that), but overall the UX made a lot more sense for me. I do believe that Lexus could/should have made the UX a little faster (The Rav4 Hybrid is slightly faster, as is the camry etc..), but overall I am very happy with it as a single guy that doesn't use the vehicle for running a daycare or moving business.
There are 6 Communist state-owned companies : BAIC - SAIC - GAIC - Changan - FAW and Dongfeng.
But there are also 3 Privatized car companies that were founded in the last 30 decades : Great Wall - BYD - and Geely. The 3 that are free from the state ownership are the 3 that have developed the most.
Stop arguing with your « Volvo funds dictatorships ! » lines. Geely. Is. Private.
It is like VAG, it is like JLR, it is like PSA, it is like FCA. They are a private car group like there are lots of them.
You’re just pissed off by the idea of something funded by Chinese money being any good; searching a scapegoat to hate on Volvo. Grow up. Your phone, laptop, dishwasher, TV, is made in China. Is it good ? Yes.
Volvo has never been in greater shape than before. They sold well, they can finally go all out on their cars like they did when Volvo was owned mostly by Volvo AB. The design, the engines, the quality, the engineering, has never been better.
The Audi looks boring, the Volvo stands out from the crowd, but that has always been the case I think !
Agreed, Q3 styling is quite boring to my taste.
I like the red turn signal better but it is based purely on design preference. It just looks nicer and colors flow much better. Love Volvo and i own 2018 XC90 which has been solid so far.
Amber turn signals need to be regulation. I cannot stand when I’m behind an old truck that just uses the brake light as the turn signal. It’s very confusing. Color is much easier to notice immediately than blinking
Absolutely! Our regulations regarding automotive lighting are very outdated...
It's not a safety issue, if people payed attention nothing would be confusing. If anything is confusing please don't drive.
T 15 it actually is a safety issue, especially when the brake light is also the turn signal. It’s not terribly difficult to see red and think that someone is slowing down. Additionally, if the bulb burns out, you lose both a brake light and a turn signal rather than just one. At the very least it should be required that they’re separate lights. Reaction time is everything and it’s easier to react to color than blinking, especially if it has a long cycle
In Europe, all are cars have to have amber signals - it's regulation. I didn't know in the US they could be red.
Fat Pigeon it’s really awful. Especially considering that we can’t get those awesome matrix headlights that Audi offers. US regulations need some serious overhaul
I'm totally sold on the XC40. None of the competitors evoke as much emotion as the XC40. Not even close. With those numbers in performance, ride, handling etc, this sounds like a car to live with, comfortably and fun-filled, for many years.
Then you've obviously never owned a Volvo before.
@@mrsj1417 If 2 = 0, then, yeah i don't own any Volvos
Hi Alex, could you share any figures or comments around reliability scores for the XC40 on the last couple of years?. Keep up the great work, big fan of your channel!
Reliability concern is the main snag that keeps me from considering a Volvo. Too bad.
I don't like the shifter in this Volvo. and don't like the push button shifters out there either. Just a regular traditional shifter is fine. Just make it look nice, reliable, and I am happy. Not sure why a lot of auto manufactorers are trying change gear shifters from traditional designs..
The gearshifter 2 clicks ensures you go through neutral to stop any potential damage to the gearbox
nonsense
Amber turn signals. I have a 2010 XC60 and have been thinking of a new one but I'll go with the XC40 because of the amber signals OR I'll order the amber rear tail light assemblies from Europe and replace them if I go with the XC60. I won't drive a car with red turn indicators.
I got one in my garage :) and I love it.
Amber signals all the way. They’re more noticeable and thus safer.
@Alexonautos Can we please have a head to head comparison of the XC40 PHEV and XC40 Recharge?
I'm torn between the two and need your detailed analysis to make up my mind.
Thanks 👍
6 months and I still love my XC40
I've got an XC 40 D4 AWD automatic and I think the shifter is really cool and comfortable , I suppose it's like every other gadget the first time maybe it catches you off guard but then it's absolutely fantastic , fast and precise
Jose Pacheco In the beginning when I got my XC40 (T4R AWD automatic), a few times I accidentally happened to enter manual mode and then found myself revving the engine instead of accelerating. Otherwise I agree, the shifter takes an hour to learn and then you got it.
Agreed. Definitely prefer the amber turn signals. Red is just dumb. Brake and turn signals should be separate and distinct.
I like the shifter. And I hit paddles by accident in other cars. Here's where the XC40 failed though (tested on T5 R-design). 1) stupidly poor ride quality, 2) seats that only match one body type, 3) lack of hard HVAC buttons, 4) headroom-robbing glass roof is mandatory in USDM. I ended buying X3, even though it's larger than I need or want.
Amber = Safer. No discussion. It's true.
My '03 CRV has huge amber tail lights ...ahead of it's time PS 156K miles.
I was waiting for the plug in. Can’t wait anymore. Went for. Model 3.
good choice
The plugin is available in Europe already.
what about those well integrated exhaust tips?
I have a 2019 XC40. The shifter was very annoying at first, after almost a year of ownership it is very easy to use and takes up no space.
I modded in amber turn signals into my first car because I hate the dual purpose red ones. It worked suprisingly well, I just put the ambers in the reverse light housing
Amber turn signals for the win!
Really well integrated exhaust tips
I like driving our 2023 xc40 ultimate. Our car dealer replaced the 20” wheels with 19” wheels. 20 inch wheels made the ride too bumpy.
The controls are a terrible distraction. There is a lot to learn and to go wrong.
When you buy a car like this you are buying a computer system and a car.
If you want to spend your time learning both, maybe this is your car.
I have just bought XC40 in Vietnam
I own one and I can say the shifter is dangerous under stress situations because since it is not intuitive it need to be reinforced very frequently, and under stress situations I found myself wanting the shifter to fall in drive or reverse just with a move. And proof of that is the volvo s60 go back to basic shifter
Like always good review.
Very nice Volvo too.
I just don't like that thick c pillar.
Gearbox looks weird. Is it comfortable car? If you had to choose between BMW x3 and Volvo xc40, which one you would pick? Interior looks little bit ordinary to me.
Why can't Lexus produce a car that looks this good? You'd think with all the money Toyota has they can hire the best designers around! As it stands, if you want a compact luxury SUV that looks good, you have to sacrifice reliability and get something like a Range Rover Evoq or this Volvo. If you want reliability to go with your luxury, you have to live with the ugly, gaping spindle grill Lexus has inflicted upon their cars!
Still on my short list...but not I'm being tempted by the Lincoln Corsair... Comparison?
"hold my beer" 🍻
Thank you for the informative review, as always. Please review the electric one when it comes out, thank you! is a XC60 electric on the horizon?
What color is the car you’re reviewing? I mean the one with the white roof. Is that glacier silver?
Superb info..ever on xc40 ...just booked..
No mention of the full electric "Recharge" version coming next year? I have my reservation in for it and it should be awesome!
I prefer amber turn signals as well, though they're not especially well integrated here.
Is it just me or is the rubber surrounding the back quarter window not plum with the opening? I'd expect better fit for this money. Likely it doesn't leak air or water but it looks sloppy for vehicle sold as a premium brand. I notice things like trunk lids that aren't square to the body or door gaps that are not consistent with openings, etc. It makes me wonder about other assembly issues and reliability. I know these reviews are on driving, value and appearance not build quality and could be fault with this vehicle only. Great review Alex as always.
Nice review and comparisons👍.🤔With the Acura RDX being slightly larger than the last model it replaced , is their any news of Acura working on a smaller model to compete in this segment?..that would be interesting.
I really enjoy all yr reviews there so informative.You cover all aspects of the vehicle .
Amber signals are safer. Shame on Volvo for putting style over safety.
Canada gets the T4 as well, but in AWD only.
2020 Volvo XC40 awsome ride. Amber light are definitely better.
The shifter is a non-issue. You get used to whatever you drive all the time. It works, and that's really all that matters.
Alex, love you videos and reviews, but check your editing. You repeat the same thing a couple of times in this one.
I’ve turned my new car search to Volvo now. Curious your thoughts on XC40 vs MB GLB250? No ventilated seats in XC40 which is disappointing.
I live in Phoenix AZ....also Looking for ventilated seats!
Great review!
I'd rather have a Lexus but Volvo would probably be my second choice
Amber turn signals are far easier to notice .should be law.
They are in MOST countries.
@@peregrinesmith6335 Exactly; I think its only in the States that they're red...wierd
I notice your arms are outstretched so is the steering wheel limited in moving backwards? And, does it have an OnStar equivalent?
BMW said "hold my beer". Alex, letting his hair down! Great detailed reviews as always.
Turn signals front and back should be amber. Surprised it's not the standard .
Just not a fan of the shifter. Maybe you’re right and I’d get used to it, don’t understand what the advantage it has over a normal shifter.
Alex thanks for this review on XC 40. Could you also give a comparison to the lower T4 trim specially in terms of driving dynamics?
Also for the new S60, many people are looking into the T5 FWD which is $5000 cheaper. It would be great if you can also compare the S60 T5 vs T6 too!
A little confused with cargo space. You mention here it's quite generous for the 'compact' segment at 20.7 cu-ft , but in Mazda cx5 turbo review, you said that was small for the 'compact' segment at 30.9 cu-ft.
Thank you for the excellent review
from this group the bmw x1 would be my primary pick followed by the Audi most likely. the interior of the volvo is displeasing so that negates anything good about it.
Thx Alex... Shifter area is clean and simple and you're used to it in no time. Love the amber lights. Still waiting for the "Recharge" myself... 👍😎
That gear shifter is horrendous, and not just because of its bad design in double clicking to change gears or its shifting to the left (without markings) to get into manual mode and then having to move it left or right to change gears up and down, but also because of that ostentatious, over-the-top crystal handle -- like it's pretending to be a Rolls Royce or something. Nice to see that they got rid of that absurd drive-mode roller dial and put it above as a button in the dash -- but it really should be a button on the steering wheel. So many head-scratching decisions by the Volvo engineers, really... (By the way, other car makers have figured out to pull the electronic gear shifter only once to go between R and D.)
Great video Alex!
The R-design with full is available ist really the best 😉. It only makes a little bit angrx that the cooooolest white (christal white) and the best looking roof black is an extra price. The Rdesign should be all in ... so there is nothing to cpmplain. HK soundsystem and the sensus are really the best available. I think because Volvo is part of GEELY ... Tesla will it be hard im competition 😮. The Star of Mercedes and the four rings of Audi and also BMW with the white-blue Rotor of an airplane are not sleeping. But Volvo is scandinavic safety and value ☺
I agree the XC40 is a sexy appealing vehicle. But, true story, a friend bought a 2019 and it’s spent 44 days at the dealer so far including an entire engine replacement as the highly stressed 4 cylinder literally ate a piston leaving her stranded. If you look at things like customer complaints and Consumer Reports reliability data the current XC40 doesn’t rate very well. I’m not sure the Chinese have been a good influence on Volvo focusing on bling and style over the mechanicals and basic reliability. Nobody wants a car that leaves them stranded or needs frequent unscheduled dealer visits but it seems Volvo has joined the German brands in that area.
You didn't give any attention to one of my favorite features in the Inscription, the shifter is made of CRYSTAL. I LOVE IT!
The Lincoln Corsair is a small compact SUV compared to the XC-40 and A3 which are sub compact !!
Alex, will you be at the Chicago Auto Show in February? Meet and greet opportunity?
Amber turn signals are definitely better and I'm not sure why car makers choose red ones other than styling. Always looks lazy to me.
I've already seen a number of "wElL iF yOuRe CoNfUsEd AbOuT tUrN sIgNaLs ThEn YoU rEaLlY sHoUlDnT bE dRiViNg 😏"
No one said it's impossible to figure out someone's turning if the turn signal is red, just that amber signals objectively give a better indication. Red turn signals can sometimes be obscured by brake lights or go unnoticed.
Lastly, while I don't think some of these annoying shifters are 'dangerous' per say, they are very irritating. Lever shifters work perfectly well, I don't know why so many automakers feel the need to fix a non issue other than being different for the sake of being different. I don't get the obsession with clearing up space in the center console, cause at the end if the day the space remains the same it just looks "cleaner" to people obsessed with minimalism.
I would really appreciate a careful analysis of cargo space with the seats down. The volume figures that the manufacturers give can't be trusted. Car and Drive lists the number of carry-on suitcases that can be put in the cargo space, but they don't list it on all models, and their figures differ dramatically relative to the cubic ft measurements the manufacturers give.
"And BMW said, 'Hey, hold my beer.' " LOL!!
He is really professional ....I think
Amber Turn Signals - won't by a car that has red ones.
Agree. Too many people focusing on their phones or vehicle infotainment systems. Blinking yellow, at least for me, tells me what driver a head is planning.
The boot (or the trunk as you Americans say) has a volume of 460 Litres, or 16.2 Cu Ft. Not 20.7 Cu Ft as you said.
Great comprehensive review
Even CR admitted the other day that Volvo has serious reliability issues.
What problems exactly? They had issues with model year 2016-2017...but from 2018 many of the issues have been sorted
pedro fernandez my friend’s got an 07 XC90 with 220,000 miles and has had little problems. There’s been some of the new Volvo’s from 2016 on autotrader with over 100,000 miles and all that’s shown on the car fax is just routine maintenance.
Thanks for speaking the truth
@@kf6857 Don't tell me, tell CR
@@pedrofernandez3893 You'll see in the 2020 JD that reliability has improved
Amber turn signals should be mandatory/regulated in the USA.
Using red turn signals is a lazy design solution and not safety-conscious.
I would never buy a vehicle that doesn't have amber signal lights OR a rear wiper blade if it's a hatchback/"coupé" style.
“But bmw said hold my beer..”
I find the whole red/amber turn signal thing confusing. I used to think that red turn signals were the norm in the US, because that's just how it came to be historically, just like in most other places in the world amber became the norm. But then I moved to the US and it's just a wild mix over here... some American manufacturers use amber signals (noticed it on some Chevys and Fords) and some imports use red signals (like Acura, Volvo or virtually all the Germans)... sometimes it's different on the same model - like the Ford Edge, where pre-facelift models have red and post-facelift models have amber turn signals.
There seems to be no pattern, no rhyme or reason with this... Now, personally, I don't really care either way - I'm sure amber signals are slightly more safe, simply because they use a different light bulb/LED in a different color... but honestly, if you find red turn signals confusing, you probably shouldn't be driving in the first place. Besides, nobody uses turn signals anymore, lol - that pisses me off much more.
Volvo went from button cluster in old xc 60 to no buttons at all in this xc 40. I like to have at least some basics control buttons!
Why ! pay attention on the road, not buttons.
@@tomeng9520 I don't tell you what to buy. Knock yourself out.
@@tomeng9520 why? pay attention to the "REPLY" button, not the road.
Ufff i bought it and comfortable seats in inscription version are not comfortable, my spine it’s hurt me every time after one hour drive. And I heard I’m not the only one who complain about it. I regret it so much I should choose redesign version.