Volvo XC40

Most SUVs look very similar, almost boring sometimes, but not the Volvo XC40. You won't confuse this Swedish ride with anything else in the market, except for maybe its big sibling, the XC60. It's got an upright but classy look to it. And while this may be Volvo's smallest and most affordable SUV, the company has still seen to it outfit with a premium interior and plenty of advanced driver aids.

The small XC40 can haul a family around, but not a big one. If the family is more than three or four, you should step up to the larger XC60 or three-row XC90. Otherwise, the XC40 easily satisfies and matches up well against other small premium rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X2, and Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB. Check out our Expert Rating for our test team's full evaluation of the XC40's technology features, utility and more.

Which XC40 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 XC40 is available in three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Each trim level uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The entry-level engine, called T4, packs 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the T5 puts out 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The T4 is only available with front-wheel drive, while the T5 uses all-wheel drive only. Both engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Note that we review the all-electric XC40 separately on MatoCar. Notable features for the XC40 include:

Momentum Comes generously equipped with:

• LED headlights
• 18-inch wheels
• Heated front seats
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
• Digital instrument panel
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Push-button ignition
• Leather seating surfaces
• Eight-speaker audio system

All XC40s also come with:

• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the XC40 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Premium package Available only for the Momentum and includes:

• Navigation system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Power-folding rear headrests (outboard seats)
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone climate control

Advanced package Requires Premium package and includes:

• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the XC40 and the car in front)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC40 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Ambient lighting

R-Design Adds sporty styling and extra features with:

• Unique grille and high-gloss black exterior trim
• Black-painted roof
• 19-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Features from the Premium package

Inscription The Inscription is equipped similarly to the R-Design but has a more traditional luxury look to it thanks to:

• Chrome grille
• Different 19-inch wheels
• Crystal-trimmed gear-shift knob

Other notable options for the XC40 include:

• Hands-free liftgate
• Self-parking system (requires Advanced package)
• 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• 20-inch wheels (R-Design only)
• 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Climate package (headlight washers, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel)