Volvo made a great decision when it added the XC40 subcompact crossover to its lineup five years ago. In Quebec, it and the compact XC60 have exchanged the title of the brand’s best-selling vehicle over the past two years and only the Audi Q3 is more popular in the category.
The latter is the best buy according to The Car Guidejust ahead of the XC40, which benefits from a number of changes for the 2023 model year. We put it to the test in early winter to see what wood it gets.
Microhybrid
Both versions of the turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine (T4 and T5) receive a 48-volt battery and a tiny 10 kW electric motor forming a mild-hybrid system (hence the new designations B4 and B5). The first remains rather modest with its 194 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, but the second demonstrates a certain spirit by developing 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. For the size of the vehicle, it’s perfect, as evidenced by the 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds (according to Volvo). In addition, the towing capacity exceeds 3,500 pounds.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
While the all-wheel drive shines with its efficiency, we found that the eight-speed automatic transmission sometimes lacks smoothness at low speeds and wants to upshift too quickly to save gas. In this regard, the XC40 B5 has an official average consumption of 9.2 L/100 km, barely three tenths of a liter more than the B4… and two less than in 2022, without electrification. During our test, which took place mainly in town and at temperatures varying between -10 and 0 degrees, the result observed was 9.9 L/100 km.
Nice little SUV
Beyond its performance, the 2023 Volvo XC40 is fun to drive, showing a noteworthy balance and a good compromise between comfort and agility. True to its reputation, the company has included plenty of active safety and driver assistance features, which we never found bothersome, by the way. The 360 degree viewing system is automatically displayed on the screen in certain situations to facilitate maneuvering.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
That said, the driving position isn’t perfect. The seat is firm (more so than in other Volvo models, to be sure) but still comfortable over long distances. The seat doesn’t drop low enough, which makes us feel more like we’re perched than actually seated in the XC40. In addition, the space for the right foot is restricted, while the brake pedal lacks flexibility in normal driving but is perfectly suited for hard braking.
Rear and side visibility is compromised by the chunky roof pillars while the cramped rear-view camera display doesn’t help. Bonus points for the adjustable thigh rest included in our model and for how quickly the steering wheel and seats warm up in both rows.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Google wins
To make life easier for those using Android devices, the Google-powered infotainment system – which was already included as standard in the 100% electric-powered XC40 Recharge – extends to all versions of the XC40 for 2023. At the same time, Google Maps becomes the default navigation system, the Google Assistant is there for voice commands and the Google Play store allows you to add new applications. Remote software updates are also possible in order to make continuous improvements.
The modern interface and the driver-oriented screen have something to please. However, the system is occasionally slow to react and too often causes distraction while driving, especially when adjusting the heating and ventilation. The home menu, simplistic, is not used much: it is better to use the applications. Having a few more physical buttons on the center stack, console and steering wheel wouldn’t hurt.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Chic and refined
In our opinion, the 2023 Volvo XC40 is undeniably one of the most beautiful luxury subcompact SUVs on the market, as much by its silhouette as by its details such as the LED daytime running lights and the optional contrasting roof. New colors are available, Fjord Blue being very fitting for this Scandinavian utility.
On board, no one can deny the quality of the materials and the finish. We can cite, for example, the mixture of leatherette and suede that covered the seats of our copy. The digital instrumentation is attractive, if a bit lacking in information compared to German rivals. Ergonomics and storage are satisfactory, whether in the console or the doors.
The rear occupants, after thwarting the limited opening angle of the doors, discover a spacious bench seat for the category. The trunk is relatively long but not very wide, for an unimpressive volume of 452 litres. A hatch in the center allows the insertion of long objects, such as skis (maximum of two pairs). Otherwise, folding the seatbacks flat yields 1,628 liters for loading, which is above average.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Which version to choose?
The 2023 Volvo XC40 starts at $45,484, including freight and delivery charges. It is a competitive price, but then you have to settle for the B4 engine. The extra $3,500 for the B5 engine is definitely worth it.
Alternatively, you can get the Plus Package, which adds a panoramic roof, power-opening tailgate, parking assist and more. The bill then comes to $52,684, which is only $2,000 of a roomier and fairly well-equipped XC60. Think about it.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Finally, at the top of the scale, an XC40 B5 Ultimate with semi-automatic driving, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon sound system and other extras costs no less than $58,834, a frankly exaggerated price that does not count the a few options that can still be added, such as 21-inch wheels. Small consolation: the financing and leasing rates are a little more advantageous at the moment than with the competition.
Finally, the XC40 Recharge, with 402 horsepower and capable of driving 359 km without burning a drop of gas, has a base MSRP under $60,000 and thus qualifies for a total subsidy of $12,000 from the federal and provincial. Another think about it.