A Superb Small Luxury SUV! 2023 Volvo XC40 review

The Volvo XC40 has been updated for 2023 and beyond, and while the brand is pushing for a full EV range very soon, there's still a petrol version available.

Should you choose electric? Or are the new mild-hybrid petrol models - which are a lot cheaper - a better bet?

In this review, I won't try and sway you either way - but I will give you the info you need to help make the decision for yourself.

I've driven both the EV and petrol models, but this vid was shot with the XC40 B5, which is the most powerful petrol version these days. Still not a lick on the top-spec all-wheel drive EV model, but grunty enough!

From pricing and specs to efficiency, what's under the bonnet to what the interior is like, we will answer the question: Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 is The Right Car?

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00:00 Intro
00:53 Is it the right price?
02:17 What's the best competitor?
03:24 Is it the right size?
04:35 Interior
09:23 Under the bonnet
10:15 Driving
12:01 Efficiency
13:30 Is it safe?
14:36 Ownership
15:22 Verdict

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Matt is aiming to review every new car on the market that people actually buy, to help new-car customers like you, or curious car enthusiasts (maybe also like you) get the right steer when it comes to choosing a new set of wheels.

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[chriswharton]

Thank you very much, I’m buying one tomorrow, after having test driven it today. Makes me comfortable with my decision. Thanks again.

[onepaolos]

Love my Volvo XC 40 2020 T4 Momentum. The only thing I dislike is how the rear seats do not recline. Ugh. It’s been almost 5 years, 136, 000km, so far so good. Updates are done at the dealership without cost.

[stevenhollis]

Hi Trish i always follow you i loved this video it's helped my game so much with the driver especially thank you Trish

[anonanon]

Please review MG4 and BYD Dolphin, when they are available in the future. Keep up the good work!

[johnbrews]

A more serious competitor for the gas XC40 than the Audi or Mercedes is the BMW X1 that can be optioned to have all the extras (heads up display, panoramic glass roof, heated seats, sports seats, lumbar support, adaptive cruise, lane centering) and a better ride if you choose 18” wheels. All for $5K-$15K (US) less than the comparable XC40. The X1 also steers better, has a more responsive engine, and (maybe) better mileage. The BMW does have a lag/lurch problem from a dead stop. But as this review has noted, the mild hybrid of the XC40 has not completely cured this problem.

[gilbertocharpentier]

I finally got my 2024 mild hybrid ultimate B3 last Friday after a 3-month wait for production. It's in this stunning fjord-blue color 😅 Interestingly, it's quite roomy; I'm 1.83 meters tall, and a passenger of the same height can sit comfortably in the back. So far, I'm satisfied with my decision, even though I used to drive a V60 Diesel engine, and I'm concerned about long-term petrol consumption. I'm not a believer in electric cars being the future or necessarily environmentally friendly. Your video played a significant role in my decision to choose this fantastic compact SUV. Thanks for that!

[drewdog]

The steering wheel comment: "There's no up or plus for the volume", where the video footage right before this comment showed an up & down button for volume, along with left/right to skip or go back a song, that seems pretty straight forward yeah?

In regards to the console, it uses Google maps but then Apple music??? Why not use Google owned Youtube for music... making it an all-in-one Google suite of products, hmm.

[DisjointedR]

You're absolutely right about the lagginess of the mild hybrid when trying to set off quickly. It's one of the few things I really don't like about my UK spec B4 Ultimate. Also noted that you have far better warranty and service terms in Australia than we do. Excellent review 👍🏻

[zhouxincai]

Any 10 yrs running cost comparison with similar cars x1 glb etc that would be good.

[Coastmac]

The previous diesel variants that were dumped from Australia in late 2019 were probably the more efficient engines.

[wrigzzx]

I think it's the price you pay for a customisable digital dashboard. I have a skoda and still get confused sometimes but not to the point where I need to look at the manual. I think fords is good for simplicity but then you sacrifice some info you might want.

[TheHayabusa]

So, has the 1.5 turbo, 3 cylinder with electric motor been dropped from the range? That setup had 195KWS of power.

[vijendranagar]

Hi Mate,
Love your reviews, especially the sections where you suggest the alternatives and the ownership costs, which isnt covered by other reviewers. I am currently looking for a small suv as we are a couple. Shortlisted BMW X1, Lexus UX, XC 40 and then New Qashqai, Kamiq, Kona Hy rid which is yet to arrive. While I can afford the luxury ones, since I usually stick to cars over 3-4 years (where servicing starts to feel pricy, apart from the U98 fuelsl) considering non luxury options too. What would be your pick for me? Should I wait for rhe new Kona hybrid? P.S. Didn't consider Corolla Cross due to wait times and the upfront cost for hybrid do take a longer to justify the savings. Thanks, VJ

[matthewcao]

Can you do a comparison between the new UX ( UX300H ) and the XC40 in 2024 ?

[berniemarshall]

The XC40 was the top of my shopping list but when I found out that Volvo had removed self parking from the 2023 model, not even available as an option, I started to look elsewhere. Have now ordered a BMW X1. Still waiting for it to arrive, but in comparing my test drives of both, and some time driving around with a friend in her XC40 Electric, I think I am happy with my choice of the X1. Feels quite a bit bigger inside than the Volvo, esp the back seat, and much larger cargo area. Better sun roof, with full block out; wireless Apple Car play vs Volvo's wired one. X1 feels more open and more stylish across the dash. The operating system seems more cutting edge than the XC40, and the cameras on the X1 were better than on the Volvo, sharper and clearer, and they operate as a dashcam across all four cameras, recording the 20 seconds before any impact, as well as being available on demand. Of course there will be aspects of the Volvo that would have been better but I think that I will happy with my X1.

[sinabakhshalian]

The mirror folding interruptions are extremely annoying… You don’t need to copy anyone… Have your own style.

[lukearmstrong]

That energy usage for the electric version turned me off it. The range was lower than I thought it would be as well.

[ThePapaJohnKing]

How is the reliability for Volvo these days ? Where is this model made ?

[RandyRadar]

We purchased the 2023 XC40 B5 Mild Hybrid that pulls to the right even after service realigned twice. Anybody had this issues? Any suggestions?

[applesauceawesome]

Volvo currently doesnt sell a single proper wagon in oz, the v60 cross country is quasi-SUV. This is a real problem for me, and it looks like its being phased out.
Volvo, without a wagon. What a weird time.