Volvo XC40 2020 review – the best compact SUV?

The Volvo XC40 is one of the best small crossovers on the market. With a handsome, blocky design outside, a premium cabin inside and comfortable, supple dynamics, the Volvo doesn't try to be sporty. Instead, it delivers the sort of homely, easy experience many of us remember from the Volvos of our childhoods – including me! So, should you buy an XC40 instead of an Audi Q3 or BMW X1? In this video, Tom gives a detailed review of the 2020 Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum in Sydney.

What do you think of the new Volvo XC40? Is this your favourite small SUV? Do you like Volvo design? Would you have a new Mercedes GLB over this? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments.

Covers the exterior, interior, and engine of the Volvo XC40 2020 / 2021 Volvo XC40 in FWD Momentum form.

[michaelsummers]

Most motoring journalists have given great reviews of this Volvo. I never considered a Volvo before but after a test drive I was hooked. I am so pleased with the XC-40 that it makes me smile every time I drive it. It might not be for everyone but go & test drive one if you are looking for this type of car, it will surprise you.

[TankEngine]

Volvo designers take a bow. The whole range looks bloody good and they're playing to their strengths of safety, comfort and that swede pananche. The Inscription looks like the best option with AWD, comfort and plenty of fruit.

[MrVroom]

I used to work for Hertz and we had these on the fleet (No they weren't poverty spec with the slowest engines like everyone says all rental cars are) and they were fantastic. Really really loved driving them and it had great performance

[paps]

Never in a million years did I picture myself buying a Volvo but after hours of research, including lots of videos just like this, we had to take one for a drive. Also heard from a very reliable source they’re easy to work on from a mechanics perspective and are really reliable. We went with the r-design in space grey. It’s a great looking car from all angles IMO, very different from anything else you’ll see on the road but what sets it a part is the cabin. Super comfy seats and an absolute pleasure to drive. I can’t recommend it enough, especially if your looking to break away from the norm.

[sunnysok]

I didn’t need the AWD as it was for my wife as a to and from work with a baby on the way and with the technology available on the Q3 and the overall look of it, drives well for only 110kws, went that in a launch edition and super happy with it.

[XB]

Backdoors have a quirky design. Volvo is the new chic in France. If you want to drive differently, you like quality objects, technology and you are not tacky, you have to drive a Volvo. Volvo is becoming what Audi was 20 years ago.

[leonted]

XC40 is one of the best looking crossovers 🙌🏾

[CSRE]

Loving my XC40 Inscription AWD. Very zippy and super comfortable!

[jaykartik]

We turn in my wife's Tiguan next year and she'd defly like something more compact. It'll be the XC40 vs the T-Roc when we'll be in the market next year. The XC40 is truly a beauty...!

[photoholohan]

Watching and appreciating from the UK. 🇬🇧 I really like Tom’s reviews… Somehow, he always manages to answer the (very specific!) questions that I have in my head. 😄 Looks and sounds like a great choice of car.

[Little_Britain]

It reminded me of our old Skoda Yeti.. so we brought one! 😆 It's as good as all the reviews say it is

[michelleanderson]

A fantastic and very accurate review. I am super happy with my XC40 Inscription AWD.

[JimboJones]

Tom Baker does the best reviews out of all the Aussie reviewers

[tpv]

EXCELLENT review.
Chasing Cars is the BEST for reviews.
THANK You.

[michaeljemery]

Great review. Great looking wagon. It's a shame we couldn't see some of the more interesting interior colours. I am also looking forward to the electric version, and hopefully, you'll be the one to show us.

[onepaolos]

I absolutely love my 2020 XC 40 Momentum. I’m hitting my 5 year mark in August and I have accumulated approx 152, 000km. I truly feel safe driving this. I do mixed driving. Fuel efficiency is fair. I use more gas in Winter but that’s expected. Oil changes in my area is approx $210? I changed the rear breaks once and front breaks not yet, as I predominantly drive on the highway. I had one significant issue which was the air compressor or something? That was a pricey fix. And I had to get something fixed with the misfire of one of the engine components. Also, I have one of the tailgate hydraulic thingy changed. Hope my lives long. If it does need to go, I will happily buy another XC40. Though I’m interested in the XC90, I heard the break system is bad as they easily get warped.

[cantomosha]

Watched this a couple of weeks ago before I bought the fully optioned Glacier White T5 Inscription for the wife. We are getting it this Saturday. I particularly love the crystal gear shift knob and the driftwood panelling. I was also wondering why the Inscription is the mid range option here while the R- Design is the middle one in the US and the top of the range here. Is it because Aussies prioritize performance over form? I have the R-Design over in Buffalo, NY for almost 2 years now and I love the way it handles the winding roads and snow up in the Catskills in winter.

[cagf]

I recommended this car to my Mum actually... I might have to show her this review, really does seem to get a lot of things right!

[douglasyong]

Was surprised at the actual dimension, when the XC40 was parked next to my CRV, it was visually similar in size

[corwinyap]

The Mazda CX-5 has one of the best interior quality and exterior styling money can buy. Plus extreme reliability