First Impressions

The Swedes have dealt their third hand… and it’s a strong one… the 2019 Volvo XC40. Following the midsize XC60 and full-on XC90, Volvo has completely redesigned their SUV lineup in an amazingly short amount of time… just 4 model years. 

As the newcomer, the XC40 strives to keep the same design cues as its larger siblings, including the Thor’s hammer daytime running lights and side body sculpting. But, being shorter, it’s also less sleek, and a sharp kickup at the rear glass allows a profile that’s more tall hatchback. Yet, you still instantly know it’s a Volvo.  

Power under its clamshell hood, comes from Volvo’s familiar T5 In-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, sending 248 horsepower, initially, to all four wheels. But, Volvo says more powertrain options are coming including a plug-in hybrid.

Our initial feeling is that Volvo got both the handling and brakes just right for a small SUV. Steering is nicely weighted. The 8-speed automatic is impressively smooth, although Volvo’s shifter still takes some getting used to. We had the chance to do just that in Barcelona, Spain.

ZACH MASKELL: “Do millennials even care about how a vehicle drives? Well, to tell you the truth I don’t really know, but driving is something I really care about. So, I will say just all around this is a very very nice package and I do love the part that it is a fun drive.”

JOHN DAVIS: The interior is smart, loaded, and comfortable. It does feels smallish up front, so there’s a definite difference from the XC60. The backseat provides a lot of legroom, with enough space in the cargo area for plenty of stuff despite a slanted hatch. The cell-phone oriented touch screen design is akin to the 60 & 90, as is the total technology package, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and City Safety automatic braking.

Going back to 1998 with the V70 Cross Country… Volvo was one of the first to turn the family size wagon into something different. Now with their first small utility, they’ve put together what is arguably the most modern SUV line-up of any premium brand.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 rolls into dealers in March starting at about $35,000.