3 Cons Of the 2023 Volvo XC40 to Consider Before Car Shopping
The XC40 is the youthful small SUV in Volvo’s lineup with adventuresome styling compared to the company’s other vehicles. It offers many standard features, technology, and safety equipment, which helps it best some of its rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Like all Volvos, safety is paramount, and the XC40 includes Volvo’s advanced driver-assistance tech. It also offers two four-cylinder hybrid powertrains and a fully electric version called the XC40 Recharge.
However, if you’re considering a Volvo XC40, there are three cons to the small SUV. However, those negatives don’t keep the XC40 from scoring near the top of the pack but are worth considering. Let’s take a look at the three things holding the XC40 back.
1. The Volvo XC40’s interior could use higher quality materials and is a bit noisy
Like all Volvos, the XC40’s interior is a well-designed exercise in Swedish functional minimalism. However, it’s not as luxurious as the larger XC60 and XC90. Still, it’s not that it’s bad. The interior is attractive and airy, with lots of room for passengers. However, it’s adorned with materials you’d typically find in a less expensive vehicle rather than a premium brand SUV.
According to MotorTrend, the cabin is also a bit noisy compared to other vehicles in this segment. Around town, it’s not that noticeable, but on the highway, it’s noticeably louder than an Audi Q3 or Mercedes-Benz CLA, which detracts from the premium experience.
2. The XC40 infotainment system needs refinement and updating
Every Vovo XC40 has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment display. The Google-based operating system includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It also includes Apple CarPlay and two USB-C ports.
Surprisingly wireless charging was discontinued for 2023, which is a detraction because it’s available on many cars today. The infotainment system is also less than intuitive and a bit fussy, with small on-screen icons and very few physical buttons.
3. The Volvo XC40 remains a top pick in its class
Despite these cons, the Volvo XC40 remains near the top of the small premium SUV class. MotorTrend remains impressed with it saying it “has a lot to offer to those shopping for a practical and small luxury SUV.”
In its comparison of luxury subcompact SUVs, U.S. News ranked the Volvo XC40 No. 2 on its list, calling it “one of the most well-rounded small luxury crossovers on the road.” It also praised the XC40’s roomy interior and advanced safety features and noted that the interior had a few subpar materials that kept it from feeling genuinely luxurious.
Finally, Car and Driver ranked it No. 1 over the BMW X1 and X2 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB. It also praised the styling, adding, “The XC40 SUV delivers much of the same experience as other Volvos but adds its own unique flavor.”
