DecodedCarsVolvo XC40
8 model years from 2019 to 2026, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2019–2026
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 26–27 combined, by year
- EV range
- up to 293 mi
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 14 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2021 (52)
- Fewest problems
- 2020
- Interest
- 7,658 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 XC40 in brief
The 2026 Volvo XC40 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,721 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
The Volvo XC40 has 8 model years in our data, from 2019 to 2026, classed as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD.
Its most efficient year was 2026 at 27 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 26 to 27 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (45), unknown or other (41), service brakes (29).
Buying used? 2020 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2021 is the year to avoid.
2021 has the most recalls (6); all years together count 14 campaigns and 219 owner complaints.
How the 2019 XC40 compares
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,708 lb.
About the Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is a subcompact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Volvo Cars. It was unveiled on 21 September 2017 as the smallest SUV model from Volvo, below the XC60. Orders started in September 2017, and manufacturing began in November 2017.
From the Wikipedia article "Volvo XC40", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 XC40 pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 194 hp, versus about 312 hp for similar 2026 models.
Best and worst years to buy used
2020 XC40
12 owner complaints · 1 recall · 1 crash report
Year to avoid2021 XC40
52 owner complaints · 6 recalls · 3 crash reports
Most reported: Electrical System
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 6 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
XC40 changes by model year
- 2025
- No all-electric version any more
- 2024
- Longest EV range up from 223 to 293 miles
- 2023
- New hybrid version
- 2022
- Longest EV range up from 208 to 223 miles
- 2021
- New all-electric version
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 8 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,721 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,721 lb | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,721 lb | Not rated | 4 | 28 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,721 lb | Not rated | 5 | 48 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,721 lb | Not rated | 4 | 37 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 26 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,721 lb | Not rated | 6 | 52 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,708 lb | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 174.4 in | 3,708 lb | Not rated | 4 | 30 |
Alternatives to the 2026 XC40
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW X1 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Lexus NX | 40 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi Q3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 BMW X2 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Volvo EX30 | 261 mi | Not rated | 2 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →