2019 Volvo XC40
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,708 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway), 8% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 174.4 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 3,708 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 331 |
| XC40 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +9% | $3,150 | 340 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 Volvo XC40.
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volvo XC40 (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2019 Lexus NX | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Jaguar I-Pace | 234 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2019 Jaguar E-Pace | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Cadillac XT4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · Mar 12, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V144000 · 121,605 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
- Risk
- If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.
Electrical System › Software · Nov 13, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V800000 · 17,548 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
- Risk
- If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Aug 22, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V554000 · 71 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The brake pedals may not have been correctly riveted, allowing the pedal to move out of position, possibly reducing braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo has notified owners advising them to stop driving their vehicle. Cars will be inspected on-site or towed to dealers and the brake pedals will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Volvo began contacting their owners on August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R59899.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Aug 15, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V535000 · 27 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The rear seats may not have rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat back to move forward during certain hard braking conditions or a crash.
- Risk
- If the seat back moves forward during hard braking or in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install the seat back lock strikers if they are missing, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89898.
Not every 2019 Volvo XC40 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Volvo XC40 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,110 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Volvo XC40. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC40 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →