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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageShould You Buy a Used or New Volvo XC40?
The 2024 Volvo XC40 adds a number of valuable features but is it the best value compared to a used XC40? We break down the differences and pick a winner.
Are the XC-40’s New Features Worth it?
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The XC40 is a small SUV in its fifth year of existence and has already come a long way. For 2024, it’s only available with all-wheel drive. The base version comes with more power and with more tech features than in previous years.
There is one caveat; the Volvo XC-40 is more expensive than ever before. Back in 2021, this model topped out at about $40,500. Today, the base model starts at $41,795.
Is it worth the additional cash when Volvo has one of the best pre-owned programs? We’re going to compare everything about these two cars to find out. Then, we’ll choose a winner.
Specs
The 2021 Volvo XC40 arrived on the market with a starting price of $34,795. It was available with a four-cylinder engine that made either 184 hp or 248 hp depending on the trim level. The former was paired with front-wheel drive and the latter came standard with all-wheel drive. Both utilized an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The FWD XC40 gets up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway while the AWD version loses a bit of that economy with scores of 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Notably, the XC40 boasts a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.
For 2024, this little SUV is only available with a single engine, a 247 hp four-cylinder with all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It features the same maximum towing capacity but now gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. For that additional standard power and a slight improvement in fuel economy, the XC40 starts at $41,795. It gets a few other standard touches though that we’ll cover in our trims section.
Driving and Performance
SUVs in general are largely comprised in the way that they drive but the XC40 from both 2021 and 2024 does better than most. The base engine from the 2021 model year does feel a bit lazy but don’t let that put you off. The chassis is taut and eager to make directional changes at the request of the driver though body roll is noticeable near the limit. The steering and pedal feedback is above average for the class and a tendency toward understeer only shows up when the XC40 is pushed really hard. The brakes are good too with linear behavior and solid bite upon initial tip-in.
Notably, the more potent powertrain feels largely similar albeit with more oomph underfoot. Volvo says that it’ll go from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds or in other words, slightly quicker than a base Porsche Macan. The updated 2024 model actually shaves another tenth off of that figure in part thanks to the use of a mild-hybrid 48v system that provides a bit more torque at lower RPMs.
The downsides to the XC40 driving experience are pretty uniform across the lineup regardless of year. While it’s more agile and playful than some rivals it also has a harsher ride than others too. The base engine from the 2021 model is decidedly slow and even the more powerful engine isn’t particularly wow-worthy. Both can produce a less-than-pleasing sound at full throttle.
Comfort and Interior
The cabin of the 2021 XC40 is clean, simple, and very Scandinavian. Every seat is spacious and supportive though not ornately adorned with design flourishes one might find in cars like the BMW X2. The layout provides excellent visibility and the control stack is easy to navigate.
Most functions are integrated into the infotainment system, a portrait-style touchscreen with good response times. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard features and the rear seat features a 60/40 split-folding design along with a pass-through and a foldable tray that also works as a grocery holder.
The 2024 version doesn’t change too much but there are some noted improvements. Most notable is a switch to a Google-based infotainment system that takes up the same real estate. It’s faster, more intuitive, and all but negates the need for Android Auto inclusion. A wireless charging pad is standard across the lineup as well. Beyond that, buyers of the 2024 model can expect the same high level of material build quality and comfort that they’d get in a 2021 version of the XC40.
Trims and Features
The 2021 XC40 is available in three trims starting out with one called Momentum. It comes with 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, eight speakers, adaptive headlights, and blind-spot monitoring.
Next is the R-Design with 19-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Finally, the Inscription trim adds unique 19-inch wheels, a chrome grille, a crystal-trimmed shift knob, and a hands-free liftgate. All three are available with either engine mentioned above.
The 2024 XC40 kicks things off with a trim called Core. It has 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad, eight speakers, and blind-spot monitoring.
Above that is the Plus which adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, LED fog lights, a surround-view camera system, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Finally, the Ultimate trim gets 20-inch wheels, a Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, and lane-centering assist.
The Verdict
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These are two very good crossovers but for our cash, we’d go with the new XC40 in the Core trim. It already gets the better motor along with most of the equipment that we prefer from the 2021 model while coming in for about as much as a lightly used model. The big benefit here is that the new XC40 gets full warranty coverage along with three years or 36,000 miles worth of complimentary maintenance.
