2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 is offered in a range of 3 trims, with each trim catering to a different set of customers. The base trim is called Momentum, while the next trim level is called R-Design which is aimed to offer sporty driving dynamics. The top-of-the-line Inscription trim is the epitome of the XC40 lineup. An overview of all the features of the Volvo XC40 is showcased in the table below:

Trim	Momentum	R-Design	Inscription
MSRP (FWD)	$33,700	$38,950	$39,450
MSRP (AWD)	$35,700	$40,950	$41,450
Key Features	Bright Aluminium roof rails	In addition to or replaces Momentum trim features with:	In addition to or replaces R-Design trim features with:
	18-inch 5-Spoke Silver Alloy wheels	18-inch 5 double-spoke matt black diamond-cut alloy wheels	Inscription front grille
	Urban Grid inlays	High-gloss black grille with horizontal mesh	Laminated panoramic moonroof with power sunshade
	Contrasting white roof	R-Design sport steering wheel	Hands-free power tailgate
	12.3-inch Digital Driver Display	Charcoal leather/nubuck textile upholstery	Crystal Geartronic gear shift knob
	Leather upholstery	Cutting Edge inlays	Removable/folding load floor
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration	Gloss black skid plate, door mirror housings, roof rails

Which Trim should you buy?

We will recommend the 2021 Volvo XC40 Momentum trim equipped with the all-wheel-drive drivetrain for the best value for your budget. Not only does it feature a more powerful T5 powertrain, but it also gets all the standard features within the base trim like leather-appointed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and unique style bits like roof rails and white roof.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 fuel economy ratings are decent at the most. The SUV can stroll for 23 miles in the city using a gallon of fuel and 32 miles on the highway with the T4 powertrain. Thus, the SUV returns a decent combined MPG of 32. With its fuel tank capacity of 14.2 gallons, the mileage equates to a figure of 524/690/580 miles on city/highway/combined.

When equipped with the T5 powertrain, the fuel economy figures fare slightly worse than the T4 variant. The T5 XC40 returns a reduced MPG of 22 in the city and 30 on the highway, leading to a combined MPG of 25. Still, in an overall picture, the XC40 offers decent fuel economy figures for the class. Although it won’t be labeled as efficient in the mind of a conscious buyer, it is still adequate to get you through most of your daily endeavors.

Models	2021 Volvo XC40	2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250	2021 BMW X1	2021 Audi Q3
MPG (City)	23	25	24	22
MPG (Highway)	32	34	33	30
MPG (Combined)	26	28	27	25
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	14.2	12.7	16.1	15.9
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)	326.6/454.4/369.2	317.5/431.8/355.6	386.4/531.3/434.7	349.8/477/397.5

The 2021 Volvo XC40 sits in the middle ground of its segment when it comes to fuel economy. The 2021 BMW X1 leads the way in its segment with its class-leading mileage, although the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 fares slightly better with its MPG ratings averaging a combined efficiency of 28 MPG. Despite its sizable fuel tank, the 2021 Audi Q3 loses out in the aspect.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 interior dimensions are decent and at par with the rivals in the segment. Volvo hits the ball out of the park with its upscale interiors featuring a harmonic symphony of sporty design and Swedish elegance. Almost every interior element inside the SUV has a distinct intuitive feel to it, complementing the minimalistic design of the cabin. The youthful aura of the XC40 can be felt strongly once you catch a glimpse of the optional blaze-orange carpeting, textured metallic trimmings instead of the usual wood inlays in most SUVs, and the rectilinear air vents with floating chrome adjusters. The flagship-end Inscription trim highlights its opulence with its driftwood trimmings and a precious shift knob composed of Orrefors crystal.

For your comfort, the leather front seats are comfortable and well-sculpted for an individual of any size. In the back, the passengers will have plenty of room and adjustability options to make themselves feel comfortable. The seats are hosted high off the ground, which makes them ideal for long-distance trips as well. The XC40 is also an incredibly versatile SUV when it comes to small storage amenities, as every nook and corner of the SUV features flexible storage options like bag hooks, large door bins, and hidden compartments.

Models	2021 Volvo XC40	2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250	2021 BMW X1	2021 Audi Q3
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	37.6/56.7/40.9	40.8/55.9/41.1	40.4/55.6/40.4	39.6/56.7/40
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	38.3/56.3/36.1	38.1/54.8/38.4	38.2/55.2/37	37.6/55.1/36.1
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)	20.7	15.4	27.1	23.7

In terms of interior passenger space, all the crossovers are neck-to-neck with their interior dimensions. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class takes the onus in terms of interior dimensions. The Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 battle it out at the top when it comes to the maximum cargo space offered with both offering trunk volumes of 23.7 and 27.1 cubic feet, respectively.

The best interior features offered inside the Volvo XC40 are:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient interior lighting
• Proximity keyless entry
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats with 4-way power lumbar

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment interface is nested directly within the driver’s line of sight and is powered by a beautiful vertically-oriented 9-inch touchscreen. While this may look extremely cool and high-tech, using this interface is an altogether different experience. The main menus are intuitively arranged on the touchscreen, although accessing the small sub-menus may be a hassle for new drivers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart device integration are standard techs in the suite, which are decent enough alternatives to Volvo’s system.

The SUV fits in a premium Harman Kardon sound system, which with its strategically placed speakers, surround sound and precise tuning creates a magical acoustic experience. Volvo also provides a dedicated smartphone storage space that enables you to charge your phone wirelessly while on the move to your destination.

The tech suite of the Volvo XC40 in a nutshell:

• 9-inch touchscreen
• Sensus infotainment
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Bluetooth 
• USB ports

Aimed to encaptivate the younger side of the audience, the 2021 Volvo XC40 impresses with its trendy and extrovert exterior appearance. The expressive exterior styling makes the XC40 a sight to behold in any urban environment. Volvo offers a vibrant range of exterior colors, which also includes cool two-tone color schemes.

In the front, the bold grille is flanked by the signature Thor Hammer LED headlights with a sleek ‘Volvo’ logo in the middle. A total of 9 different alloy wheel designs is available at your selection. The vibrant rear end looks quirky with the jagged tail lights, but it is a peak representation of the youthful side of the Volvo XC40.

Models	2021 Volvo XC40	2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250	2021 BMW X1	2021 Audi Q3
Curb Weight (lb)	3574	3384	3554	3902
Length (inches)	174.2	173.6	175.5	176.6
Width (inches)	73.3	72.2	71.7	72.8
Height (inches)	65.3	63.5	62.9	62.9
Ground Clearance (inches)	8.3	5.3	7.2	6.7
Wheelbase (inches)	106.4	107.4	105.1	105.5

The Volvo XC40 offers the most ground clearance of 8.3 inches compared to any other rivals. It is also one of the biggest subcompact crossovers in its segment, granting it decent interior space for all passengers. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 gets the most aggressive exterior appeal while the BMW X1 has a polarizing front fascia with the brand’s new and huge kidney grille design.

The eye-catching exterior features are:

• Front grille with black insert and chrome frame
• 18-inch 5-Spoke Silver Alloy wheels
• Bright aluminum roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof
• Thor’s Hammer LED headlight design

Volvo has always ensured a top-notch safety roster for every car in its lineup. Similarly, the Volvo XC40 is an absolute top choice for shoppers who always prioritize the safety of their family over everything else. 

The 2021 Volvo XC40 earns a well-deserved 5-star overall safety rating from the federal agency NHTSA. The IIHS safety agency also named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2021, which is a clear indicator of the Volvo XC40’s high safety stature.

The XC40 gets a full suite of safety features which include:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• 360-degree camera
• Adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode
• Parking assist
• Hill descent control

2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class earns its place as the German automaker’s entry-level luxury SUV and competes right with the Volvo XC40 for a top spot in the segment. Mercedes’s base powertrain is more powerful than Volvo’s base T4 powertrain in terms of power. However, with the more powerful T5 powertrain, the momentum shifts into the side of the XC40. The Volvo also offers genuine leather upholstery compared to the Merc’s faux leather upholstery at the same price. The Volvo also offers more cargo space than the Merc with the rear seats folded.

The Merc redeems itself with better fuel economy and slightly better interior dimensions than the Volvo. Overall, both the crossovers are evenly matched although the Volvo does offer more standard features.

2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 BMW X1

This is an interesting battle to witness as both these crossovers source their power from a turbo inline-4. However, it is the Bimmer who takes the upper hand in the performance figures when compared with the base powertrain of the Volvo. However, the T5-equipped Volvo hits back in the speed charts with its impressive acceleration figures over the BMW X1. Luxury is the domain of expertise of both automakers as both SUVs offer you the most exclusive opulence.

However, practicality is the X1’s strong point as it just edges out the XC40 with its commodious cargo space. Both the crossovers are also neck-to-neck in terms of the infotainment technology and safety features offered. The Volvo XC40 is a breeze to drive inside the confinement of your city, although it isn’t as engaging as the BMW. So if you care about the overall fun factor of your vehicle, the 2021 X1 is a solid choice although the Volvo XC40 isn’t far behind either.

2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 offers similar power when compared to the base Volvo XC40. However, the Volvo has the upper hand in terms of power and acceleration when you consider its more powerful variant. The Q3 also has a tighter turning radius than the XC40, which makes it harder to maneuver out of tight parking spots. Both the European stalwarts offer an impressive tech and safety suite filled with all the high-tech goodies.

However, the Volvo SUV has the edge in terms of practicality thanks to its commodious cargo space. The Audi Q3 looks like a truly sophisticated luxury SUV, although the Volvo offers a youthful and carefree vibe with decent interior comfort for your family, a trait that justifies it as the clear winner in this duel.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a brilliant choice for buyers who don’t want to splurge too much money to relish the ecstasies of a luxury SUV. With its entry-level pricing and subcompact size, the Volvo XC40 is a perfect addition to the hustle-bustle of your urban lifestyle. The XC40 blends in an expressive and free-spirited style very well with its interior and exterior design philosophy.

It is well-equipped in the safety and technology aspects as well, although the infotainment interface can be a tough nut to crack for newbie drivers. Still, the 2021 XC40 is a top choice for any budding youngster who wants a stellar urban commuter for his professional life.