The 2020 XC40 has a competitive base price and plenty of features, including good infotainment. It also offers a novel subscription service and strong warranty coverage. We give it an 8 out of 10 for features.
With a starting price of $35,340–or a monthly subscription price of $700 – the base XC40 Momentum comes well equipped with LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Options include a package with blind-spot monitors, keyless ignition, and wireless smartphone charging; another package has a power front passenger seat, and yet another has Pilot Assist and a surround-view camera system. All-wheel drive is available on all versions.
The standard infotainment system is the same setup on all the three trims: a 9.0-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Volvo’s system is quick to respond and intuitive to use, putting it towards the top of our list of favorite in-car infotainment systems.
Moving up from the Momentum, buyers can go in one of two directions: the sportier R-Design or luxurious Inscription. Both are closely priced but differ in their attitude.
The $40,945 R-Design is the enthusiast’s choice. Besides its sportier look—thanks to glossy-black trim and 19-inch wheels—it adds suspension enhancements for a stiffer ride and improved roadholding. Additional standard features over the Momentum include a power passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, navigation, leather-with-suede upholstery, a panoramic roof, and a motion-activated tailgate. This is the trim where you can buy that funky Lava Orange carpet, and we say do it.
The $41,445 Inscription comes with many of the same standard convenience features as the R-Design, but skips the stiffer hardware and instead brings real wood trim, more elegant 19-inch wheels, premium leather upholstery, and of course the expected dollop of chrome exterior trim. Notable options include heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive dampers, and Harmon Kardon audio and navigation.
All XC40 crossovers come with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.
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