3 negatives of the 2023 Volvo XC40 that must be considered before buying the car

The XC40 is the small youth SUV in Volvo’s lineup with a design that’s more adventurous than the company’s other vehicles. It offers many standard features, technology, and safety equipment, which helps it outperform some competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Like all Volvo cars, safety is of paramount importance, and the Volvo XC40 incorporates Volvo’s advanced driver assistance technology. It also offers two hybrid four-cylinder engines and an all-electric version called the XC40 Recharge.

However, if you’re considering the Volvo XC40, there are three drawbacks to the small SUV. However, these negatives don’t stop the XC40 from scoring near the top of the pack but they are worth considering. Let’s take a look at the three things holding back the XC40.

1. The interior of the Volvo XC40 could use higher quality materials and be a bit noisy

Like all Volvos, the XC40’s interior is a well-designed exercise in Swedish functional minimalism. However, it’s not as luxurious as the larger XC60 and XC90. However, it’s not bad. The interior is attractive and airy, with plenty of room for passengers. However, it’s decked out with materials you’d normally find in a less expensive premium-brand SUV.

According to MotorTrend, the cabin is a bit noisy compared to other vehicles in this segment. Around town it’s not that noticeable, but on the highway it’s noticeably louder than an Audi Q3 or Mercedes-Benz CLA, detracting from the premium experience.

2. The XC40’s infotainment system needs improvement and updating

Every Vovo XC40 has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The Google-based operating system includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It also includes Apple CarPlay and two USB-C ports.

Surprisingly, wireless charging is discontinued for 2023, which detracts from the fact that it’s available in many cars today. The infotainment system is also less than intuitive and a bit clunky, with small icons on the screen and very few physical buttons.

3. The XC40 remains the best choice in its class

Despite these shortcomings, the Volvo XC40 remains near the top of the luxury small SUV segment. MotorTrend still chimed in with that, saying it “has a lot to offer those shopping for a practical, compact SUV.”

In its comparison of small luxury SUVs, US News ranked the Volvo XC40 second on its list, calling it “one of the most well-rounded small luxury crossovers on the road.” He also praised the Volvo XC40’s spacious interior and advanced safety features, and noted that the interior has few inferior materials that keep it from feeling truly luxurious.

Finally, Car and Driver ranked first on the BMW X1 and X2 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB. He also complimented the design, adding: “The XC40 SUV offers much of the same experience as other Volvos but adds its own unique flavor.”