Used Volvo XC40 cars for sale

Q: Is the Volvo XC40 a hybrid?

The Volvo XC40 is available with mild hybrid , plug-in hybrid and electric versions.

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Used Volvo XC40 pros and cons

Expensive looks
Manual gearbox isn’t great
Comfortable over bumps
Lower trims feel cheap inside
Spacious inside
Unintuitive infotainment

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Is a second hand Volvo XC40 a good car?

If you’re looking for a stylish, upmarket SUV then a used Volvo XC40 is a great place to start. Unlike alternatives such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the XC40 doesn’t just look like a scaled down version of more expensive models in the range – it has its own unique look.

It's pretty different inside, too, with a smart, minimalist design that’s also usefully practical. Some of the materials feel a bit cheap, particularly on lower trims, but big door pockets and a space under the armrest that can double as a small rubbish bin make it good for family life. The boot is nowhere near as big as you get in a BMW X1, but its square shape means you can still fit a lot inside.

Out on the road the Volvo XC40 majors on comfort. Whether you’re pootling around town or cruising down the motorway, you will hardly notice potholes and speed bumps. The high driving position gives a good view of the road ahead, but rear visibility isn’t great, which can make reversing into a parking spot tricky.

Other complaints? There aren’t many, but if you want a sporty SUV the X1 is a much better option. The XC40 is fine to drive down a winding country road, but it’s not particularly fun. Also, the infotainment system isn’t particularly intuitive to use.

What to look for when buying a used Volvo XC40

The first thing to note with the Volvo XC40 is that the manual gearbox that was available on older cars isn’t the best in the business. It’s fine if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind shifting yourself, but it’s not the most satisfying shifter to use and automatics are much more relaxing.

It’s also worth checking your car has had all the relevant recalls. One that’s particularly important is a recall relating to the activation of the automatic emergency braking on some XC40s. This should already have been done by the previous owner, but if not, it’s easy enough for a dealer to sort and won’t cost you a penny.

Overall reliability is pretty good in hybrid models, but petrol versions do seem to suffer more complaints from owners, so if you’re in the market for a petrol vehicle be extra diligent with your checks into a car’s history or consider looking at other models.

Volvo XC40 FAQs

Is the Volvo XC40 four-wheel drive?

Not all Volvo XC40 models have four-wheel drive, but it is available. Some engines will have been offered with either standard or optional four-wheel drive at the time of purchase, so keep an eye out for them. Front-wheel drive is much more common, though.

Is the Volvo XC40 reliable?

The Volvo XC40 is fairly reliable, but ownership surveys indicate that the plug-in hybrid engines are the ones to go for if this is a concern. Petrol-powered cars tend to have more issues.

Is the Volvo XC40 expensive to maintain?

Volvo is a premium brand, so servicing and parts can be quite expensive compared with more mainstream models.

How big is the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is 4,440mm long, 1,910mm wide and 1,658mm high.

How big is the boot on the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 has a 452-litre boot.

How much can the Volvo XC40 tow?

The Volvo XC40 can tow a braked trailer up to 2,100kg with the 197hp all-wheel drive B4 engine, or 1,800kg for the electric version. However, it’s worth checking other engines as they might be a bit less.

Is the Volvo XC40 a hybrid?

The Volvo XC40 is available with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions.

Is the Volvo XC40 fuel efficient?

If you want fuel efficiency, you should go for a plug-in hybrid XC40 (which is no longer offered on new models). If you can keep the batteries topped up, and don’t do long motorway drives too often, you will see excellent fuel economy.