The Volvo XC40 B4 might not be sporty. It’s not a plug-in hybrid. It’s not chasing Nürburgring lap times. And yet, in a market full of sharp-handling crossovers and ever-bigger touchscreens, this compact Swedish SUV continues to quietly be one of the UK’s most popular premium family cars.
In this full review, we put the **Volvo XC40** B4 Ultra to the test on real UK roads. We look at ride comfort, motorway refinement, mild hybrid performance, interior quality, rear seat space and everyday practicality. With 443 litres of boot space (1,432 litres with the seats folded), clever storage solutions and typically comfortable Volvo seats, it’s clearly designed with family life in mind — but does it still feel competitive in 2026?
We also dig into real-world fuel economy from the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance (197hp, 300Nm), gearbox responsiveness, and whether comfort-first suspension tuning makes more sense than outright driving excitement in this segment.
Key rivals include the **BMW X1**, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX and Range Rover Evoque — many of which lean harder into sporty handling or electrified options. The XC40 takes a different approach: prioritising refinement, safety, usability and that understated Scandinavian feel.
If you’re considering a premium small SUV, want something comfortable and solid rather than flashy and aggressive, or simply need a compact family crossover that gets on with the job without fuss, this review breaks down whether the XC40 B4 still makes sense in today’s market.
Buckle Up — because sometimes the sensible choice is the one that lasts.
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"through loading, useful if you have skis" I think it's against the rules to own an XC40 if you don't own skis.
Sensible car though, I just couldn't stomach the luxury car tax.
I drive a 21 plate XC40 hybrid and love it.
Great to drive, good on electric use as well as petrol for long drives.
Have 2 grown teenagers and big dog and its a perfect SUV.
Also driven the XC60 and was slightly meh about that one. Didnt feel it was a massive step up for the price.
Having driven a lot of good cars like BMWs, Mercedes and Audi, this is one of my favourite driving cars. Probably says something about my age.
Will definitely have another one in future, probably full electric and highly recommend.
Great review
Did Volvo ever publish why the XC40 Hybrid, that went on fire in Manchester, locked the back doors, forcing a Grandfather to climb back into the burning car to rescue his granddaughter from the back seat, resulting in severe burns to his upper body and head? Thankfully he managed to save his granddaughter.
It’s looking very dated now!
I had a Volvo S60 and considered the XC40 but it wasn’t as luxurious as the S60.
I now have a Volvo ex30, which is lovely!
I'm doing a lot of research as to what car to get and from everything I've read and watched, this car seems to be the best for me as I need a very comfortable ride, not sporty. So what I was wondering, as it's a "compact" SUV and I haven't actualy been to a dealership to sit in one yet as I live quite far away from one, could you or anyone please tell me what it's like getting out of the car? I mean as in is it high enough to step straight out or even better, down a bit rather than having to push myself upwards to stand? Does my question make sense? I don't really want to be low to the ground when I get out of the car as to avoid much effort standing up, getting old and have a lot of back pain. Any info or opinions/experience on this point would be appreciated. Thank you 🙂
I have the B5 plus model and I really, really like it. I have had a VW GTI for many years and expected to be disappointed with the lack of sportiness, but surprisingly, this car handles very well. There isn't a lot of feedback in the steering, but taking corners feels very controlled and the car just feels very relaxed, safe, and nimble. I like it much more than I expected.
'Geely' impressive…😊…
Coincidence you should publish this content as it's sort of on my radar…
Chinese rubbish
No you don't unless you do an extream amount of motorway miles or two alot
Hi just to say I have the B4 plus pro model in the same colour aurora silver with the blonde leather interior crystal gear lever and driftwood inserts and there's not a lot of difference to the ultra model other than the upgraded stereo sunroof and my car is on 19 inch rims. I find adjusting climate control quite easy on the screen it's literally 2 taps and it's very quick and responsive. Also the built-in Google voice assistant works flawlessly adjusting all of the climate control plus turning on/off the heated steering wheel/seats. Because it's got a built-in Google touch screen which is basically running on Android 13 it's great to have Android auto built-in so no need to connect my phone because a lot of apps and my music and Google maps are on the screen when you sign in. I agree with your review 100% I'm getting more MPG than what Volvo state and on a run I easily get 46 to 49 and around town 39 to 41. And yes you are right there is a delay with the auto box I noticed that but hopefully there will be a software update later in the year I was told to try and rectify that and to upgrade Google to Gemini assistant. Thanks for an honest review and I must say I really do like my XC40. 😎👍
We used to have one. Liked it very much. Is it "small"? Didn't feel it.