Used Volvo XC40 for sale: everything you need to know

The Volvo XC40 is a handsome, family-friendly SUV that has very few weaknesses. Smart styling and a luxurious interior tick the image boxes, while frugal mild-hybrid powertrains and a pair of electric models make it both a cost effective and environmentally-conscious choice too, for an attractive price. It’s no surprise they’re such a familiar sight on the road, and sought-after on the used market too.

If you’re wondering which areas might let the Volvo XC40 down, there are only a handful - and they’re hardly deal-breakers. Some rival SUVs are slightly more practical, the touchscreen infotainment system takes a little getting used to, and Volvo recently dropped all-wheel drive from all but the top electric variant - though naturally, you can still find used AWD versions.

The Volvo XC40’s closest alternatives include other premium compact SUVs like the Audi Q2, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque, while more mainstream but still stylish models like the Mazda CX-30 (or as a left-field choice, the MX-30) and Alfa Romeo Tonale may also be a consideration.

Should you buy a Volvo XC40? 

The Volvo XC40 is one of the best family SUVs you can buy right now. Volvo’s strengths have always lain in offering practical, safe, and well-thought out family cars, but the XC40 adds style and upmarket quality into the mix too, and the result is a well-rounded and satisfying family car.

The Volvo XC40 first went on sale in 2018 and was originally available with a mix of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, as well as all-wheel drive, while two plug-in hybrids also joined the mix. That range has since been slimmed down to a pair of petrol hybrids, badged B3 and B4, and in Recharge form, a pair of electric models, one rear-wheel drive and the other powering all four wheels.

Unfortunately all-wheel drive is only available on that top electric model now, but used car shoppers should still find AWD versions of the older models on sale, and they’re worth considering if better all-weather or even mild off-road ability is desirable. Still, the models left are both brisk and frugal, and whatever powers the Volvo XC40, you’ll find it refined and comfortable. Volvo has struck a good balance of ride and handling too - some alternatives are more fun to drive, but Volvo’s bias towards comfort will suit most families down to the ground.

As will the car’s interior. Fit and finish is excellent, the materials feel good to the touch, and despite relatively compact exterior dimensions, Volvo has liberated plenty of interior space both front and rear, along with a perfectly usable boot and numerous interior cubbies. The touchscreen infotainment system takes a little getting used to (and earlier models may not have CarPlay, so keep an eye out for that), but it works well once you’re familiar.

Are there any cars you should consider instead? The Volvo does have several rivals with arguably more desirable badges still: the Audi Q2, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB all spring to mind, while few in this class, even one as sharp as the Volvo XC40, are more stylish than the Range Rover Evoque. There are more mainstream alternatives too, but we think the stylish Alfa Romeo Tonale and Mazda CX-30 and MX-30 may be the kinds of cars to attract potential XC40 buyers - even if they’re not the all-rounders the Volvo is.

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What’s the best used Volvo XC40 model to buy?

Of the latest Volvo XC40 models, the B3 and B4 should be more than up to the job for most buyers. Among older cars the diesels still make sense if you’re not solely based in town, and if you must have a manual gearbox, then the 150PS D3 is your only option. Then of course there are the electric Recharge variants, which perform well and go a fair distance on a charge. There’s no real wrong answer, but the breadth of models means you should consider your circumstances before writing the cheque.

In terms of trim level, we’re partial to the R-Design among earlier cars, thanks to its sporty appearance (without any real compromise in terms of how it drives), while in more recent cars, it’s hard to beat the mid-range Plus trim, which comes with everything you’re likely to need.

Used Volvo XC40 fuel economy and performance

• Volvo XC40 B3 Mild Hybrid: Powered by a 2-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and driving the front wheels through an automatic gearbox, the mild hybrid assisted B3 develops 163PS and gets from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. Volvo quotes combined consumption of 42.2mpg.
• Volvo XC40 B4 Mild Hybrid: Using the same basic engine layout the B4 is more powerful with a 197PS output, with a 7.6-second 0-62mph time and the same 42.2mpg combined economy.
• Volvo XC40 Recharge RWD: The first of two all-electric models uses a single motor at the rear wheels, making 238PS and getting from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. It’ll do a claimed 295 miles on a charge.
• Volvo XC40 Recharge AWD: With twin motors the other EV gets all wheel drive, boosting power to 408PS and cutting the 0-62mph to 4.8 seconds. Range actually extends to a claimed 334 miles.

What used XC40 trim levels are available?

In typical Swedish style the Volvo XC40 keeps things simple with its trim levels. You get a core level of equipment with Core, add to it with the Plus, and you get three guesses as to what the ultimate trim level is called… All XC40s are well equipped though with basics like climate control, LED headlights, and a feature-packed infotainment system right from the off.

• The Volvo XC40 Core is no stripped-down base model. Stylish 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, as is two-zone climate control, a Google-based portrait touchscreen infotainment system (that’ll still pair with Apple CarPlay), LED headlights, and cruise control, plus Volvo’s usual suite of safety systems.
• The Volvo XC40 Plus gains keyless entry and a hands-free tailgate, fancier interior illumination, an air purifier, a heated steering wheel and windscreen, and some interior and exterior trim upgrades.
• The Volvo XC40 Ultimate upgrades to 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as tinted rear windows and a panoramic roof, pixel LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist to vary the car’s speed between a standstill and motorway speeds automatically, a Harmon Kardon Premium Sound system, and upgraded interior materials with artificial suede and aluminium finishes.

Used Volvo XC40 dimensions and boot size

The Volvo XC40’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4440mm
• Width: 1910mm (without mirrors), 2034mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1652mm
• Ground clearance: 211mm

The Volvo XC40’s boot size is:

• 443 litres
• 1319 litres with the rear seats folded

Used Volvo XC40 road tax

If you’re looking at a Volvo XC40 Recharge, then you won’t have to pay a penny in VED or ‘road tax’, even with list prices over £40,000 which typically attracts a surcharge. In the current range, Ultimate trim models with the hybrid powertrains will attract this surcharge after the first, CO2-based year, meaning a £560 annual bill from the second until the sixth years of registration, while models with a list price lower than £40,000 will be £170 per year from the second year onwards. Older non-hybrid models that cost under £40,000 new will cost £180 per year.

How much is it to insure a Volvo XC40?

The XC40 range kicks off with the B3-engined Core model and an insurance group of 24, rising to group 42 for a top-spec XC40 Recharge. Some earlier XC40s are rated in a slightly lower insurance group though - a used XC40 T2 in Start trim comes in at group 18.

Read our full Volvo XC40 review