Volvo’s smallest crossover features an aggressive design that’s a bit of a departure for the automaker, even as it retains the fundamental styling cues that say ‘Volvo.’ The first model built on the automaker’s Compact Modular Architecture, the new XC40 is offered as either a T4 front-wheel drive or T5 all-wheel drive and in three trim levels. The XC40 looks deceptively small but has plenty of cargo and passenger capacity for longer trips. A plug-in hybrid and possibly an all-electric model are likely in the future.
Inside, the stylish cabin aims for an uncluttered look while still providing all the amenities SUV buyers desire. Functionality is a top priority, which the XC40 provides in intelligent ways with features like spacious door bins that accommodate a laptop or tablet, easily accessible under-seat drawers for stashing wallets or other necessities, and even a trash bin for cleaning up clutter. The front storage compartment holds a wireless charge pad for smartphones. Other welcome features include a standard 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen and an available panoramic sunroof that provides loads of available light.
All XC40s are powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E engine. In the T4 this engine is rated at 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft torque. Engine output increases to 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque in the all-wheel drive T5. Both connect to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Manual gear shifts are possible with the Volvo’s shift lever or, alternatively, via steering wheel shift paddles on the R-Design model.
Standard on all XC40s are Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward-Collision Warning, Lane-Keeping Assist with Lane-Departure Warning, Automatic High-Beam Headlamps, Driver-Attention Monitor, and Traffic-Sign Detection. A self-parking feature, front and rear parking sensors, and Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can be added as part of the Vision package.
Volvo offers Pilot Assist as a part of a Premium package. This is essentially adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode. It keeps the XC40 within its own lane and maintains a set speed and distance behind the vehicle ahead. Unlike some other near-self-driving systems, Pilot Assist requires the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel at all times…perhaps not a surprise considering Volvo’s longstanding focus on safety.
The 2019 XC40 serves up 23 city and 33 highway mpg, at a starting cost of $33,700. Another option is Care by Volvo, an innovative subscription service that includes use of a new XC40 Momentum ($600 per month) or R-Design ($700 per month) for a maximum of 15,000 miles per year. Insurance, maintenance, and road-hazard protection are included, plus the opportunity for the lessee to upgrade to a new XC40 each year for the same all-inclusive monthly payment. A subscription lasts for 24 months.
Green Car Journal has made a strategic expansion of its annual Green Car of the Year® program at the LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility LA this year, now including complementary awards for 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ and 2019 Green SUV of the Year™. The magazine has also just announced finalists for the three high-profile awards.
Finalists for 2019 Green Car of the Year® include the Honda Insight, Lexus ES 300h, Nissan Altima, Toyota Avalon Hybrid, and Volkswagen Jetta. Competing for 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ are finalists Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, Range Rover P400e, and Tesla Model 3. The field of 2019 Green SUV of the Year™ finalists includes the Cadillac XT4, Hyundai Kona, Lexus UX, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and the Volvo XC40.
Finalists for the 2019 Green Car of the Year® illustrate that 'green' comes in many forms, with efficient internal combustion and hybrid vehicles taking center stage. Gasoline models continue to achieve notable levels of efficiency and lower carbon emissions. At the same time, it's evident how important electrification has become in today's models, with two 2019 Green SUV of the Year™ finalists and all five finalists for the 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ featuring battery electric or plug-in hybrid power. Green Car Journal has been recognizing leadership in the automotive field through its Green Car Awards program over the past 14 years.
2019 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
HONDA INSIGHT
Honda's third-generation Insight sedan features an appealing and sophisticated design, loads of tech, and an advanced two-motor hybrid system that delivers an EPA estimated 55 highway mpg.
LEXUS ES 300h
The all-new Lexus ES 300h offers an eye-catching appearance and pleasing driving experience, with a fourth-generation hybrid system delivering a class-leading 44 combined mpg.
NISSAN ALTIMA
The new-generation Nissan Altima has a more aggressive stance, advanced ProPILOT Assist, and greater efficiency with its turbocharged, variable compression four-cylinder engine.
TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID
Toyota's new Avalon Hybrid is longer, lower, and more stylish, with high mpg and spirited driving delivered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-new Toyota Hybrid System II powertrain.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Built on VW's MQB platform, the seventh-generation Jetta offers a bolder design, greater interior space, lots of tech, and a 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine netting up to 40 highway mpg.
Since its inception in 2006, the Green Car of the Year® has been selected by Green Car Journal editors and invited jurors from highly-respected efficiency and environmental organizations. This year's invited Green Car of the Year® jurors include celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno; Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and Board Member of Global Green USA; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation and Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Institute, University of Texas at Austin; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Jason Hartke, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.
2019 LUXURY GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
AUDI e-tron
The new Audi e-tron crossover SUV is this automaker's first all-electric production model, combining a handsome design, all-wheel drive performance, and a range of well over 200 miles.
JAGUAR I-PACE
Jaguar's first electric vehicle, the new I-PACE offers a pleasing and aggressive design, luxury appointments, exceptional driving characteristics, and a 240-mile all-electric driving range.
PORSCHE CAYENNE E-HYBRID
The Cayenne E-Hybrid is an all-new generation of Porsche's plug-in Cayenne model, featuring a 3.0-liter gas engine and 136 hp electric motor for exceptional performance and greater efficiency.
RANGE ROVER P400e
A new plug-in hybrid variant of the Range Rover SUV, the P400e combines the luxury of the standard model with efficiency achieved with a 2.0-liter gas engine and 114 hp electric motor.
TESLA MODEL 3
Tesla's latest offering, the Model 3, is a stylish and high-tech sedan offering a signature Tesla look, lots of advanced technology, and an EPA estimated electric range of 210 to 310 miles.
2019 GREEN SUV OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
CADILLAC XT4
The Cadillac XT4 blends the functionality of a compact SUV, the sophistication of a Cadillac sedan, and the efficiency of turbocharged four-cylinder power in a stylish new model.
HYUNDAI KONA
Hyundai's stylish Kona crossover SUV comes in two variations, one powered by efficient internal combustion power and the other an all-electric model that delivers 258 miles of electric range.
LEXUS UX
Offered in conventionally-powered UX 200 and hybrid UX 250h hybrid versions, Lexus' entry-level luxury model offers admirable efficiency in a functional, efficient, and compact form.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV
The Outlander PHEV is Mitsubishi's new plug-in hybrid addition to its full-size SUV model, providing greater efficiency and AWD using a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors.
VOLVO XC40
The all-new XC40 compact SUV, the first model built on Volvo's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), features a bold exterior, refined interior, and efficient four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain.
