Volvo XC40 - Reliability and safety
Volvo is regarded as a pioneer of vehicle safety, and the XC40 is packed with active and passive kit
The Volvo XC40 finished 32nd out of 50 cars in the 2024 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, while the Volvo brand came 16th out of 32 in the manufacturers poll. The former is a little disappointing, given that the XC40 featured much higher in a previous survey, placing 23rd out of 75 cars in 2021.
Volvo is a byword for safety, and the XC40’s credentials don't disappoint. It scored five stars out of five when tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, and its score was updated in 2021 with the arrival of the electric version (now EX40). The XC40 scored an impressive 97 per cent for adult occupant protection and 87 per cent for child occupant protection. You get automatic emergency braking across the range, and it’s capable of spotting cars, pedestrians, and large animals. Every XC40 gets a lane departure system, which will intervene and pull the car back into the lane if it senses you’re going to steer into the path of oncoming traffic.
Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving tech is standard on Ultra models and an option on other trims in the range. Simply engage cruise control in stop-start traffic, and the car’s software will manage driving inputs, such as steering to stay in lane and accelerating and braking to keep pace with surrounding traffic. The system can even bring the car to a complete halt if necessary.
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Key standard safety features |
Euro NCAP safety ratings |
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Warranty
The XC40 comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is par for the course in this class, but the likes of the Alfa Romeo Tonale and BMW X1 have unlimited mileage cover for the same time period. As with most rival brands, Volvo offers extended warranties at extra cost. For the XC40, you can cover the car for another 12 months with the same mileage limit, or you can increase it to 80,000 miles for a bit more.
Servicing
Volvo offers fixed-price service plans for its cars, and these can be paid for either up front or on a monthly basis. They last from two to five years and cover annual mileages up to 50,000 miles, although you can tailor a service package to suit your needs when arranging it.
What do owners think?
Below is what owners thought of the Volvo XC40 in the 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.
| What they like | What they don't like |
| “I love the quiet, smooth and effortless progress in EV mode, but I’m reassured by the fitment of an engine.” | “Too many features are buried in the touchscreen sub-menus. I probably still haven’t found some!” |
| “It looks stylish and modern, and it just screams quality both inside and out. It’s also easy and enjoyable to drive.” | “The worst aspect is the petrol engine/auto gearbox pairing, which is so jerky it’s almost uncomfortable.” |
| “The safety systems are very comprehensive and I’m especially happy with the auto emergency braking.” | “The LED headlights are incredibly disappointing. My old 2016 Mercedes’ lights were miles better.” |
| “The XC40 feels like a class product, with a high-quality cabin and an effortless and refined driving experience.” | “I pride myself on being a smooth driver, but it’s really difficult to modulate the brakes, which lack bite.” |
| “Looks as good after three years as at delivery. Soft-touch plastics and supple leather feel high in quality.” | “Economy is disappointing, given the hybrid tech fitted. And it costs more to service than my Porsche.” |
| “It’s not cheap, but the price is competitive with similarly high-quality products, so I don’t feel short-changed.” | |
| “The handing is generally excellent. There is very little body roll, but the stiffer suspension does mean that severe potholes and rough road surfaces are more noticeable.” | |
| “The front seats are supportive, with lots of adjustment, while the excellent all-round visibility is reassuring. I’m quite small, so being slightly higher up makes driving that bit easier.” | |
| “I can easily fit four six-footers in the car with no complaints. Despite the roomy cabin, there’s also plenty of space in the boot, which is better than most rivals offer, and this is boosted by the loads of handy storage below the boot floor.” |
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