- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T/10kW, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
145kW, 300Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2018)
2023 Volvo XC40 review: DCOTY 2023 – Best Small Luxury SUV
Winner of the 2023 Drive Car of the Year Best Small Luxury SUV
- Excellent road holding and ride control
- Impressive value for money
- Strong and smooth powertrain
- Interior doesn't wow you
- Second row lacks space
- Thirsty turbocharged powertrain
The Volvo XC40 is the 2023 Drive Car of the Year Best Small Luxury SUV.
The best car in its segment just keeps getting better. Volvo has won the Drive Car of the Year Best Small Luxury SUV award for the third year running.
Though they may be small, running updates to the Volvo XC40 impressed judges with its revised styling, simplistic infotainment system, and subtle year-on-year tweaks that combine to make an already great vehicle even better.
Above all, the Volvo XC40’s value equation stood out. Consider the fact the 2023 Volvo XC40 range kicks off from just over $50,000, then look at the powerful engine under the bonnet, feature inclusions, and premium materials – it’s a wonder how Volvo is able to offer so much for so little.
Key details | 2023 Volvo XC40 B4 Plus |
Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with mild-hybrid |
Power | 145kW petrol 10kW electric |
Torque | 300Nm petrol 40Nm electric |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
Power-to-weight ratio | 86.9kW/t |
Weight (tare) | 1669kg |
Tow rating | 1800kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Turning circle | 11.4m |
During testing, judges were wowed by the XC40’s drive character that provided ample power for varying situations, as well as a suitably premium and plush ride quality. The transmission is slick and responds well to changing speeds. Plus, it works well with the engine to make the XC40 relatively frugal on fuel.
The praise didn’t end with how well it drove, though. The Drive team continues to be enamoured with the Volvo XC40’s minimalist interior presentation that focuses on high-quality materials and impeccable build quality. The second row might not offer the ultimate in terms of available space – which we’d like to see improved for the car’s next generation – but the boot is capacious for its size class, which will swell to absorb a small family’s stuff.
A true benchmark of compact luxury, the Volvo XC40 continues to offer an unrivalled quality experience for SUV buyers.
Note: These ratings have been pulled from the most recent Volvo XC40 review (read it here) and as part of Drive Car of the Year 2023 all finalists will be freshly reviewed in the near future.