The 2024 XC40 Recharge is a totally contemporary version of the brick-like, long-roofed old Volvo wagons. Underneath its stylish design, the XC40 Recharge conceals an all-electric engine capable of 402 horsepower and a driving range of 293 miles. Volvo has also included various elements around the interior to improve the utility of the XC40 Recharge, including intelligently integrated storage options and a spacious cargo compartment to transport heavy objects. Sure, you can get all of that with the gasoline-powered XC40, but if you want something with a more eco-friendly image, the Recharge option is a terrific option. While it does not have the driving range of the Tesla Model Y, it is more attractive and has a higher build quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy, comfortable cabin | Not much space behind rear seats |
| Good maximum driving range | Unintuitive infotainment system |
| Punchy acceleration | |
| Long list of standard features |
What’s New for 2024
For 2024, a 248-hp single-motor rear-wheel drive variation joins the lineup, providing more driving range than the twin-motor all-wheel drive model. The single-motor variant can travel up to 293 miles since the new RWD system is more efficient and uses a slightly bigger 79.0-kWh battery pack. Twin Motor trims receive electric motor improvements to boost efficiency, increasing range to an estimated 254 miles per charge.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge has undergone the following significant changes over time:
2024: new rear-wheel-drive model; max range increased to 293 miles
2023: refreshed exterior design; renamed trims; new synthetic leather upholstery
2022: 15-mile increase in driving range; standard wireless device charging
2021: all-new model
Pricing and Trims
The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is expected to start at about $50,000. This is for the single-motor type, which is new this year and has the longest range: 293 miles. Twin-motor variants offer all-wheel drive and cost more than $60,000 before extras. Volvo also included two years of free charging on the Electrify America network last year, so there's a high possibility that will continue.
These are the manufacturer's suggested retail pricing (MSRP) estimations and do not include factory-to-dealer delivery costs (destination charges). Competitors include the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Tesla Model Y, both of which start at $50,000. The Mercedes-EQ EQB is priced starting in the mid-$50s. And the Genesis GV60 is closer to $60,000.
EV Motor
The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge's baseline electric powertrain consists of a rear-mounted electric motor and an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 248 horsepower. This single-motor arrangement is more than enough for the majority of driving circumstances. The acceleration from a standstill is quick, and there's plenty of power to get you up to higher speeds quickly. With 402 horsepower, the optional drivetrain includes two electric motors and a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery. This twin-motor variant feels considerably more energizing, with plenty of readily accessible torque propelling you off the mark with force.
The capacity of electric motors to provide torque from a complete stop is a fantastic feature. So the single motor can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, which is fast but not spectacular. Because of the basic all-wheel-drive system's ability to deliver power to the road, the twin-motor version accelerates to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds. It also doesn't lose power at higher speeds due to its 402 horsepower. The capacity of electric motors to provide torque from a complete stop is a fantastic feature. Fuel expenditures would be exorbitant if so much muscle was in a combustion-powered automobile. The weight of the battery pack is offset in both variants by positioning it below the floor, keeping the center of gravity nice and low for stability.
Ride and Handling
The XC40 Recharge rides smoothly over most surfaces. However, there is a disconnect between the steering and the road, making the XC40 seem less nimble than other similarly sized crossovers. The regenerative braking system on the Recharge is a nice addition for people who are accustomed to such an experience; pull off the throttle, and the XC40 will begin to decelerate. However, some drivers may feel it is overly harsh. We like that regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is a desired and handy EV feature.
Range and Battery
The driving range of the XC40 Recharge Single Motor is 293 miles. This compares favorably to comparable luxury electric SUVs with ranges ranging from 300 to 330 miles. The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor can go 254 miles on a single charge, which is comparable to the range of several other EV crossovers.
The XC40 Recharge Single Motor has a charging rate of 200 kW, and Volvo says that it can charge from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes using DC fast charging. The highest charging rate of the twin-motor variant is 150 kW. Volvo claims that charging any model from 10% to 90% takes roughly seven to eight hours using a 240-volt outlet or a comparable Level 2 charger.
Interior
The cabin of the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is well-built, with a clean and modern appearance. The bright and open ambience of the cabin gives it a very premium feel. It has produced usable space within a small footprint. A large number of storage compartments fit inside a clean and uncomplicated design. And elegance and technology coexist with comfort. For individuals who choose not to use leather, Volvo provides customized wool-mix upholstery with the Ultimate trim. However, the interior isn't as luxurious as those found in certain all-electric competitors, particularly in terms of hard plastic surfaces.
Behind the second-row seats, the XC40 Recharge offers 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity. These chairs may be folded down to give up to 57.5 cubic feet of storage space. Even for a crossing of this scale, the former statistic is tiny, while the latter is enough. Under the hood, there's a little front storage compartment, but it's just big enough for the charging cord or a few other objects. Other EVs have room for a backpack or two up there.
It's simple to enter and exit any row, and the driver has commanding views in most directions. There's enough sitting space in both the front and back, but if you're very tall, you may struggle to find an ergonomic driving position, and you'll undoubtedly want additional rear legroom.
Infotainment
The XC40's infotainment system is powered by Google software, so if you're familiar with Google's native applications, you'll be ahead of the game. However, learning how to navigate the system's various menus can take some time, and the 9-inch touch screen feels somewhat tiny in comparison to more modern options in other EVs. Despite the relationship with Google, the new infotainment system supports both Android and Apple iPhone devices, as well as a wireless smartphone charging station.
- Standard infotainment features: a 9-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker stereo, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition and Bluetooth
- Available infotainment features: a 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo
- Additional standard features: a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient interior lighting and proximity keyless entry
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor achieves 118 MPGe in the city and 95 MPGe on the highway, for a total of 106 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor achieves 106 MPGe city, 90 MPGe highway, and 98 MPGe combined. All of these estimations are on par with other new electric vehicles.
Safety
Volvo comes equipped with a slew of high-tech driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for additional information about the XC40 Recharge's crash-test results. The following are important safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition is standard.
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance is standard.
- Adaptive cruise control is standard with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty
Volvo provides a comprehensive warranty package on all new vehicles, including a three-year or 36,000-mile free planned maintenance plan.
- The limited warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles.
- The powertrain warranty is valid for four years or 50,000 miles.
- Battery components are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Free planned maintenance is provided for three years, or 36,000 miles.
Competitive Cars
Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Volvo C40 Recharge
The Volvo C40 Recharge is another all-electric compact SUV from the Swedish manufacturer, and it has many similarities with the XC40. It will receive the same drivetrain updates as the Volvo XC40 in 2024, resulting in roughly comparable driving range and fuel economy. Across its trim selection, the Volvo C40 is often a few thousand dollars more expensive than the XC40, while having the majority of the same basic and extra equipment. In addition, the C40 has a smaller maximum luggage capacity and a narrower rear seat than the XC40 Recharge. Unless you prefer the coupe-like C40 to the boxier XC40, there are no compelling reasons to choose the C40 over the XC40.
Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y leads the market in terms of driving range for its price. Currently, a vehicle with 330 miles of range costs roughly $50,000 (the standard 279-mile model costs several thousand dollars less). All Tesla Model Y s accelerate and drive like smaller performance vehicles. The Volvo has a distinct advantage in terms of interior workmanship and quality, while the Tesla has a significantly larger luggage room. Remember that, more than most other vehicles, the Model Y is subject to significant price fluctuations and drivetrain availability.
