Volvo XC40 models explained

Explore all Volvo XC40 models, trims and engines in this complete guide to help you choose the perfect version

By Craig Hale

Last updated: 20 May 2025

These are all the Volvo XC40 models explained

Looking for your next premium crossover but confused by all the Volvo XC40 models?

We've set out a Volvo XC40 models comparison below, including all the details you need to know about Volvo XC40 trim levels and Volvo XC40 engines.

Volvo XC40 models: full list

Volvo Momentum

A blue Volvo XC40 is parked on a road with rocky cliffs in the background, showcasing its sleek design and modern features.

For many years, Momentum was considered the most affordable Volvo XC40, but it's far from budget.

Some of the highlights include a large 9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors.

Volvo XC40 R-Design

A white Volvo XC40 parked on a dark street in front of a building with large windows, under soft lighting, showcasing its sleek design.

This is the Momentum's sporty-looking sibling – you get some extra equipment, but most of the upgrades are cosmetic.

Look out for things like black touches on the grille, bumpers and mirrors, lower sports suspension and leather upholstery inside.

Volvo XC40 Inscription

A dark grey Volvo XC40 drives on a city street, with a modern building in the background.

This is a high-spec version, so you get some added luxuries as well as high-quality materials.

Driftwood inlays and a crystal gear selector adorn the inside, and you also get leather upholstery and a powered boot lid with hands-free access.

Volvo XC40 'Pro'

Blue Volvo XC40 driving on a curved road, surrounded by greenery and trees in the background.

Each of the three trim levels have a Pro variant. Momentum Pro models represent the best value, because they add a powered driver's seat, heating for the front seats and windscreen, and active bending headlights for improved visibility at night.

R-Design Pro cars get large 20-inch alloys, while Inscription models get a powered passenger seat to join the powered driver's seat.

Volvo XC40 First Edition

Volvo EX40 centre console

Available for a short while when the XC40 first launched in 2018, this packed-out trim level builds on R-Design Pro with even more equipment.

All the boxes are ticked, so you get a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree parking camera, a steering aid with adaptive cruise control, a powered boot lid with hands-free access, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Volvo XC40 Core

Volvo XC40 steering wheel

The entry-level trim after the XC40 got a mid-life facelift in 2024, Core has plenty to offer.

Standard equipment includes a powered boot lid, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging and heated front seats.

Volvo XC40 Plus

Blue Volvo XC40 driving on a winding road through a grassy landscape under a clear sky.

Middle of the line for facelifted XC40s, this is a popular option that's similar in terms of equipment to pre-facelift range-toppers.

You get keyless entry, a 360-degree parking camera with all-round parking sensors, a powered driver seat and heating for the rear seats, steering wheel and windscreen.

Volvo XC40 Ultimate

A green Volvo XC40 drives on a wet, rural road under a cloudy sky, surrounded by fields and distant hills.

As the name suggests, this is a top-spec model for updated XC40 cars, and it has most of the options boxes ticked.

Active bending LED headlights, a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, a powered passenger seat and a Harman Kardon sound system are all present.

Volvo XC40 Plus Pro

Volvo EX40 interior

A new addition in 2025, Volvo decided to revive the 'Pro' upgrade to mark a relatively minor upgrade over the regular Plus version.

It adds adaptive high beams that avoid blinding oncoming traffic, LED fog lights with cornering function and a 360-degree parking camera.

Volvo XC40 petrol, diesel, hybrid & electric models

We've listed all of the engines and powertrains you can get with the XC40 across all models years. Power is delivered to the front wheels unless marked with AWD – all-wheel drive.

Volvo XC40 petrol models

Volvo XC40 T3 badge close-up

Most Volvo XC40 models use a petrol engine, either with a turbocharger, mild hybrid assistance or a plug-in hybrid powertrain (more on that below).

T2 manual – 1.5-litre, 129hp, 41.5mpg

T3 manual – 1.5-litre, 163hp, 41.5mpg

T3 automatic – 1.5-litre, 163hp, 39.8mpg

T4 automatic – 2.0-litre, 190hp, 36.7mpg

T4 AWD automatic – 2.0-litre, 35.3mpg

T5 AWD automatic – 2.0-litre, 247hp, 34.0mpg

Volvo XC40 diesel models

Volvo XC40 D3 badge close-up

Diesel power was available in the XC40's earlier years on sale, but by 2021 it was removed from the XC40.

D3 manual – 2.0-litre, 150hp, 51.4mpg

D3 automatic – 2.0-litre, 150hp, 51.4mpg

D3 AWD automatic – 2.0-litre, 150hp, 50.4mpg

D4 AWD automatic – 2.0-litre, 190hp, 44.1mpg

Volvo XC40 mild hybrid models

Volvo XC40 B3 badge close-up

Although Volvo has used mild hybrid power on petrol and diesel models in its other cars, diesel was dropped from the XC40 range early on, which means all XC40s with a mild hybrid system use petrol power only.

B3 automatic – 2.0-litre, 163hp, 42.8mpg

B4 automatic – 2.0-litre, 190-197hp, 42.8mpg

B4 AWD automatic – 2.0-litre, 190-197hp, 40.4mpg

B5 AWD automatic – 2.0-litre, 250hp, 36.7mpg

Volvo XC40 PHEV models

Volvo XC40 Recharge badge close-up

Plug-in hybrid power was added to the XC40 in 2021, but it didn't quite make the cut when the XC40 got updated in 2024. They offer up to 28 miles of electric-only range from a 10.7kWh battery. Electric power comes from an 82hp motor.

T4 Recharge – 1.5-litre, 211hp system output, 141.2mpg

T5 Recharge – 1.5-litre, 262hp system output, 141.2mpg

Volvo XC40 electric models

Volvo XC40 P8 badge close-up

The XC40 was Volvo's first mass-market electric car, and it came with a few different options. When the XC40 was updated in 2024, the electric model went off in its own direction, rebranded as the EX40.

P8 AWD automatic – 408hp, 78kWh battery, 249-mile range

Recharge Twin AWD automatic – 408hp, 78kWh battery, 259-mile range

Recharge automatic – 231hp, 69kWh battery, 263-mile range

What’s the best XC40 model?

Budget-friendly option – You can't go wrong with the XC40 because all trim levels are well-equipped, so we'd settle for the entry-level Momentum and consider the slighlty more powerful T3 or B3 engines over the least powerful T2.

Family-friendly option – Plus models are a great option for families because they have front and rear heated seats to keep you toasty all year round. Why not pair it with a more powerful B4 engine?

Adventurous option – Chances are you'll benefit from four-wheel drive – the D4 AWD model offers a good balance of fuel economy and performance, but if diesel isn't your thing, then the B4 AWD is a good option. Pick a Momentum Pro car to keep safe at night with its active bending headlights.

Performance option – T5 and B5 versions can be quick, but they're not especially cheap to run, which is why we recommend either going for the T5 Recharge plug-in hybrid or the quickest model in the lineup – the electric Recharge Twin AWD. Sporty R-Design models look the best.

Discover used Volvo XC40 cars for sale

So there you have it, a whistle-stop tour through every version of the used Volvo XC40 you're likely to come across.

Whether it's something no-nonsense like entry-level Core or you're feeling fancy and like the sound of the sporty R-Design or luxurious Ultimate, there's a used Volvo XC40 for sale that caters to every driver's needs.