“The car handles very well, has numerous safety features, has a small footprint but extremely roomy inside.”
2019 Volvo XC40: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is an all-new model and Volvo’s smallest SUV, marking the start of the first XC40 generation in the US. Its headline change is the debut of the entire model line on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture.
About the 2019 Volvo XC40
1st generation XC40, first US model year on Volvo's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA).
Volvo marketed the XC40 as a city-sized luxury SUV with Scandinavian design, clever storage, and big-Volvo safety in a smaller footprint. Its core appeal is easy daily use: compact outside, upscale inside, with practical cabin solutions and familiar Volvo driver-assistance technology. Compared with rivals, the XC40 leans more on design, safety, and everyday livability than on maximum performance or cargo-room bragging rights.
Momentum is the clean, fashion-oriented version, while R-Design has darker trim, a black contrast roof, and firmer sport-tuned suspension. Inscription takes a more luxurious approach with brighter exterior details, leather comfort seats, Driftwood cabin trim, and a crystal gear selector. T4 models have front-wheel drive and 187 horsepower, while T5 models pair 248 horsepower with all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The lineup launches with two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and an 8-speed automatic. T4 versions have 187 horsepower and front-wheel drive; T5 versions have 248 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
Styling
The XC40 debuts with an all-new exterior and cabin. Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription give it distinct fashion-oriented, sporty, and luxury-focused looks.
Safety
Volvo brings its City Safety collision-mitigation system to the XC40, including detection for pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
Tech
A portrait-style 9-inch touchscreen anchors the cabin and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Structural
The first-generation XC40 is built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, a new platform for the brand’s smaller vehicles.
2019 Volvo XC40 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic w/Adaptive Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic w/Adaptive Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic w/Adaptive Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic w/Adaptive Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic w/Adaptive Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Geartronic w/Adaptive Shift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 33 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp | 248 hp | 248 hp | 187 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4630 lb | 4630 lb | 4630 lb | 4630 lb | 4630 lb | 4630 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.5 cu-ft | 57.5 cu-ft | 57.5 cu-ft | 57.5 cu-ft | 57.5 cu-ft | 57.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2019 the first year of the Volvo XC40?
Yes. The 2019 XC40 is the model’s first US model year and the beginning of its first generation.
What is the difference between the 2019 XC40 T4 and T5?
The T4 has a 187-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive. The T5 has a 248-horsepower version of the turbo 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive; both use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
How do the 2019 XC40 Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trims differ?
Momentum emphasizes clean design and everyday usability, R-Design has darker styling and firmer sport-tuned suspension, and Inscription focuses on richer cabin materials and brighter exterior trim.
Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2019 XC40 trim has a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What safety technology does the 2019 XC40 have?
The 2019 XC40 has Volvo’s City Safety collision-mitigation system, which detects vehicles as well as pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volvo XC40.
4.4
2019 Volvo XC40
(518 reviews)
“It is so comfortable and easy to drive. I like the organization of the center display and the instrument panel.”
“THE VOLVO XC40 IS AN EXTREMELY SAFE CAR AND A JOY TO DRIVE. IT'S PERFECT FOR THE SINGLE PERSON THAT JUST NEEDS TO COMMUTE OR GO FOR THAT WEEKEND VACATION, GREAT ON GAS AND COMFORT.”