“The only thing I really don't like is the way the passenger seat adjusts. It's not user friendly. And it would be nice to have remote start on the key fob instead of only through the app.”
2020 Volvo XC40: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Volvo XC40 is an equipment reshuffle on the Inscription and R-Design trims. Otherwise, it is mostly a carryover, with the same design, engines, and three trim personalities as 2019.
About the 2020 Volvo XC40
1st generation (2019-2022 gas XC40), second U.S. model year.
Volvo markets the XC40 as a small luxury SUV built for city living: easy to park, easy to see out of, stylish without being flashy, and loaded with smart storage ideas. Compared with many rivals, its appeal is less about aggressive performance and more about Scandinavian design, everyday usability, a high seating position, and a strong standard safety and infotainment story. It is the Volvo SUV experience in a smaller, more urban-friendly package.
Momentum is the straightforward, city-focused trim, with a 12.3-inch driver display, a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and key active-safety features. R-Design adds sportier styling and a firmer sport chassis, while Inscription emphasizes leather, richer cabin trim, and an Orrefors crystal gear selector. T4 versions have a 187-hp engine and front-wheel drive; T5 versions have 248 hp and all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring became standard on Inscription and R-Design, while LED headlights shifted from standard to optional on those trims.
Tech
Park assist became standard on Inscription and R-Design, while the 360-degree camera shifted from standard to optional on those trims.
Styling
The panoramic moonroof became standard on T4 and T5 R-Design. Leather upholstery shifted from standard to optional on T4 and T5 Momentum.
2020 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 | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 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 | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Volvo XC40 redesigned?
No. The 2020 XC40 keeps the same first-generation body, chassis, engines, and basic trim lineup as 2019. Its updates are limited to equipment changes.
What is the biggest difference between the 2020 and 2019 Volvo XC40?
The biggest difference is revised equipment on Inscription and R-Design. Blind-spot monitoring and park assist became standard, while LED headlights and the 360-degree camera became optional on those trims.
Did the 2020 Volvo XC40 get new engines?
No. The 2020 XC40 retains the 187-hp T4 turbo engine with front-wheel drive and the 248-hp T5 turbo engine with all-wheel drive. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2020 Volvo XC40 trims gained a standard panoramic moonroof?
The T4 R-Design and T5 R-Design gained a standard panoramic moonroof for 2020. It had been optional on those trims in 2019.
Is the 2020 Volvo XC40 meaningfully different from the 2019 model?
No, not in its core design or driving hardware. The 2020 model is mainly worth considering over a 2019 if its revised trim equipment better matches what you want, so check the exact features on the individual vehicle.
2020 Volvo XC40 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volvo XC40.
4.3
2020 Volvo XC40
(409 reviews)
“safe, reliable SUV with a hipster looking exterior. You get what you pay for and the Volvo T5 is a cool , comfortable vehicle to drive and own. Love it!”
“I'm so happy with my R-Design. It performs great and feels safe. Plus, it's an eye catcher! Sporty and classy!!”