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2021 Volvo XC40: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Volvo XC40 is more standard safety and convenience equipment across the gas lineup. It is not a redesign, and its engines and overall styling carry over from 2020.
About the 2021 Volvo XC40
1st generation XC40 (2019-2022 in the original Momentum/R-Design/Inscription trim structure), third model year.
Volvo positions the XC40 as a city-friendly small luxury SUV that brings the brand’s safety focus, clean Scandinavian design, and easy-to-use tech into a smaller footprint. Its core appeal is everyday usability: a high seating position, clever storage, strong standard safety hardware, and a cabin that feels premium without being flashy. Compared with many rivals, the XC40 leans more toward smart design and comfort than outright sportiness, while still offering a stylish, youthful personality.
The 2021 XC40 gas lineup ranges from the clean, straightforward Momentum to the sportier R-Design and more upscale Inscription. T4 models use a 187-hp engine and front-wheel drive, while T5 models pair a 248-hp engine with AWD. Standout features include a 9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver display in Momentum, sport-tuned suspension and dark exterior trim in R-Design, and navigation, wood trim, and a crystal-trimmed shifter in Inscription.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive LED headlights became standard across the gas lineup. Fog lights also became standard on Momentum models.
Tech and convenience
Two rear USB-C charging ports and power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors became standard across the gas lineup. Heated front seats became standard on T5 Momentum, T5 R-Design, and T5 Inscription.
Interior
Leather upholstery became standard on Momentum, extending leather seating across the gas lineup.
2021 Volvo XC40 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 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 | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 32 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 | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 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 | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear 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 2021 Volvo XC40 redesigned?
No. The 2021 Volvo XC40 remained part of the first generation and received an equipment update rather than a full redesign. Its platform, gas engines, and basic exterior design carried over.
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Volvo XC40?
The biggest change is that several formerly optional features became standard across the gas lineup. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive LED headlights, rear parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and rear USB-C ports.
Does every 2021 Volvo XC40 gas model have blind-spot monitoring?
Yes. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the 2021 gas XC40 lineup, including Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription models.
What is the difference between the 2021 XC40 T4 and T5?
The 2021 XC40 T4 has a 187-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The T5 has a stronger 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and AWD; both use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Yes, mainly in standard equipment rather than design or performance. The 2021 gas lineup has broader standard safety, lighting, cabin, and charging features, while its engines and basic structure remain unchanged.
2021 Volvo XC40 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Volvo XC40.
4.3
2021 Volvo XC40
(742 reviews)
“Enjoyable ride that does not handle like a normal compact SUV. Great steering, handling and exceptional pickup.”
“So far I love my first EV! I was looking for an EV SUV and this has met my expectations.”