Volvo XC40 running costs and reliability

Item: Volvo XC40 (2017 onwards)
Rating: 3.9
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones

2017 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 3.9 out of 53.9

Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Updated: 4 November 2024

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	4.5 - 6.3 mpp
Diesel engines	5.1 - 6.7 mpp
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	N/A

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	31 - 42.7 mpg
Diesel engines	39.8 - 52.3 mpg
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	N/A

View mpg & specs for any version

No version great for company car users
Or particularly frugal
Solid hardware and good reputation for reliability

You can’t buy a diesel or plug-in hybrid XC40 new anymore, and both mild-hybrid engines have the same official efficiency figures. Both the 163hp and 197hp versions manage 42.1mpg and emit 151g/km of CO2. That makes it an expensive option for company car users.

In our experience in the real world, we’d expect economy in the mid to low thirties if you drive conservatively. Drive more spiritedly and you’ll get very close to economy starting with a two.

Servicing and warranty

Volvo offers a three-year / 60,000-mile warranty on all its new cars. This isn’t a bad deal, but it looks a little meagre alongside Kia’s seven-year warranty or Toyota’s industry-leading 10-year warranty. However, it’s worth mentioning that the battery packs in plug-in hybrid and pure-electric XC40s are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

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Despite being mild hybrids, the petrol engines aren’t particularly efficient.

Volvo recommends you service the XC40 every year or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. The company’s network of dealers can sell you service plans to help you spread the cost of maintenance. Every time your vehicle is serviced at a registered Volvo dealership, you also get a 12-month membership to the Volvo smartphone app and 12 months of roadside assistance.

Reliability

Volvo’s CMA platform has proved to be reliable
Our owners’ reviews section shows positive feedback
Four recalls so far with varying levels of severity

Our owners’ review section is testament to the car’s dependability with only a couple of owners complaining about the XC40’s reliability. In our experience, the XC40 has been faultless – and we’re particularly impressed by how well Volvo has screwed the car together. Build quality is more than a match for the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Despite this, the XC40 has been subject to four safety recalls during its life. Two were software related – the most concerning of which was a fault relating to the autonomous emergency braking system. There was also a recall for the rear seat back locks and starter motor. If you’re buying used, it’s worth checking to make sure your potential purchase has had these faults fixed.