2019 Volvo XC40

Volvo has had much success with its five-passenger XC60 and larger three-row XC90 crossover SUVs. In fact, they're the brand's most popular vehicles. So if two is good, three is even better, right? Volvo must think so because the company is rounding out its portfolio with the all-new 2019 XC40. You might agree, too. If those other Volvos seem too big or expensive, this smaller XC40 could be just the thing. The 2019 Volvo XC40 successfully translates the distinctive look of Volvo's larger SUVs into a smaller package. You'll notice this as soon as you take a seat in the cabin.

2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40

The steering wheel, touchscreen and center stack design will be immediately familiar to those who have driven an XC60. The front seats are wonderfully shaped and remain comfortable for long periods — just as with other Volvos — while passengers in the back enjoy a surprising amount of headroom and legroom. Numerous cubbies throughout the interior are also suitable for storing small items, and a removable cargo floor partition helps make the most of the smallish cargo area. As expected from a manufacturer whose reputation was built on passenger safety, most of today's advanced driving aids are standard or optional.

Every XC40 is equipped with Volvo's City Safety feature, which can warn the driver if it senses an imminent collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or large animal. It'll even apply the brakes if you don't react quickly enough. The optional rear cross-traffic alert system will also hit the brakes if a car is about to collide with you while backing up. Other systems include headlights that turn as you rotate the steering wheel, the semiautonomous Pilot Assist function and automated parking.

Not every luxury automaker has been able to package its core strengths in a small, relatively affordable crossover. It's a bit late to the party, but Volvo has done its homework with the 2019 XC40. Even if you get the base model with no add-ons, this subcompact luxury crossover is very competitive against rivals such as the BMW X1, the Jaguar E-Pace and the Lexus NX 300. article source