2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design

It could have looked like a shrunken version of Volvo’s XC90 and 60, but the XC40 has a style all its own. And then there’s the available Lava interior treatment. Safe to say, there’s never been a Volvo like this small crossover. Tom Voelk reviews the T5 R-Design model.
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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[@accountnumber90]

Back when I worked for a rental car company, customers ADORED Volvo's SUV's. Seriously the only car we rented that got unanimous praise and no complaints.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have never seen a Volvo in a rental fleet. Audi, Cadillac and MB yes, but no Volvos.

[@laura2218]

This is my favorite exterior look of any car around today. I love the contrast of the white car with black roof, and the Thor’s Hammer lights look so sharp. I would definitely skip the orange interior though lol.

[@ericb.4358]

I think the MAZDA CX-5 has a better exterior design- by far.

[@JakeDrives1]

I LOVE the lava orange accents, they need to offer a navy/ocean blue as well, that would be so gorgeous.. we need more color inside our cars across the board! luckily, we're seeing more and more of it.

[@brucec43]

The Orange look will age like a Pontiac G6.

[@JakeDrives1]

that's hilarious because the G6 has become quite the roach.. especially where I live in the NE where they're all rotted out.. hilarious comment, I almost fell off my chair.

[@atmartens]

My first car was a Volvo. I’ll never forget it. It was bad when Ford owned them but I’m glad they’re actually able to design and make their own vehicles.

[@muhann4d]

My favourite aspect of this design is the lack of chrome trim on the outside. It makes the car so much cleaner looking!

[@truckinaway2004able]

Driven is the best on the internet.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Somehow, I can just tell you are very intelligent.

[@tarassu]

I disagree. Volvo is the safest car manufacturer. Not "just ok".

[@Opoczynski]

. . . and the most entertaining.

[@diegomontoya8889]

I was about two minutes into this review when I was thinking that this reminded me of an upscale KIA Soul and then you drove by a KIA Soul (Are you still a Soul owner Tom?) and commented about it. That made my day! I previously owned three Volvos (740 GLE, 850 Turbo, and an S70) in succession, before buying a 2010 KIA Soul Sport in August of 2009. That was the first KIA Soul model year and my Molten Red Soul also has a charcoal/lava interior combination. It always gets a "Whoa" when people ride in my car for the first time. I think Volvo should be applauded for taking risks on their interior design. The price of this Volvo XC40, as was addressed in the video, is prohibitively high for a younger demographic, so at first that seemed confusing. But take a look around when you see a KIA Soul next time (demographic) and see who's actually driving it, it will likely be a senior citizen, not a millennial. The XC40 has a perfect H-point for step in ingress/egress, a tall cabin means an airy feel even though it's a small car and there is still comfortable rear seat accommodations, because you sit higher up off the floor. This practicality is desirable for a more mature driver. I love the new V90 XC, but this one is tugging at my heart strings... Dave Ramsey would literally slap anyone that subscribed to a car however. That is literally burning one's money. +$40,000 is pretty steep to start, but one should keep in mind that Volvos have a cult-like following, like Subaru owners and Toyota Tacoma/Land Cruiser/4-Runner owners. So on the used market, they still demand a higher than average price (don't believe me? Look up a used Volvo XC70 price...)

[@weakbruteforce]

"I can see people buying this car simply as an organizer!" Hilarious 😂😂😂

[@zionsimas]

Oh Mr. Voelk, people should watch your reviews even if they don't care about cars. There's a lot of great information and high entertainment value as well.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, I'll leave it up to you to tell them. I'm pretty bad at promotion.

[@Aliakbar.m]

I like it, Volvo is one of the best Companies! Another thumbs up for reviewing! 👍

[@jgs1564]

Great review! I really like that Swedish flag sticking out of the left front fender below the clamshell hood. Nice touch!

[@hamzaismail328]

Great review great job as usual Tom

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks Ray!

[@deu8894]

I absolutely love the design. very well packaged interior for passenger comfort and storage spaces. I prefer this to the XC60 in terms of design

[@Tmrfe0962]

Thank you Tom, as always...in depth, informative, entertaining....best reviews and I’ve suffered through quiet a few...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks tj, always trying.

[@derekchisholm972]

I’m a big fan of these in the seafoam green color with white roof. Very unique. Nice to see there’s a fully electric XC40 now, too!

[@elliottmanning4116]

I'm 27 years old and I couldn't afford the XC40, or any all new car really. I'm not sure how car companies define "a younger shopper," especially considering the average age of a new car shopper is around 50.

[@virgobrotha]

Was I the only one who noticed how beautiful the neighborhood was that he was driving through? Where is that? I get the sense that it's somewhere in Washington. And I love this car. It's a next year project for me.

[@TjPewter]

Yeeesss!!!! I’ve been waiting for your thoughts on this 👍🏻 your review is always spot on! Can’t wait to see it in the metal.

[@tmh44]

The XC40s packaging is brilliant, so clever.

[@DoctorChange106]

LIKE THIS REVIEW AND MUST SAY IT'S QUITE A CAR - STORAGE IS AMAZING.

[@brucec43]

It's a shame they didn't get the storage improvements into the 60 and 90 series. For the size vehicles they are, they are short on places to put your stuff.

[@ivanlowjones]

Dammit Tom, I just spent an hour at work, searching online for Cheetos finger protectors.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well? Do you buy any?

[@PedramPourmand]

I use chop sticks

[@telliesmith9825]

I'm glad you keeps it real every other review of this car has been a advertisement

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't watch other videos so that's news me.

[@wrewstervideo]

Good luck finding an available R Design. It seems they purposely are not mass producing it trying to create more of a demand.

[@danielaltherr1229]

Love your videos! Another good one. Thank you.

[@alliejr]

Tom, great review as always. I know you only mentioned Volvo's new one-price cellphone-like leasing service in passing, but I wish you'd do a more detailed follow-up. In fact, the "service" seems like more of a marketing press release than a real thing with customers waiting months to receive their orders or not receiving them at all. To the extent you can, please hold Volvo's feet to the fire on this and don't accept the nonsense their press people feed you.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

If people aren't getting their cars in a timely manner it's probably due to lack of factory capacity. The plant in Ghent, Belgium is maxed out and the car is essentially sold out for the year. Volvo is opening the program up to the S60 which will be made in the US and will probably be easier to find.

[@JakeDrives1]

I find the pricing to be high, even with all of the included extra's (maintenance insurance etc.) I think it'll eventually flop because leasing lends more flexibility to the payment and you can shop for your own insurance.

[@Cleo-ix2kd]

I love it. Even the lava orange 🍊

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, I though the Lava interior was cool. Not sure I would buy it myself but fun to look at.

[@Atomsapartmusic]

I like big panoramic roofs and I cannot lie!

[@abbaby555]

Great review of a great little SUV. Thanks for sharing

[@guy7622]

Great review.

[@exchangestyle]

So I have a question, my did it receive a low rating on the consumer report? Including reliability.... i likethe Volvo, always have, just was take back by CR results. Which will make me think twice about getting into a new Volvo . Thanks and look forward to your response.

[@lowrider276]

I don't really see fresh design when I look at this car. Not that it's bad but it reminds me of a lot of the sub compact crossovers they've been putting out of late: CHR, HRV, Nissan Kicks, etc.

[@adasmith7141]

Awesome review 🙌🙌

[@jerrycaughron7378]

Nice review!.

[@cardonutz9256]

Nice review!👍👍👍👍

[@pauls2443-k7q]

Another great video Tom! So when you getting your hands on the Tesla model 3?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Perhaps never. Tesla doesn't tend to work with the mainstream automotive press very often.

[@BTC909]

Tom needs to do like a 25 minute review of Chip Fingers.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Right. Don't want to even think about the TP test.

[@SSS-mp8th]

Volvo should change the colored interior to a better quality material and offer a few color options. Red or blue would be nice. Are they going to offer a higher hp model like the T8?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

If Volvo adds electrification (and it said it would to all models) there's a chance it could get something like the T8. Or it might be more of a fuel efficiency proposition (which Volvo could use). Like I said, "We don't comment on future product is something we hear all the time".

[@jeffs6090]

They have red. My loaded Momentum black with red leather is amazing! It's a bit darker of a red and it's gorgeous!

[@SSS-mp8th]

Jeff S I was thinking where the Orange was in there R design model. But I went to the configuration and saw the brick red leather and it does look nice.

[@WinkelHoof]

A higher HP model...lol...you driven the T5? Its enough...greetings from Sweden.

[@SSS-mp8th]

WinkelHoof In the U.S. It isn't.

[@JamaicanVillan]

Such a nice little car

[@mikewellington2738]

To answer your question Tom, no, I don’t think young buyers have that money. I think they’re aiming at the group that *wants* to feel young again :p

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You think? I always chuckle to myself inside when manufacturers roll that line out. I do see this car skewing younger that Volvo's traditional buyer.

[@JakeDrives1]

Leasing allows people to have things they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.

[@martinkleinman2522]

I recall that the buyers for the late, lamented Honda Element turned out to be empty nesters, not the younger demo that had been expected. I understand they still fetch premium prices on the used car market.

[@JakeDrives1]

there's an INTENSE following for a clean, good condition honda element.. like 15-20k for a low mileage peach.. it's insane! .. Kia Soul buyers at first also turned out to be mostly empty nesters due to the easy step in and practicality, once the young folk realized how cool and practical they are they jumped on board, now everyone's driving them.

[@eden20111]

This car is affordable to the rich young buyers who live in Silicone Valley

[@DrivenCarReviews]

All of them I know are spending their money on rent or house payments.

[@--HOE-PATROL]

Ethan Moreau I live in silicone valley and you are pretty much right 😂😂😂😂 I seen like 5 of them already within the last few days

[@Cruzan9]

Ethan Moreau That depends on your definition of the word "rich". Anyone with a good salary who is financially disciplined can afford this car. Of course "good salary" doesn't mean the same thing for everyone.

[@dcalindries]

Hey Tom. Visited Seattle recently and I noticed that Seattle-ites really love their Subaru. I swear almost everywhere and everytime I looked around there was always a SUBARU! Any reason for that phenomenon?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The Pacific Northwest is one of the largest (if not THE largest) market for Subaru. We like our hiking and skiing and AWD helps in the rain. Also, Northwesterners tend to be no-nonsense. Put those together and there's you answer.

[@cadsux]

I'd bet many family cars had orange interiors as a result of excessive Cheetos powder! For eating Cheetos, instead of the "Chip Fingers" for $9, get the Swingline rubber "Finger Tips" for $2 (pack of 12), found at any good office supply store. And you can use them to flip pages faster, or for sewing.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ah, sewing! Perfect. And they're far more discreet.

[@fgeiger41]

Great review. Can't believe that needs premium for that paltry amount of hp....and not super refined either. Sigh. Think I'd do a Stelvio ti

[@danr154]

Considering I kinda want this car just for a silly 100 dollar option they should expand on that idea.

[@ElijahsAba]

The “boot” 07:06 ?! How civilized!

[@blitzbbffl]

Fresh and inspired design. The FWD driving bias combined with so many functions being buried deep in that UI really are big negatives for me.

[@unclee464]

Driven Car Reviews1 week geledenThink all you want about my credibility but two things here- Have you driven a top spec turbo Soul? Notice I said "really nice"? Also, it seems to me you haven't been in a Kia lately. The company is making very good vehicles.to compare take a Audi q3 or BMW x1-2, it looks that you`ve got a preference for Kia, youre the only one who does this!

[@ELMS]

Tom, KING-FM Radio? Try KNKX 88.5. NPR news and great jazz!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, sometimes the presets just get bumped (though I did work for KING TV for years and hung out with the FM folks when they were in the Dexter building). Generally, I'm a KEXP guy when I'm not listening to the Mariners on 710 AM. KNKX doesn't come in well in Seattle.

[@vetiwearerdaimyo1592]

Gorgeous city, was this filmed in Kirkland?

[@chaquichan1968]

Un coche estupendo, me lo compre hace añó y medio y estoy encantado.

[@ottodob]

i will probably lease this car in a year after i turn my f48 x1 in

[@55dbau]

That lava color will look very bad when it ages.

[@xmodMAN76]

What do you mean? I’m looking at buying one and I’m 19.

[@NeoTrantor]

Great to see that design language hasn't gone the way of the dodo. Though I think those "young buyers" are specifically Silicon Valley programmers who start with a nice hefty paycheck ;)

[@Sayua-chan]

In this color reminds me of M35 MAKO.

[@johnnytampocao7671]

I like the design specially the interior l...

[@echo405]

Will rather go for xc60.

[@andrewsmactips]

Love the orange - hate the rear doors.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Why no love for the doors?

[@andrewsmactips]

The way the window line kinks up, reducing visibility, just for funkiness sake. It's the crotchety old man in me.

[@76carmel]

5:48 In the dual climate zone, did "Evil Twin" ride shotgun? 63 degrees Fahrenheit on the passenger side of the dual climate zone shows how cold the dude is.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

My wife. She's very chill.

[@76carmel]

In a good way.

[@TheAdventureAuto]

Great review. The new look Volvos appeal to me, especially the new V60 and V90. This little eco Volvo just looks dorky.

[@ericb.4358]

Ya know, I'd rather have a MAZDA CX-5 Signature -> 2.5 L. turbo AWD for $38,500. with more features than the T5 version of the VOLVO. And I'll bet the MAZDA CX-5 Signature or GT Reserve has better reliability.

[@TheM3csl]

Does it come with bags of cheetos?😂

[@DrivenCarReviews]

No but Costco sell enormous bags of them for cheap.

[@larryg3326]

Perhaps a replacement for your normal metric? Be a helluva trademark for your channel and you could keep them after the test.

[@mathiasvdk]

Wait... I think this is my neighborhood. Hawthorne Hills/Laurelhurst?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope, though I do shoot in the Windermere area every so often. This is over on the Eastside.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Hi Tom. Was the Cheetos orange interior in this press vehicle dirty or was that just how it appeared on my iPad??

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'd wash your iPad. There might have been a little shmutz here and there but by and large I try to keep things clean.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Driven Car Reviews Awesome! I was worried your evil twin tried to make you look bad. 👍🏻 Time to clean the touch screen...

[@TheKillerace900]

I'm getting a red t5 !

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

"Comfortable but not plush" -then what's the point of buying a luxury appliance in the first place!?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

This car is aimed at a owners that want a little more sport rather than a soft compliant ride that rolls in corners.

[@telliesmith9825]

That's whatI've been asking where all these young folks with this kind of 💰💰💰

[@temur72]

Tellie Smith Tech workers in Seattle San Fran and the like

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I talk to those tech workers. They spend a lot of their money on rent (easily $2,000 a mo for a halfway decent place here). And some new apartment building in Seattle have no parking spots for cars. None at all. That's to encourage people to use the mass transit that we simply don't have.

[@Benjamin-sn5cw]

Jeep Compass styling? JEEP COMPASS!? You wash your mouth out!

[@lmjpeter]

Does it include android auto?

[@Opoczynski]

I just wish it did 0-60 in under 6 seconds.

[@miguelircontar]

What age is considered ‘younger buyers’?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've always considered it under 30.

[@sandramisuraca2067]

what is the stereo system in this vehicle

[@Neojhun]

Soo an Ikea Car would be a Kit Car?

[@ppgliderbrigmatiusmostcold5120]

3:22 driver side DRL broken. Must be a reliable car.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I think it's your eyes. The DRLs had no problems.

[@ppgliderbrigmatiusmostcold5120]

@@DrivenCarReviews My eyes :(

[@antsala9983]

unless your taking your shoes off when you get in that car its going to get dirty very quickly

[@Showmetheevidence-]

ant sala and how is this different from any car in the world?

[@Colin623]

Your logic doesn't add up, it won't get anymore dirty than any other car ! for two reasons, one, you don't have to have that colour carpet, Two, that particular colour SHOWS the dirt more agreed ! but it doesn't get ANYMORE dirty, other carpet colours just hide the dirt, but it is STILL there ! You could always change the mats to black !! but keep the Lava carpets !

[@MrBalloy]

Looks like Jeep Compass

[@minniesaab7255]

❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍

[@marcob1729]

That's really not a lot of car for $43k

[@wrewstervideo]

Marco B quality over quantity.

[@marcob1729]

Forever Metal it is *figuratively* not a lot of car. Bunk powertrain, choppy suspension, terrible UI and mediocre seats. It looks neat and has some interior highlights. Meh

[@robert7622]

its not really made for 200 pound Americans

[@wrewstervideo]

Robert I cannot believe that, it can tow 3,000 lbs whereas the competition is half that. It's beefy.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

You’re clearly blind right?

[@brucec43]

Why choose this over a Kia Sportage SX? Same equipment it's $10,000 more. Less reliable, and the infotainment and screen is not all that easy to use when driving. The warranty is shorter by quite a bit. The Volvo is a little quicker, what else justifies the price difference? Because it's hardly lavish in there. Styling is totally subjective. I suppose going with the smaller engine, fwd, and such narrows the gap. But Volvo FWD = bleh. (I own a Volvo S60 R design now and had the XC60 R design before that)

[@jamesm654]

lol I'm just failing to understand how this foot activated trunk nonsense is better than just simply using your hand on a latch. You look like you're about to fall over trying to open the trunk. You're going to stand on one foot and waive around on icy pavement? Its a silly, pointless feature on every car.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It's not really pointless. If your hands are full of groceries, or a hand full of groceries and one holding a child, it's very useful.

[@truckinaway2004able]

1st

[@cstattin]

Cadilack, you must be kidding. Who wants an amerikan car... they all fails in craschtetsts

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That's funny Christer

[@unclee464]

how can you compare it with a KIA??? come on get real........, youre credibility is low mister expert!!!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Think all you want about my credibility but two things here- Have you driven a top spec turbo Soul? Notice I said "really nice"? Also, it seems to me you haven't been in a Kia lately. The company is making very good vehicles.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

You can compare Kia to anything close to the price range. And I mean anything, including Mercedes, Audi, BMW. Kias are excellent. I'm a Volvo owner and say this.

[@JakeBayCity]

Annoying reviewer Great car

[@ambassadoroftruth99]

I was just going to write that.

[@jody024]

That carpet is horrible.... Volvo failed on that department.

[@patrikx4718]

Well since it's optional you could...ehm like not opt for it.

[@JakeDrives1]

Blood red and Navy blue would be some nice alternatives imo. Straying away from black is a needed change, I use weather-tech floor liners so messing it up would be non-issue.

[@Colin623]

jody024 No, not failed, as it is very popular, so definitely a pass :-) it's a fail in your eyes, because not everyone likes the same thing, hence you can choose NOT to have it !

[@Pharesm]

It makes no sense that this won an award, because the design in the rear simply doesn't follow a vital function - to give a clear view towards the rear for the driver. Silly car design, styling over safety doesn't behove Volvo...

[@headcas620]

Sorry, volvos are garbage now that they only offer garbage turbo 4-cylinders. And I even own one.

[@jeffs6090]

headcas620 - uhhhhh, everyone has turbo 4 cylinder engines, some more than one option of it. The entire industry is that way. At least this one (T5) is 250hp instead of most being 180 - 200hp. Their T6 is 300+. So....far from "garbage".

[@headcas620]

That means the most of the industry is garbage. Higher hp just means a bigger turbo and more lag.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

They're transitioning to hybrid then electric. They simply don't want to put big motors in their cars anymore. I have an inline turbo 6 and it is smoother than their 4s. But it's slower than the turbo 4s in the 60s and 90s now. Volvo should have a 6-cylinder option in the their 90s because of their size, class, weight. But I'll be glad when electric cars are adapted. They make virtually no engine noise and their smoothness is way better than any internal combustion engine. And they're very fast (faster than I need).