2022 Volvo XC40 T5 Review - Greatness in a Small Package

The 2022 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD has Polestar Engineering baked into this Inscription model. I enjoyed driving this XC40 for hundreds of miles throughout central and southern Florida. Great design and comfort lands this luxury subcompact suv high marks...but it's not perfect.
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[@KirkKreifels]

Update: I admit I didn't find the drive mode button. It's tacked onto the end of the audio controls - the last place I'd expect to find it after my time in the XC90, so I erroneously thought my review sample didn't have the drive mode select which is possible. There's always next time 😅 Thanks for watching, and I'll continue to improve my methods.

[@rahimi4762]

The best in its segment. Not even close. A lot of the small SUVs in this segment is just a badge. This actually brings the Volvo experience

[@Kronos0999]

Lexus 350

[@richgl31]

Surely Volvo is a badge too? Let’s face it, it’s a premium price for a premium product - but the gap between premium and those viewed as more standard is getting smaller and smaller. Can the price difference therefore be justified…?

[@KuyaArbee]

I have a XC40 T4 FWD rdesign 20 inch wheels in bursting blue with harman kardon advance and climate package! And it’s the best compact suv I’ve owned and driven! Volvo for life! 😍🥰😍🤩 also amazing review as well Kirk 🤩

[@rahimi4762]

Very nice. Best in segment. Bests the GLA, UX, X1, XT4, QX50 and even the Evoque . Acura and Genesis were waiting on a CDX and a GV60

[@aic0809]

My 2022 XC40 T5 Inscription will be arriving next week. I’m so excited! I ordered it in denim blue with an amber interior. Thanks for a review that showcases how awesome this vehicle is, despite the important shortcomings you also noted.

[@KirkKreifels]

Congratulations!

[@aic0809]

@@KirkKreifels Thanks so much!!

[@Hurry_Revive_Me]

Did you do the overseas program?

[@aic0809]

@@Hurry_Revive_Me No, I did not. But I would have loved to do so. It sounds like such a cool program!

[@danhall5761]

This is exactly what I drive as my company car. It’s such a good package.

[@tommymorano7254]

Just bought this exact car for my wife, this car rocks, she loves it and I love driving this car. It was this or the Mercedes, I went with this and no regrets.

[@Kronos0999]

What did you think about Lexus NX 350

[@tommymorano7254]

@@Kronos0999 I didn’t test this car, I drove the Audi, Mercedes and the Volvo. Lexus does make a nice car but I’m just not familiar with it.

[@Kronos0999]

@@tommymorano7254 I see. As far as I heard, they are really, really reliable compared to their German counterparts and after driving them, I can say way, *way* more comfortable than Audi, BM, or Merc. Dunno about Volvo yet.

[@amandaavia]

Why did you get this over Mercedes’?

[@lisacorreia7160]

I just purchased one and I love it too

[@county8815]

XC40 is excellent car it’s incredible to drive and safely features are very very impressive indeed .the sound system brilliant. The space and ride is fantastic. Highly recommended five star .

[@stephenheath1402]

agree. test drove an R Design the other day. As cautious as I am about incurring a higher monthly (mine is stupidly low right now), this is in the top two because of its full package. as someone with some back issues, the slight differences in the seating of this model, also, were not lost on me. fantastic car.

[@MrRubbish05]

We just bought a 2022 xc60 B5 awd, love it!

[@tyusrobinson9869]

I test drove the Xc40 recharge and it drove so well. Acceleration is insane

[@mbrowntown]

Yup one test drive and we had to buy the recharge. No regrets

[@hzhou9338]

Thanks for the great review!

[@jeathtunes769]

Great review, i dunno y i watched it as ive been driving xc40 for almost a year and loving it. The Start/Stop kinda takes away the smoothness a little bit but it doesn't bother me at all, i have it enabled since day 1

[@jeffs6090]

I loved my XC40!! Now, I love my XC60!!

[@RB-hl3ux]

Just test drove a XC 40, Loved it.

[@jamoncure]

Just picked up my new XC40 R-design a couple weeks ago! When I realized that there would no longer be an R-design in 2023 I found a great 2022 R with polestar, one of the last ones the east coast dealers had. absolutely love it! Great size for urban driving yet solid on the highways and plenty of storage. Polestar tuning is fun and I love how the steering is tightened up when using it. Awesome little car to park next to my 2012 S60. thanks for your review, Kirk!

[@sprintkick9793]

Same infotainment issues with the 2021 that I bought in May. The screen isn’t maximized with CarPlay and the touchscreen can be laggy and slow to respond at times. The Polestar tuning gives the car a nice punch since I was coming from a Stage 1 tuned GTI.

[@chris-vj5wu]

My mom just bought the inscription and she loves it!21” rims make it look awesome.great car.They definitely hit it out of the park.Love the scorpion tires as well.Hers has 4 drive modes.It’s class & sport and i haven’t seen a better looking mid size suv since she pulled up in my driveway.

[@fergusferguson4782]

I have the same car. Push it and it drives like a go cart, but I have also hit 38mpg on the way home from work. Every time I drive it I appreciate it even more.

[@devanbenitez4456]

I had a ‘19 T5 R-Design. Loved it . Best compact made

[@blakethomas8897]

I have a Volvo XC90 and your right the AC sucks! So hot 🔥 ... One simple change could correct this is the dang mesh sunshade for the moon roof! It should be solid like the ones in the BMW, Lexus and MB. I feel like I'm laying in the sun as I'm driving and the AC just can't keep up. OVEN! LOL! And I paid close to $70,000! Crazy. Also, you can change the steering wheel response via the menus. Great video! FYI I really do love my oven Volvo 🤪

[@KirkKreifels]

No way! I didn't know you could adjust the wheel resistance... congrats on your toasty xc90!

[@reQualrz]

this car is BEAUTIFULLLLL, the shape looks so nice

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

I have one sitting in my driveway right now, it's a courtesy car from the BMW dealership where my ancient 323i is getting some overdue repairs. It has the typical 2-liter turbo engine that so many cars now have due to European tax laws: lots of power and torque but terrible throttle response. The small but comfy steering wheel hides the control stalk labels. Heated seats *and* steering wheel is a nice feature. Very smooth ride in a straight line but does lean a bit while cornering. The 8-speed was OK. The adaptive nanny systems aren't *too* intrusive: the lane change warning is a mild "rumble strip" vibration that trains you to use turn signals more often than necessary. The GPS displays speed limit data (sometimes it's wrong!) and flashes at you when you speed. Yes, it is comfy, quiet, and delivers all the luxo-SUV features we have come to expect at this price point, but it's not what I would call the pinacle of automotive excellence. Don't get me wrong: it is a nice car and I'm sure many will be very happy with it, but it's MEH in my book. My big problem is that the controls are all through the touch screen and force you to direct attention from the road and to navigating the screen. Kirk glories in it's unique styling, but to my eyes it's like most "Cute-Utes" with much the same proportions and similar styling as a Chevy Trailblazer. I had another courtesy car from a Subaru dealership a few weeks ago: a Crosstrek limited and that was also very nice with similarly MEH styling that I might consider buying: it's throttle response was more direct and it handling much firmer. Actually MEH styling is a good feature: you really don't want a car that attracts too much attention like dead mau5's Ferrari.

[@kenphelps9332]

Assume that your “ancient” BMW suffers none of the Volvo woes you enthusiastically highlight !

[@JJJosh949]

How’s reliability on these things?

[@nled2121]

Change the driver profile for tighter steering, faster acceleration (without flooring it) and stiffer suspension. Doing so makes this car more dynamic and fun to drive than my Audi A5. The XC 40 is the best all around car I've ever owned.

[@kaushaltravels]

How do you do it ?

[@nled2121]

@@kaushaltravels there's a physical button below the main touch screen (near the climate control buttons) that says driver mode. Click that a few times to cycle to dynamic or create your own individual mode with custom settings

[@BloodySoup74]

@@nled2121 I don't think you can on this model. He said it was a Polestar edition and that takes away the drive modes. My girlfriend just bought the regular XC40 momentum and has the drive modes under the center screen. eco, comfort, performance, and off-road.

[@magic_claw]

@@BloodySoup74 Polestar is just an added software tuning. Doesn’t take away the Drive mode features.

[@michaelsmith9308]

@@nled2121 :) and THANK YOU!

[@cub35guy]

There are -- in fact -- driving modes in the XC40 -- COMFORT, POLESTAR, ECO and INDIVIDUAL. If you don't have it in POLESTAR mode you won't feel the best this car can give. I have the 2021 XC40 R-Design - it is definitely worth the Polestar tuning in my opinion. The MPG is hideous though -- I get 21 city with a little highway driving -- MOSTLY -- because that is my work route.. 5 or 6 miles freeway -- then city. I do get about 28 hwy on long trips. IF you use eco-- you might eek out another mpg -- but not worth it - there's no response at all to change lanes. I keep it in Comfort mostly -- but POLESTAR basically just keeps the rev high. for instant power.. it's fabulous in the XC40 . I had the XC60 with the same engine and Polestar it was good, to but because this is smaller - it's that much better. Also you can increase the resistance of the steering by going into the touch screen -- it never gets a very heavy feeling though -- but it does make it less like you are driving your grandma's' buick. -- I would agree -- the big wheels will probably make you jolt out of your seat. I have 19's on mine which look perfectly fine. The car is just fun all around and quirky enough to get a lot of looks and nods .STRONGLY advise NOT getting the T4 option. I can't imagine anyone being happy with it. The T5 is definitely the way to go -- and go for the POLESTAR tuning.. it IS actually worth it. Mine optioned out was about 47,500 msrp (didn't pay that much) -- the only thing it doesn't have is the HK stereo -- and I do not think the 21's offered the fat wheels -- mine were the biggest you could get at the time. FABULOUS SUV - too bad they are so hard to come by right now thanks to the chip shortage.

[@RAZGR1Z]

Thanks, Kirk.

[@XTudo22.]

I just bought a 2022 XC40 T5 I’m in love with this car. I didn’t like my Leather quality but I can’t complain about nothing else

[@andrerappsilber1775]

Hello Kirk ...! It's very nice that you bring the Volvo brand closer to people. Volvo is my favorite European car brand, otherwise I'm still into Acura and Lexus. I'm also very interested in the Korean luxury brand Genesis. But I have a big wish for you Dear Kirk ... if you ever catch a Volvo tuned by Heico Sportiv then try a Volvo S / V90 or an XC90 / XC60 but tuned by "Heico Sportiv".

[@andrerappsilber1775]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF6uqqyeqdKGgbs

[@kristians2704]

It’s strange that the PHEV versions are not available in the US

[@alh06]

Volvo is probably trying to avoid losing federal tax credits on high volume modes

[@fredfeldman9206]

Shopped this back in 2020 but went with the CX-5 Signature.

[@kosanmr2]

Need more interior footage of you sitting in the car to give viewers a better visual ...

[@KuyaArbee]

There’s plenty of reviews that have that

[@kosanmr2]

@@KuyaArbee Ok, guess I'll go elsewhere! haha

[@KuyaArbee]

@@kosanmr2 just look up XC40 pov drives…… it’s 2021…. Lots of research needs to be done before you’re here saying he needs to do this and that…. When there’s plenty of other videos that show interior driving footage of the XC40

[@KirkKreifels]

Can you be more specific? I always open to incorporating new things into reviews, but I don't have enough direction with this comment.

[@kosanmr2]

@@KirkKreifels Generally, you’re doing a review (at least the title says so), but feels more like a fire side chat, most of the footage is of you talking to us, nothing wrong with it, but the title says review. Footage examples for improvement: * You talk about how the performance lags, the need to floor it. Can you show it? Can you let the users hear the engine struggle? You’re just talking about it while driving in traffic. Show us your reactions while flooring it, etc. * You talk about how there’s plenty of legroom, quickly show a 2 second shot of the back. Can you show the viewers of you stepping into the car? Ensure the viewers ‘ah yes, there is plenty of room’, etc. * What about footage about trunk space? If it's a great small package, show us. Anyway, just some quick feedback. Good luck.

[@Alberto.81]

I bought this car and I wondering why despite all the money it cost doesn't have android auto wireless. Anyone knows if Volvo will updated the infotainment system ? does the update will be done via ota or should I bring the car to the Volvo workshop?

[@mark_u]

Lexus should take notes for the next UX.

[@soso1030]

They won't since they expect us to buy the NX or RX anyway

[@dannny_ro4508]

My new xc40 2022 model will arrive in 9 days! Can.t wait:D

[@DWong-bj4dq]

How long you need to wait to get a new car nowadays as the shortage of chips?

[@happyseany]

Hey...did you have to pay full MSRP? Heard there's no deals right now!

[@richgl31]

I don’t think premium badges (including Volvo) offer enough of a difference from more ‘standard’ manufacturers these days to warrant the price difference. I suppose there is still the allure of affording what others can’t.

[@deet4895]

kirk you should try and get a hold of a Volvo V90, not the cross version, the regular wagon version.

[@fergusferguson4782]

Fuel economy is able to be displayed on the drivers screen through the right side lower key pad button.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Awesome.

[@jluna231]

Its the best looking compact suv for sure.

[@regmatt]

hey kirk does this volvo xc40 requires premium or regular gas ?

[@hunkyboi05]

premium gas needed

[@thomaskunkel8814]

XC40 does have drive modes and if you did not switch to Polestar Tuned you did not see how much better it makes the car feel.

[@fergusferguson4782]

If you scroll down on the top of the screen there is an embedded owners manual. Most of your objections are set aside through the settings available to you.

[@kaizen108gmailcom]

@Kirk Kreifels thanks

[@geozpics]

Great vehicle. 5* Dude you need to get over the wheel package. Good review.

[@rahulramgopal6702]

Got an R-design T5 XC-40 this July and I must say I haven’t driven anything so precise in my life . Technology is amazing, the engine is super responsive and overall a fun little compact SUV . As mentioned by the reviewer, should have got the smaller wheels as the NJ roads has not been kind to the vehicle . But otherwise Volvo has hit the nail on it’s head with this one

[@greggf6831]

Do you still like the XC-40? I live in NYC and the roads are horrible. Have you blown tires? How is overall reliability?

[@oneblach]

SW Florida I see

[@glsracer]

I have a XC60 so I may be biased but I think the XC60 is a much better value than the XC40 when you start checking the boxes. The XC40 is a stronger proposition when you go more towards the base model, but make sure you get the T5 AWD.

[@KirkKreifels]

You can find t5 models in the low 40's...but you're right XC60 makes more sense when you start pushing 50k

[@ioannaenglezakis4574]

They are the safest cars...I drive a volvo xc 90.....saved my life and my 2 childrens..... My car doesn't have an indicator to show that my brakes are worn....apparently my dealer said I have to listen when I break ...worn brakes speak!!! Go figure 🤔 🙄

[@j.fusilier.0247]

Being this early feels wrong, I don’t know what to do with this power…

[@annarim122]

I love my volvo XC 40 I just bought....

[@jellebrinkhuis4004]

Which has a higher seating position; XC40 or Tiguan?

[@pres3969]

TIGUAN

[@syedahmed8015]

The quality of Volvo is really good 😊😍🆒👍🇧🇩

[@Alberto.81]

I own a XC40 T5 my23 and the infotainment I have to say is pretty bad. As mentioned by you in the video the fact android auto can be displayed on one third of the screen is so bad ..... I was also hoping Volvo can provide an upgrade from Sensus to AAOS but I heard a lot of bad feedback on AAOS infotain. It's not a cheap car! I am thinking about switching car but it's an expensive option I wish could do it but actually don't know if this can happen

[@gonzalokocfongchang5250]

Starting to make european car reviews? Just curious 😃

[@voljae4144]

I'm sorry, but you are spilling some crucial misinformation on the Polestar tuning. First, as long as you are not selecting Polestar in the drive mode switch, nothing will happen, and you don't "have to floor it." Second, you were complaining that you could not see gas consumption in the mid panel screen when your android Navi is showing, and you would have to switch back to the main screen, yadda, yadda, - you are possibly not aware that you can actually select consumption mode in the dashboard itself. So, when doing a review, make sure to get really familiar with all functions before representing misinformation.

[@KirkKreifels]

I know I can see the mpg in the instrument cluster, but I also want it shown with higher detail in the center at the same time as android auto. I will admit that I was wrong about the drive modes. I have far more time in the XC90 and was expecting the drive mode select to be in the same spot. I didn't think the drive mode was to be tacked on the audio controls. Really enjoyed the xc40

[@soso1030]

UX200 or XC40 guys??

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

Ux200.

[@KirkKreifels]

XC40 every single time. UX 250h only if you commute a lot and hate to stop for gas.

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

@@KirkKreifels well said

[@cub35guy]

way too much hard plastic in the lexus

[@bngr_bngr]

I don’t like to floor a car to just do some quick acceleration.

[@nled2121]

You don't have to, I own this car and if you change the driving profile to performance the steering tightens and the acceleration is fantastic without needing to floor it. This reviewer forgot to try out this feature.

[@cliochau]

Anyone else thinks having problems with their 2021 xc40 recharge? Death by turtle ?

[@dru123456789]

I hope it’s reliable.

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

Its not.

[@deet4895]

Volvos aren't know for that.

[@aaronjaggan]

@@deet4895 i think old volvos are reliable?

[@deet4895]

@@aaronjaggan I can't speak for the older ones because I wasn't really paying attention to them, but the newer ones are nice inside and out but they are not reliable.

[@dru123456789]

@@deet4895 damn. Well that sucks. Guess i will continue to wait for a 4Runner hybrid.

[@Junior_19042]

Mazda CX-5 RIMS 💀

[@cyrilthomas9730]

The most handsome sub-compact SUV.... the others... Um... well lets just say they are carbon copies of their big bros.... Hey wait..... Kirk, aren't you Scandinavian descent? So, technically, this is your , uh, " ancestral" or home brand if you will.. if ur Scandinavian descent.... correct me if i am wrong..

[@KirkKreifels]

Haha my Great Grandpa came from Stockholm :)

[@tomcochrane56]

And it drinks fuel like a V8 Austin Martin

[@differencemaker242]

Looks nice but I've seen the infotainment is a disaster and these are not reliable cars unfortunately.

[@neilmcnab3652]

How’s this entry level.. It’s a Polestar.

[@Shelter93]

You do have other drive modes. Comfort what you're probably in. Dynamic ,Pollstar . If you don't know this how can I trust you her.

[@spyderlogan4992]

This one has basically the same wheelbase as a Toyota RAV-4...buy the Toyota....

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

Rav4 is not a xc40 rival

[@spyderlogan4992]

@@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961 The Audi Q3 has a wheelbase of 105.5". BMW X1 is 105.1 Rivals? XC40 wheelbase 106"

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

@@spyderlogan4992 just because its size same does not mean its a xc40 rival .plus volvo xc40 is luxury product not rav4 is not.

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

@@spyderlogan4992 its ux that rivals the xc40 not the rav4 .

[@KuyaArbee]

Is noisy as fuck and feels like driving an appliance

[@luouns]

Joel barker

[@alextilly5433]

Be careful with the booze Kirk

[@sergeyd2199]

Build quality looks super weird. All panel joints are different, and the hood looks like it's not closed. Either I don't understand something, or this car is garbage.

[@efavuzza73]

XC40 Reminds me of Kia Soul

[@deet4895]

Get your eyes checked.

[@joskjj3625]

Volvo is Swedish,why is it so hard to accept that?just because geely owns Volvo doesn’t mean it’s Chinese,Ford used to own Volvo but no one said it was American

[@joskjj3625]

@Maciej Badower who said Mercedes was Arab?

[@joskjj3625]

@Maciej Badower did I say Volvo is Chinese?

[@BuckFudweiser]

Wow sick cool dope amazing fuck yeah super dope awesome amazing sick dope fucking yeah bro no way dude that's sick only $50,000 wow bro so deal many cheap I'll take 2 yeah dude they're so cheap bro sick man yeah dude awesome bro fuck yeah man sick

[@JDMSwervo2001]

Endless money pit

[@kristians2704]

who cares? Most new luxury cars aren’t kept for more than 3-6 years by the first owner.

[@jeffs6090]

Exactly Kris! Who cares!? You can basically say that about every car, and everyone does say that exact comment about every other brand they think is bad. I had this car for 3 years and only paid for gas. All the maintenance visits were covered (3 oil changes and checkups every 10k miles). The same is true now for my XC60.

[@ggusta1]

Is this a car from Korea or Japan?

[@ggusta1]

Agree.

[@swastikrout6662]

@@ggusta1 its british

[@bandgeek1517]

“Carmel leather”? 😂