Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 a compact luxury SUV worth the PRICE?

The XC40 is Volvo's smallest SUV i their lineup. On the outside you will find a unique grill, full LED lighting and optional 20in wheels. On the inside you will be greeted to a digital dash, 9in vertical infotainment system and leather seating. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 248HP & mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 a compact luxury SUV worth the PRICE?
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[@jordanpappert]

I work in the auto Industry. I see all sorts of these new luxury SUV’s. I bought a 2019 XC40 and let me tell you they knocked it out of the freakin park with this one.

[@mattmekhaeil]

Volvos are a underrated brand. Not a lot of people talk about them. I love how all their cars in their lineup are all sleek looking

[@vinnysproductionsinc66]

Yeah I don't really see them around my city but they do look sleek I will say especially the xc60s

[@robertogambala8919]

Are Volvos engine and transmission built or assembled in China?

[@cheezuscrust7730]

Yeah cuz you aren't a mechanic volvos are trash stay away from them if you value your wallet

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@robertogambala8919 Transmission is Japanese, don't know where they're built. Engine is probably globally sourced. The XC40 is assembled in Ghent, Belgium. tbh, where it is built doesn't matter and I think the Chinese built Volvos are arguably the best built ones.

[@JM-fc9gm]

@@cheezuscrust7730 leasing one solves for this

[@9Xavier1]

I love my 2021 XC40 T5 R-Design! I have a white with black roof. My favorite car I’ve had!

[@colindouglas1997]

My wife and I just bought 2019 Inscription. She had her mind set on an X3 we were just waiting for the right time to buy. Then we have the XC40 a test drive and were sold. The X3 is great but for cost to buy and cost of ownership plus the design, the XC40 won. We love it.

[@jamoncure]

I’ve been driving my new 2022 Volvo XC40 for a couple months now, and LOVE it! With Polestar, it’s a little rocket car. I tested almost 30 vehicles (just call me Joe Jr.!) and this just pushed all the right buttons for me. Things like a SPARE tire, yay! Easy touch screen, yay! panoramic sunroof, yay! and best of all, NO CVT!!!! I was in line at Walmart a couple days ago, saw this big candy display and what do I see but Swedish Fish! Made me laugh out loud. Yes, I bought a bag and it’s in the passenger door pocket! Appreciate all of your car reviews, and even though I finally bought a car, I’ll still keep watching. thanks Joe!!

[@TedTownley]

Did you test drive an Audi q3?

[@roncho1906]

You forgot about the drive mode. Put it in the Dynamic mode, and you will feel some punch out of the throttle. If you add Polestar performance package, it will add more punch.

[@MJ-jt5mx]

My ride always drives in the Polestar mode :)

[@Carbrat]

I just bought a XC40 T5 R Design- it is near perfect and probably the best car I've owned so far. Excellent design, and lots of creature comforts. Now it was not cheap. It is not much less than the XC60. As for the rim, they do stick out from the tires a bit too much, which opens it to road rash.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great input!

[@snowboardinpassout]

We were in a queue in 2018 in Denver for one, and a customer had to cancel, so got a call from the dealer for a top-spec R-Design. Fab design, the infotainment is top-notch. I'd rather go with a Jaguar E-Pace 300S three years later. But the Volvo is great for a middle-aged, no-kids household.

[@scottwallace1]

@@snowboardinpassout just curious, why do you say ‘for no kids’???

[@snowboardinpassout]

@@scottwallace1 It's just a tad on the small side if you need quite a bit of luggage, hockey, golf gear, German Shepherd. Other than that, it's a brilliant car.

[@bluehunnids887]

Love the xc40 I Def wouldn't zonk the carpet on the doors cuz it's unique that's what makes it different and it's not like it looks ugly

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The XC40’s actual rivals are the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA-Klasse, Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar E-Pace.

[@RaitisRides]

Not here in the USA

[@vegetarianbacon718]

@@RaitisRides I thought the XC60 was a compact and the 40 was a subcompact

[@vinceruiz3998]

Can we settle on the XC 40 rivaling the BMW X2?

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@RaitisRides Come on nephew Joe! It should be for all countries including the US and A.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@vegetarianbacon718 That is true.

[@LlamaSpeeed]

would be nice if they carried over the backseat ACs from the sedans. Having them in the pillar is a genius idea.

[@jesseyang8172]

Fun fact: Volvo is the inventor of three point safe belt, so the front logo in safe belt shape is a nice touch.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right Jesse!

[@mariohernandezsosa3857]

Hey Raiti. One thing I would love to see new in your videos is adding a child car seat for those families looking to maximize their space. 💯

[@thekatiea6388]

I used to have a 2005 S40 2.4i and drove it until it literally wouldn’t go anymore and my mother in-law is still driving her 2010 XC60 T6 with well over 200k miles on it…Volvo provides the best compromise between style, luxury components, and performance, and I will definitely be getting an XC40 in a couple of years! I am hoping they’ll make an XC40 T5 AWD Hybrid in that period of time, because I don’t want to go full electric but I also want to get the most use of the premium gas these little fellas require. 10/10 review as always, Joe!

[@LS1007]

I like the XC40. Volvos are known for their safety. The grill bars might represent a seat belt today but originally they were added to mount the emblem because the early Volvos had no grill or screen. Nicely done Joe and Lori! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

I love that history you shared LARRY! We are so glad you liked this Volvo.

[@kodylam272]

I own a 2019 XC40 and love it. Rides great and has been very reliable and safe. Your comment about light steering is accurate. I had to get used to mine vs the vehicle I had before. Glad I purchased it.

[@MJ-jt5mx]

You can tighten the steering resistance in the Settings (top left) My Car/Drive Modes/Steering Force. So much better with it tighter!

[@kodylam272]

@@MJ-jt5mx Thanks Monika. You're correct. I originally started with the tighter steering and then found that I liked the lighter steering as I got more comfortable driving the XC40 in my average driving. When I want to drive more aggressively, then I change the profile to dynamic and one of the settings is the tighter steering.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

In America the XC40 rivals are the Audi Q3, BMW X1, MB GLA, Jaguar E-Pace. They all start around 35K, all have similar cargo space at 50 cubic feet, similar exterior and interior dimensions, and all have similar powertrains. The XC60 is the compact SUV competing with the X3, Q5, GLC, F-pace, GV70, Stelvio etc. All of those compact SUVs have around 60 cubic feet of space, start around 45K, have arounnd 250-75hp and similar exterior dimensions.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the great info!

[@danmiedema1927]

Love the carpet on the door panels. I don't think that the people who buy this cars are "on throttle " kind of people. They make great use of space on this car

[@Robert-hx3dd]

Approaching 700k subscribers, Joe! I remember when you were around 10-12k. Great reviews!

[@RaitisRides]

It’s a dream come true and I’m so glad that you are on the journey with me!

[@rustyfeathers73]

I have a 2020 XC40, and I really don’t care for it. The car bounces around too much for my liking, even with the dampers set to dynamic. The first two months of owning it, all 4 tires were replaced due to vibrations I was experiencing. Under certain lighting you can see the spray pattern of the paint job, and the factory tint on the panoramic sunroof had small defects in it, something that you would experience with aftermarket tint. The passenger side mirror housing is slightly turn in, and not parallel with the door. When I took it back to the dealer and showed them, I was advised that all the models were like that too. They were surprised I noticed it, and they also advised me it was an engineering flaw when designing the car. I can’t wait to trade it in. Anyway, Joe your reviews are always good and I enjoy watching them.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great inout from your ownership experience.

[@kuttermclaughlin3631]

I must’ve driven every compact and subcompact SUV there was to try and am a little lost as to his comments on the road test concerning power… it’s pretty near the top of the list. Pretty sure this thing even whoops the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Jaguar e pace. This thing moves!

[@Beck248]

I like the lighter color interior, but I’d be so nervous of color transfer…when wearing blue jeans. ☹️. Had that happen with my Jetta, and I never could get rid of it.

[@ahome8089]

Love my 2020 V90 CC. Volvo’s are a great unique option from the humdrum of the Germans. My Volvo, especially being a wagon, gets so many random compliments.

[@RaitisRides]

I really love Volvo wagons. I wish more people in the USA liked wagons.

[@ahome8089]

@@RaitisRidesIt’s our first wagon. Can’t see ourselves going back to a car/suv.

[@JM-fc9gm]

Yeah Volvo wagons are fire.

[@paulbyrd6058]

I had 3 Volvo loaner vehicles while my old Volvo was in the shop for 4 weeks. I drove this one, the XC60, and the V60 T5 wagon Rdesign. When they finally fixed my older Volvo, I traded it in for the 2020 V60 T5 R design. I highway travel alot and the wagon is perfect on the highway. I would drive this suv in a heartbeat. Volvos are great rides

[@Sohelanthropus]

What about the maintenance cost if you don't me asking?

[@lisacorreia7160]

I have a ‘22 xc40. I just traded my ‘14 Audi Q5 for it. I don’t feel it is a trade down. It’s fun to drive with a nice finish inside (except for the dang carpeted doors). The best thing is that in this car shortage, i had quite a few to choose from. My Audi dealership had ONE Q5 to purchase.

[@mclarenspeedtail8988]

It's very nice car. My aunt originally wanted this before the nx

[@RaitisRides]

She got the better SUV I think.

[@android-ud2nf]

Volvo abs safety go hand in hand but I’d personally get an nx and recommended one to my mother. FYI she loves her Lexus nx. They are such great quality and put together solid

[@wsaut]

Got my wife an NX about 5 months ago. She absolutely loves it. I scored major points.

[@AAhmad3449]

The nx has a lot of plastic

[@android-ud2nf]

@@AAhmad3449 yea it’s an affordable luxury vehicle. It’s also very well put together and will last forever. Worth every penny

[@rahimi4762]

This goes up against the UX bruh

[@hi_its_m3_284]

I live up north so cooled seats aren’t super necessary as long as you hydrate in the summer and use AC. I’ve heard from people they are great in cold weather and my parents like them even though they’re Ford people.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing those great tips Nathan!

[@Carfan678]

Cooled seats are hit or miss for me. Some cars I’ve been in I barely notice it and others it works really well. My friends Lexus I didn’t even know it was on 😔 but Audi, Jeep and believe it or not Hyundais cooled seats work really well

[@nacho-man1063]

With all the potholes here in Massachusetts you will need new wheels every week.

[@johanjonsson]

Great review and camera work as always. I'd compare the XC40 against the X1 rather than X3. Also worth noticing is that Volvo limit the top speed to 180 km/h (112 mph) on all of their cars.

[@goforit7774]

Wow they are my favorite now. Don’t know why it is legal to sell cars that can go above the road speed limit

[@traceydumase]

I always wonder who even needs to go over 200km/h anyway?? I've seen cars with upto 250km/h. Where would you be going driving that fast😅

[@johanjonsson]

@@traceydumase It's relevant for German customers.

[@Cath6021]

I got the 2021 xc40 in March and love it so far. The xc40s are made in Belgium. My only complaint is I wish the climate control had actual buttons. Navigating the screen while driving is far from ideal. Voice command doesn’t always work. The xc40 you reviewed is the top trim (Inscription) with all the bells and whistles. You can get a well equipped Momentum for less, and you get more for your money compared to the Germans. Great review!!

[@vinnysproductionsinc66]

Nice little car! My uncle has a xc60 either a 2020 or 2021 year but this one is pretty good but could get boxy but you can put a box of Twinkies or your hostless cupcakes

[@RaitisRides]

That is really awesome Vinny!

[@mariowhyte2816]

Volvo strikes again!!! Nose to tail, in and out these lil rigs are stylish for daaaaays!!! Thank you soooooo much Joe and Lori for these absolutely amazing reviews!!! 👏 👍🏾🎉🚗💨💨💨

[@JaBlanche]

This and the Qudi Q3 are the nicest looking vehicles in this class.

[@louish1986]

Wanna add more fun , get an R-design with Polestar upgrade , you won’t regret it. I drive a 2022 XC60 R-design with Polestar upgrade for work and God , I must say , I love that thing.

[@armyamazon5762]

Love your reviews! I bought one last year and I love it! It was amazing over the winter months too

[@fluffyres6107]

Frankly, for that money, I would get the Rav-4 Prime. Great review as always!

[@randy74989]

If you can find one!!!

[@icanmanifest]

@@randy74989 was about to say lol

[@artagain8977]

Different class

[@GallaghersGrub]

Best looking car in its class

[@v60polestar88]

The Rav4 is a econobox the Volvo is a premium vehicle. If you are shopping a Rav4 than Volvo isn't in your price range. Way even try to compare the two. The Rav4 has a thrashy underpowered and unrefined 4 cylinder and its build quality isn't as solid. It will be more reliable but its still a econobox. Its like saying for the money I'd chose the Camry over the BMW M3. Really

[@AAhmad3449]

Love Volvos way better than the other competitors imo especially outdated Lexus

[@supastah68]

The reason the engine cover looks like that is because it is an a energy absorbing safety feature.

[@BernardAnderson]

This guy is absolutely great at doing these reviews!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Bernard! I am grateful for your support!

[@YellowRoses10]

Yes, great review.

[@mystictk4149]

All the black makes it super cool.

[@vinnysproductionsinc66]

Yeah the black in this looks really good especially with the rims on this one

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with you and of course the 20in wheels.

[@RaitisRides]

@@vinnysproductionsinc66 You are so very right!

[@mystictk4149]

@@RaitisRides That combo is crazy good.

[@mystictk4149]

@@vinnysproductionsinc66 That’s the truth.

[@jordans9663]

I want to make the "On throttle, here we go!" my ringtone.

[@anonasouthern3779]

I’ve been a Toyota and Honda person, currently have the CH-R, but wanted to try Volvo XC40 or XC 60 for something different. Just wondering about reliability and longevity with the newer Volvos. I maintain my cars and plan on being in my next one for 10 yrs or so…..thanks for the review!

[@stevenandres6004]

I am the same way. Had my Honda for almost 10 years, no issues. I did my research and settled on 2021 Volvo XC40 R-design. It is said to be the most reliable of the newer Volvos. So far so good! No issues and it drives amazingly!

[@alc6284]

I’m the same currently driving an accord and had for 13 years , nervous to get this Volvo but want to. Did you

[@davidp2888]

Any plans to do a Volvo wagon review, Joe?

[@RaitisRides]

Will be getting one soon.

[@yes8032]

Looking good today dude Volvo is doing amazing in this

[@randy74989]

We have the 2019 XC40 T5, Amazon Blue with a White Top (they don't provide that color (Amazon Blue) any longer) big mistake. Averages 25 miles per gallon in city/highway driving. My wife still gets thumbs up for the vehicle and of course her, as well. Anyway, dealer is always trying to get me to trade it in for a 2022... to wit I reply no way and you don't provide the color any longer! Only has 20,500 miles on it, still in warranty and no problems. And, prices have gone sky-high. Love the car and will not sell it for any price until it starts to fall apart.

[@Sunjib12345]

Can You Make 2021 Audi SQ8

[@RaitisRides]

I am working on it!

[@idkidk8391]

Debating between the one and the BMW X3

[@curlymelxo]

Does Joe ever do comparisons? I’d love to this see up against the Genesis GV70

[@RaitisRides]

I have done comparisons. The Genesis GV70 will run circles around this.

[@curlymelxo]

@@RaitisRides thanks for the response!!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@RaitisRides But it's not comparable. A Volvo XC60 would be more comparable and that's a much older design than the GV70.

[@cameron4859]

Just not comparable cars at all

[@Carfan678]

This is actually my favorite looking Volvo have seen many in person and it’s so cute 😂. Audi Q3 would still be my personal choice in this segment

[@jdb316]

On a luxury brand I agree that no ventilated seats is a zonk. I get ventilated seats on my Hyundai Sonata Limited which cost $17K less than this!

[@sethjohnsonoutdoors4055]

Absolutely 💯 love the crystal shifter

[@khaledsafoury7518]

It’s a very nice and efficient car but don’t compare it with the x3 BMW but compare with x1- Q3- and GLA in order to be fair

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.

[@sprintkick9793]

Own the R-Design version of this vehicle. Love it but wish some of those creature comforts found on the inscription were on mine. Don’t have the 360 camera or heated steering wheel. The cargo space is small and the infotainment system can be laggy at times and doesn’t always play well with CarPlay. Should be wireless. Ride is fantastic though.

[@hal9752]

Was thinking of getting this. After owning it, do you recommend R-Design or Inscription?

[@joecraven2034]

Really a nice presentation. Entertaining and informative. Sounds like a great vehicle for snacking. Volvo has done a nice job with the XC40.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

There’s also a PHEV XC40 T5, but is FWD.

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true.

[@equalspro]

I have a 1999 Volvo S70 T5 still a blast to drive!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you enjoy your S70!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

But that has a real 5-cylinder engine that sounds amazing. This T-5 has a 4-cylinder engine that just doesn't sound as good.

[@brucebrowne5022]

I'm surprised the dealer didn't show you how to select the "Polestar Engineered" Drive Mode to improve your "on throttle" experience.

[@RaitisRides]

This is not a dealer car.

[@MidniteSan]

Thank God the now China's Geely owned Volvo brand stays what it is, pretty good for a go to SUV. Well done Volvo 👍.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this XC40.

[@lisajohnson6296]

Where is the battery in this car? I love his videos but it would be great if you would include where the batteries are in the car. So many new cars have batteries in places you can’t get to if they need to be jumped or replaced, which is really important for some people.

[@Michael-vt5sj]

Hey joe and Lori (how have y'all been, sadly today is monday) anyways, one of my top 5 favorite brand has to be volvo, just becuase if there styling and that most vehicles looks the same as 2016 (which means perfect for the used car market), the sedans and the station wagons , but they still make great SUV. So main question, if you had to choose witch one would you choose: BMW X1, Audi A3, BMW x2 (a "coupe" version of the X1), Cadillac XT4, Lexus UX, Jaguar E-Pace, and the Range rover Evoque.

[@lanitahicks9623]

I just found my new car for my birthday woohoo can’t wait thank you guys for the review definitely give it a stamp of approval…!!! Thank you 🙏

[@robertjasoncanha]

Thank u for doing this model!!! Elegant vehicle. Wish I could donate to this vid

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate your support and thank you for taking the time to say that!

[@alengreen589]

I think that this XC40 is the best premium compact SUV from Geely.

[@commsense1979]

My wife's got the T6 inscription XC90 and loves it.

[@J.letsTalk]

Joe straight honest about the trash can lid. 🤣🤣 that was funny. I like this. But I'll get the Q3 instead 👍🏻

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the cars with you!

[@tomdrummy4984]

I’ve never been in a Volvo………..thanks Joe, for the ride.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could take you for a spin.

[@caballopalido]

I HAVE TWELVE OF THESE. ONE FOR EACH LADY I BONE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF NOON AND MIDNIGHT. THEY'RE CONSTANTLY CIRCLING. THEY'RE PRETTY GOOD CARS.

[@monoscope2880]

Did you have in Dynamic mode which is the sport for Volvo...I think you would have been very surprised? Dynamic mode on the T4 and T5 is very satisfying takes on German 250 Amg and Audi Sline easily

[@jhonmos1]

Great reviews...Rait I just want to get your advice...I'm planning to buy a car, specifically an SUV cause I like these... I'm living in UAE and I've been looking for several options..Mercedes GLA 250, GLC 300 with AMG Kit, BMW X1 and X2, Audi Q3, Tiguan R line and now you made the review for this volvo XC40 and honestly I'm very impressive with this.....looks like volvo is the top in security things..juts let me know your advice... another thing, is the lexus NX300 a competitor for those other SUV vehicles?

[@chabbysrides]

Great change of pace Joe. Like the car, but I'd go XC90. Go big or go home I always say. Mike Chahbandour

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Great Job on this video Mr Joe Raiti- its awesome. I like the the consistency on your videos- to the door panels is my favorite.

[@Eweyouhew]

Raiti, you know this, but never mentioned, the Volvo XC40 was manufactured right down the road from your review location. ☺️ I’m in the Upstate so I’m curious how competitively priced the XC40 is with a comparably equipped BMW X3, made here as well. ☺️. Cars made CONUS don’t have tariff and destination charges offshore manufactured vehicles have. Love your reviews! 👏

[@bluehunnids887]

Biggest zonk is no cool seats and sunglass holder I wanted this truck but after see dat new nx with red interior wow fell in love

[@AAhmad3449]

I wouldn’t pay crap for a Lexus so outdated as well as cheap

[@tye9713]

When I saw that carpet I was like dam son Volvo keeping it 100 lol

[@vindevhunta4905]

Nice,unique,beautiful...love those wheels too

[@RaitisRides]

The wheels really set it off.

[@richgenix]

Definetly something different wouldn’t mind driving

[@sethjohnsonoutdoors4055]

Front facia looks 👌 🔥

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My favorite Volvo SUV! Brilliant video Joe.

[@Veloster-du3pr]

Thanks for having the hazard lights on I’ve missed them in the last four or 5 videos

[@rafaeltorovip]

I will love to have that SUV in red with the same interior color as you showed. Nice video.

[@andym6110]

Love the car but in love with the guy reviewing it!!

[@BrennanBarger]

Love my 2020 R Design XC40 T5! The Swedes do it best.

[@sethjohnsonoutdoors4055]

Those rims look amazing 👏

[@zakadams762]

This helps me so much, I'm practicing my sales skills hoping to get a new job

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I saw a Volvo XC40 with a 6MT earlier today.

[@RaitisRides]

That is very cool Dave!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@RaitisRides It’s quite rare to see one.

[@juliohaynes1505]

Hi raiti, love to watch your car reviews. But I would like to see you review the new haval h6 suv.

[@tylerclark-realtor]

That’s a sexy lookin Volvo! This will be the vehicle I buy when I purchase a second vehicle.

[@simplelife7246]

Man you are really good but I would love to hear your personal opinion on each review whether you would buy or keep shopping.

[@PrinceYanelbg]

Thanks for this nice review of the XC 40 sir !

[@Ben-xg7ig]

Great car but personally I'm waiting for the new kia sportage! Will be upgrading from a 2013 dodge dart which was my first car. Used my freshman college refund money as a down-payment lol

[@cpg8000]

Can the Start-Stop function be turned off permanently? Or, must it be turned off every time you start the car?

[@randy74989]

It's either on or off, your choice!!!

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it my boy Joe keep up the work and I love the video lot real true 💯💯💯💯💯

[@sethjohnsonoutdoors4055]

Seats 💺 look awesome 👌 😎

[@techbyobeng]

The old nissan juke has similar taillights

[@RaitisRides]

You think so?

[@alexrobinson8791]

How is this now a compact? I thought it competed with the X1, GLA, Q3…

[@davonbranum8648]

When are you gonna do a video on Volvos electric vehicles?

[@sethjohnsonoutdoors4055]

Digging the color 👌 😍

[@bmlove81]

Volvo is such a sweet car company!

[@TuTuyenChannels]

Do they have remote starter?

[@jerrysimpson9224]

Sharp look in a little SUV overall I enjoyed the video. Love the tan on the interior and I would like to see 19 to 20 inch wheels that’s just my personal preference. It would be nice if they had an XL version of this vehicle make it maybe a foot longer I’m just saying.

[@Veloster-du3pr]

And awesome video as always