What Is the Smallest Volvo SUV?
The XC40 is the only truly small SUV that Volvo offers—see how much smaller it is than its counterparts here.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The five-seat XC40 is the smallest in Volvo’s limited lineup of SUVs, with a length of 174.2 inches and a wheelbase of 106.4 inches.
Volvo uses a convenient name-size strategy that makes shopping for one of its vehicles easy. If you see the prefix “XC” then you know it is an SUV. Then the number to follow represents its size (40 = compact, 60 = mid-size, 90 = full-size). Finally, you’ll notice the “Recharge” nametag for the hybrid and electric variations—but you’ll find that these have the same dimensions as their gasoline counterparts.
So if you truly want a small Volvo SUV, the XC40 is your only option. But how much smaller is it really than the rest of the lineup? Follow along as
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.What is the smallest SUV Volvo makes?
The
Volvo XC40
is the only compact five-seat SUV that Volvo offers, so there isn’t much competition for being the smallest. Nevertheless, it measures 65.3 inches tall and 174.2 inches long, with 65.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.But you know what they say: it ain’t about the size of the boat, it’s about the—we’ll let you finish that! Seriously, though. The XC40 may be quaint by SUV standards, but it still has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Another surprising point of feedback is that the XC40 doesn’t feel small when you drive it. This is thanks to Volvo’s high seating position, which gives drivers a more advantageous and preferable vantage point.
Under the hood, you’ll find either a T4 184-hp or a T5 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. When you pair the T5 with all-wheel drive, the eight-speed transmission will smoothly guide you from zero to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds.
And last but not least, it’s essential to know that Volvo doesn’t sacrifice any notion of luxury in the name of size. In fact, the only thing it does sacrifice is the price (in a good way)! At $36,350, the 2022 XC40 is Volvo’s most affordable SUV.
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Other small Volvo SUVs
This section will be short and sweet because, technically speaking, the XC40 is the only true compact SUV in Volvo’s limited lineup. But if it weren’t for their size differences, it would be hard to tell Volvo XC SUVs apart—they share many of the same exterior styling features.
That said, let’s look at the dimensions that make Volvo SUVs differentiable.
Small: Volvo XC40
Starting price: $36,350
Wheelbase: 106.4 inches
Seating capacity: 5 seats
The XC40 is Volvo’s smallest SUV and has an appropriately sized price tag to match. Honestly, it’s one of the best opportunities for budget-conscious luxury shoppers—as ironic as that sounds.
Less small: Volvo XC60
Starting price: $43,450
Wheelbase: 112.8 inches
Seating capacity: 5 seats
The mid-size
Volvo XC60
is still only a five-seater, but its extended length creates more leg room for second-row passengers and about three extra cubic feet of total cargo space.Even less small: Volvo XC90
Starting price: $56,000
Wheelbase: 117.5 inches
Seating capacity: 6 or 7 seats
The
XC90
is simultaneously Volvo’s largest SUV and third smallest SUV—because there are only three available. Nevertheless, this full-size option fulfills the role of the seven-seater in the lineup, or six if you opt for the second-row captain chairs. And when you fold down both rows of seats, you will have convenient access to 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space.The best alternatives to Volvo’s smallest SUV
None of these Volvos tickling your fancy? Let’s look at a couple of direct competitors to the XC40 and another option if you want to ditch the life of luxury altogether.
Lap of luxury: Audi Q3
Audi’s signature slopping curvature limits the
Audi Q3
’s cargo space, but gosh darn is it a good-lookin’ SUV! And its sexy exterior isn’t compensating for anything, either. The interior is also decked out with high-quality materials and innovative tech features.There are some reports of turbo lag (a delay in acceleration—but a shift to sport mode seems to fix the issue), but the agile steering, plush suspension, and standard Quattro AWD make it drive like a dream. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious and pleasurable driving experience elsewhere.
Pinnacle of performance: Porsche Macan
Do you want posh and power? Look no further than the
Porsche Macan
. A 434-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine can power the GTS model to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. To complement this brute force, its elegantly refined chassis allows it to aerodynamically cut through the wind with ease.However, a fully equipped Porsche Macan GTS will run you over $80,000—more than double that of an XC40. You can get a base model for around $55,000, but if you’re going to go the sporty route, we recommend going all-in. And either way, be prepared for some high
Porsche insurance costs
.Adventurous alternative: Subaru Crosstrek
Ready to give up the life of luxury and take the road less traveled? Well, toss the Rolex out the window and get behind the wheel of a
Subaru Crosstrek
.It’s Subaru’s smallest SUV, but it has a big attitude when it comes to scaling difficult off-road challenges. This is mainly thanks to its standard AWD, alternate terrain driving modes, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
And honestly, it cleans up pretty well too! You’ll notice the outdoorsy style of the exterior, but it certainly won’t be any eyesore parked next to a luxury car.
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