DecodedCars2021 Volvo XC40
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV, Recharge 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 187–402 hp
- Transmission
- 1-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- EV range
- 208 mi · 8 h on 240 V
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,721–4,718 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 402 hp, versus about 235 hp for similar 2021 models.
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,721 lb (4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 9% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $950 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 208 miles and takes about 8 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
- New all-electric version
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 XC40 →
Trims, performance & features
Powertrain402 hpElectric motor
Engine187–248 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission1-speed automatic · 8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
RechargeMomentumR-DesignInscription
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 XC40 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 174.4 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 3,721 lb | 59/41 |
| Recharge 4dr SUV | 174.4 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,718 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 AWD BEV EV | 150 kW ACPM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 208 mi · 42.8076 kWh/100mi | – | $950 | – |
| XC40 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 340 |
| XC40 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +5% | $3,300 | 359 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $7,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Volvo XC40.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volvo XC40 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Lexus NX | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Land Rover Evoque | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Jaguar I-Pace | 234 mi | Not rated | 6 |
| 2021 Lincoln Corsair | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 23 |
Recalls (6)
Back Over Prevention › Software · Dec 23, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V908000 · 413,151 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Carâs customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Back Over Prevention › Software · May 8, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V282000 · 413,151 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Apr 28, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V288000 · 5,351 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 BEV vehicles. Water may enter the cable harness, corroding the accelerator pedal sensor (APS) circuit.
- Risk
- A corroded APS circuit may send corrupted signals, causing unintended acceleration, a lack of acceleration, or a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect for corrosion, install a cable splice to prevent water intrusion and, as necessary, replace the connector terminal and APS, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10170.
Engine · Nov 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V881000 · 4 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles. A bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment may be loose or missing.
- Risk
- A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10128.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Sep 1, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V682000 · 19,149 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) › Software · Feb 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V109000 · 2,278 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 Recharge vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.
- Risk
- A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10078.
Not every 2021 Volvo XC40 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
52Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
10,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Volvo XC40 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 10 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 5 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 208 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Volvo XC40. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC40 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →