10 Volvo XC40 Competitors to Consider

2019 Volvo XC40 exterior on road by Ron Sessions ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Volvo has one of the hottest new compact crossover SUVs in the dynamic and luxurious XC40. The 2019 Volvo XC40 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Interior features include a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment center and a 12.3-inch digital driver display instead of traditional gauges. The XC40 also boasts some of the most comfortable seats in the business, a quiet cabin, and of course Volvo’s legendary safety. Pricing for the 2019 XC40 starts at $34,695 including all fees.

One of the most exciting things about the Volvo XC40 is that it’s available for purchase and lease, or you can get one by subscription through Care by Volvo. With this program, you pay one flat monthly rate that covers the car, insurance, and maintenance. If your shopping list includes the Volvo XC40 this year, here are 10 competitors to consider before you buy (or subscribe).

2018 Audi Q3

The 2018 Audi Q3 SUV is a direct competitor to the Volvo, and starts at $33,895. The Audi comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at 200 hp, mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system is optional.

The Q3 is a technology showcase, with an available Audi MMI GPS navigation system that displays your route with 3D photographic images drawn from Google Earth. The Audi also will create a wi-fi hot spot for up to eight connections inside the vehicle. Audi has made the Q3 a luxury experience with available walnut or aluminum interior trim. Zone climate controls and a panoramic sunroof complete the experience.

Photo by Audi

2019 MINI Countryman

The 2019 MINI Countryman is a bit smaller than most compact crossovers, but you still get generous cargo space. The Countryman offers about 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and more than 49 cubic feet with the rear seats down. However, MINI still provides adequate legroom for the rear seat passengers.

The basic Countryman has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 134 hp, and the Countryman S comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 189 hp. The Countryman is available with a six-speed manual transmission, but most buyers will choose an automatic. The Countryman with front-wheel drive receives a six-speed automatic, or an eight-speed with MINI’s All4 All-Wheel-Drive system. The 2019 MINI Countryman starts at $28,250.

Photo by MINI

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a benchmark luxury crossover that is priced near the XC40 at $33,950. Like most compact crossovers, the GLA 250 is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that produces 208 hp. Buyers may choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and Mercedes raises the game with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Cargo space in the GLA 250 is generous at 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, or 43.6 cubic feet with the seats down. Mercedes owners also enjoy luxury features like a powered liftgate, 8-inch display mounted high on the dash, and the COMAND GPS navigation system. Choosing AWD adds $2,000 to the price, and a high-performance AMG GLA 45 model is available.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 Cadillac XT4

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 compact crossover debuted in 2018 and it’s been a big hit for GM’s luxury-performance brand. The XT4 carries a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at 237 hp. The transmission is an advanced electronically controlled 9-speed automatic, and buyers can choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The XT4 offers the most rear seat legroom in the compact luxury suv class, and the front seats can be ordered with heat, ventilation, and a massage function. Cargo space also is excellent, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 48.9 cubic feet with the second row seats folded down. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 starts at $35,790.

Photo by Cadillac

2019 Subaru Forester

Every Subaru suv comes with AWD as standard equipment. The 2019 Subaru Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp, or buyers can specify an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 250 hp. Subaru’s base transmission is a 6-speed manual, while those who prefer an automatic can choose the LinearTronic continuously variable transmission.

Subaru’s EyeSight safety system is available on the Forester and provides adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, and automatic reverse braking. The Forester offers a lot of cargo space, up to 34.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and up to 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The 2019 Subaru Forester starts at $25,270.

Photo by Subaru

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2019 VW Tiguan compact crossover is special because it offers three rows of seats and can accommodate up to seven passengers. The Tiguan is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. VW’s 4Motion AWD system is optional. The 2019 Tiguan starts at $25,590.

The Tiguan offers 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, or 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 65.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Buyers who select the two-row, five-passenger Tiguan can expect up to 73.5 cubic feet of space. The Tiguan includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and VW’s MirrorLink system.

Photo by Volkswagen

2019 Hyundai Kona

The 2019 Hyundai Kona may seem like an odd competitor to the XC40 because it’s a subcompact, but this little crossover from Hyundai has been a huge hit. The Kona features a car-like driving experience paired with impressive AWD capabilities, and it starts at $20,480. Buyers can specify the top Ultimate trim with all the luxury and tech features for $29,680.

Depending on trim level, the Kona comes with either a 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine or 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 hp. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic or a 7-speed dual-clutch unit depending on the trim level. All-wheel drive is optional. Heated leather front seats are standard in the top trims, along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface.

Photo by Hyundai

2019 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue has been America’s best-selling SUV many times, and it’s one of the most affordable XC40 competitors starting at $24,800. The 2019 Nissan Rogue comes with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear cross traffic alert. Nissan also offers the Rogue with Pro Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driver assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control and steering assistance.

The Rogue offers comfortable seating for five and a 2.5-liter engine with 170 hp. Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission is standard. Cargo capacity is 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row, or 70 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Rogue also is available with a hybrid drivetrain, and there’s a smaller version available in the 2018 Rogue Sport.

Photo by Nissan

2018 Mazda CX-5

Another affordable alternative to the XC40 is Mazda’s CX-5 compact crossover, starting at $25,345. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 provides seating for five and a sporty driving experience comparable to the Volvo. The standard engine and transmission combo includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 187 hp, mated with a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional.

Part of Mazda's value proposition with the CX-5 is in its advanced driver assistance technology. Mazda’s exclusive G-Vectoring Control allows the CX-5 to achieve more precise steering than many competitors, while its predictive all-wheel drive gives the CX-5 more confidence in wet or frozen conditions. The CX-5 offers 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, or 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Photo by Mazda

2018 BMW X2

The 2018 BMW X2 is a small, sporty crossover that offers every comfort and technology feature expected from BMW at a starting price of $36,400. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 228 hp. The engine is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, with the buyer’s choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The X2 offers 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and up to 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down. BMW’s technology offering includes a wireless mobile device charging pad, and the ability to generate a wi-fi signal inside the vehicle. 

Photo by BMW