In-depth reviews
Volvo V40 Cross Country hatchback owner reviews
"The Volvo V40 Cross Country is expensive, but its rugged off-roader looks and car-like driving experience ensure that it’s not without appeal"
Carbuyer Rating
3.0 out of 5
Owners Rating
4.4 out of 5
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Reviews
Owner Reviews
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- 2 out of 5
- 1 out of 5
86%of people would recommend this car to a friendCommon Problems
- Other (1 case)
- Electrics (2 cases)
- Engine, Suspension, Other (1 case)
Review 1 of 21
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D4 LUX NAV
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
54
Tell us what you think about your car?
I bought the Volvo to replace my BMW 320d. The car has had two issues to date. The first one was simply water entering the high intensity fog light. The second became more noticeable as the miles built up. At around 1500 revs the gear leaver would buzz. I was able to demonstrate this to the Volvo Technician. He asked for the car to be booked in and he would order in some parts. The gear selector was changed and on collecting the car I now notice the gear change has more resistance especially for the first few miles. The light lens was replaced at the first service and is fine.
I have driven the car much harder since the repairs and can say with total confidence this car pulls very well. The buzz is gone throughout the rev range and the acceleration from 1400 revs upwards is instant and strong. To increase visibility I fold the rear headrests forward and this makes a big difference.
The performance compared to my previous 2012 BMW 320d is outstanding, also the D4 engine is much smoother.
I would recommend anyone trying a Volvo V40 D4 before buying a similar car from another manufacturer. I tried a BMW 118d MSport, VW Golf 150 and a Merc 220d Sport. They all came a very poor second.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D2 Lux (1.6)
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
15,000 – 19,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
61
Tell us what you think about your car?
Well let me start this review by saying I've had the car two months and it's the best car I've owned. Better than my previous Audis and VWs by far. Let me also mention the 1 star review that said the 1.6 diesel was so slow it made joining a motorway dangerous - utter rubbish. I've never (touchwood) had that problem and I've owned cars far slower than this.
The car is very comfortable. The ride is somewhat springy compared to the standard V40, so on really undulating roads it's like being on a jelly, but otherwise it rides bumps and holes with no issues. The seats are clearly designed for comfort. The quality of the interior is outstanding and very modern, all the switches and dials have clearly had their locations thought out. The one exception to this is the light switch, it's in a rather stupid place so I'd advise you to leave your lights on auto. The boot is not as big as the golf/A3, but I've never struggled to fit anything in, especially with the forward folding passenger seat.
The car looks fantastic and I've had people make nice comments about it after parking it up. The economy is great for a car that's only done 2500 miles and is improving all the time. It's also very safe - after only two weeks of ownership someone decided to run into the back of me when I was at a junction and no whiplash or any major damage either.
The engine is not the fastest, but it has plenty of torque and I've never found myself wanting for more power. It's clearly a motorway cruiser rather than a drag racing car. If you want the latter I advise a D4 R design.
Having driven all the other major hatchbacks before making my decision (leon, golf, A3, 1 series, A class, astra, etc) I know I made the right one. The car is well equipped for the price and stands out from the crowd. Not to mention 5 years servicing for £200 and free roadside assistance for a year each time Volvo service the car. I was skeptical at purchase, but I'm a proper Volvo convert now.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 diesel
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
60
Tell us what you think about your car?
Lovely car to drive, really comfortable, extremely good on fuel.
For the size of engine it has ample power and is very quiet.
Excellent service and treatment from Volvo dealership.
I would recommend this car to anyone.
In my opinion the Carbuyer UK rating is a load of rubbish.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
2.0, 5 cylinders, AWD, T5, 213 psi.
Year
2013
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Dream car, sporty, sticks to the road like a GoKart, you dot need to take off your foot from the accelerator in curves, it rectifies all errors by itself. You need to slow down after passing all cars so they can read that it is a Volvo and go buy one the next day.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
4 out of 5
Car Details
Model
T3 Pro
Year
2018
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
25
Tell us what you think about your car?
Leased through Motability Scheme as I am arthritic. If you suffer with a similar condition this car is not for you.
Reasons being the seats. They're made very well, full leather of a high quality BUT due to the shape after 20 minutes of driving you sink into the seat which acts like a vice and crushes your joints. So badly to the point that I have paid a cancellation fee on the lease after 700 miles in January got the car in Oct 2018 and found another car, a VW Tiguan.
Other than that, it's very well made. The car has striking looks in silver complemented by good performance with the T3 petrol engine, autobox is smooth and responsive too. I had heated seats and screen added which I'd highly recommend as leather seats can be a bit chilly on the cold mornings. Not the most economical around town but enjoyable to drive. If it was not for my condition would be happy with the car. Gutted as I lost a nice car and quite a bit of money. Mpg based on city driving.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 D2 Luxury 5dr
Year
2013
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
72
Tell us what you think about your car?
Very strong, safety and economic car
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
4 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 diesel manual
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
52
Tell us what you think about your car?
Having downsized from previous large Volvos I still cannot get to grips with its limited space, especially the small boot. I'm an average size guy but hit my head on the door frame every time I get in the car. Now the positives:- Superb fuel consumption (can get 70mpg on one of my regular 40 mile runs), free road tax, very comfortable, good road handling, well appointed.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
T4
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Volvo dealer offered a V40CC SE at a similar price as a V40 R-design. The CC is so much more practical. Easier to enter and exit, sit higher on the road, has rubber bumpers, smoother ride over imperfection in the roads - manholes, road repairs. Just perfect for everyday use. This is my 4th Volvo, previously owned S80
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D3
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
50
Tell us what you think about your car?
Wonderfully quiet and comfortable car, just right for long-distance cruising.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 deisel lux
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
60
Tell us what you think about your car?
2015 model, had it since September and it's a dream. The leather seats are so soft and comfortable, plenty of extras. It has a pleasing ride and fits the driver like a glove in a way that the old Saabs used to do. I've got the smaller of the engines and auto gearbox, it has plenty of power but not the fastest 0-60. Forget the badge and I would bet a test drive would put Volvo pretty well up there.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
T5 AWD auto
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
37
Tell us what you think about your car?
Superb car in traffic, on the motorway and on country roads. Comfortable, economical to run, smooth, corners like it's on rails. In Australia fully optioned. Great Volvo service and customer care.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D2 Lux
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
15,000 – 19,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
I really wanted to like this car, I’ve only had it a month and I just cannot stand it. The ride quality is shocking, it’s all over the place on B roads and even a roads and motorways it feels unsettled if the surface isn’t smooth. Also, I just cannot get the right seating position, I like my left leg to extend pretty much straight when depressing the clutch, but then my right foot feels too far away from the throttle pedal. Get myself in the right place for the throttle and I feel like I’m almost sitting on the dashboard and my arms are too bent for the steering wheel, which is as back as far as it will go. Then there’s the seat, it slopes back too much so get the base right for my back and there’s not enough support at the top, get it right at the top but then I’m pushed forward and sitting far too upright. I know this all sounds very fussy but our other car is a nondescript 2015 Renault Megane, which I can just get in and drive (after pushing the seat back a bit of my wife has been at the wheel) without having to think about all these things, and you shouldn’t have to! I dislike it so much that after just one month I’m also considering getting a Megane, a new shape one which I’ve test driven and again, feels just right.
It also seems to have just recently developed an issue with the ABS, which I don’t know if it’s real or just a faulty sensor. I had a Volvo 440 years ago, that was rubbish and I said I wouldn’t have a Volvo again, I don’t think I will get another after this terrible experience.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No 
4 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D2 (1.6) SELux
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
54
Tell us what you think about your car?
I bought this to replace my V50 after yet another air conditioning condenser failure! I chose the pretentiously named Cross Country due to the condition of the roads and wanting slightly higher ride height and some proper tyres (though would happily have sacrificed skid plates and roof bars). It's a very likeable car whether on local short journeys or motorway cruising. It's got more than adequate power and doesn't feel any less responsive than my previous 2.0D V50.
It has all the kit I need and the (unheated) leather seats are very comfortable. I had Volvo rear parking assist fitted as seeing out of the back of the car is well nigh impossible and would say that this accessory is a necessity. I also procured a Volvo space saver spare wheel, on ebay rather than the extortionate cost asked by Volvo and even though correctly installed has exacerbated the V40's main problem - boot space! If you wish to carry anything other than a couple of suitcases, this car is not for you! Why a company with Volvo's reputation for building great load luggers did away with the V50 and replaced it with a small hatchback, I'll never know.
It's a shame, but I fear it may have to go! The lack of space in favour of looks (which are good) ruins an otherwise great and under-rated car. I've indicated I would recommend this car, but think carefully of your reasons for owning it before you purchase.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1600 Diesel
Year
2013
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
50
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great Quality car and nippy for a 1600 diesel and sports chassis makes it a joy on the A9 to skiing resorts
Shame the exaggerated mileage claim is way out i get just under 50 mpg driving sensibly not 72 mpg as claimed
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
3 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D2 Lux
Year
2013
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Nice looking car but visibility was a total nightmare. I had several close calls due to lack of visibility. I got rid for this very reason
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 SE Lux
Year
2013
Avg annual mileage
15,000 – 19,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
63
Tell us what you think about your car?
I bought this car as I was loyal to the Volvo brand and this is my 7th Volvo in 15 years. The others were 960 to V70s of which I was more than happy with.
This V40 changed all that though. On looks alone it wins my affection, but driving it is another matter. I had the 1.6 engine and it was economical but severely underpowered, so much so that I could not join motorway traffic safely and had to stop and wait on slip roads as I could not outrun lorries in the slow lane. It was economical though, it is possible to average 75mpg on my commute from Swindon to Gloucester.
Mine had the cornering headlights which work great, they really are worth thier money. It had leather but no seat heating, which was a nightmare in the winter. The cabin also feels cramped and very claustrophobic. The rear middle seat is non-existent and headroom/legroom is for small children and reminded me of a Porsche I once had.
The biggest problem with this car though, and the reason I got rid of it, is the ride quality. It rides like a child's go-kart, unless you are a svelt marathon runner or a size 6 supermodel, this car will get your flabby parts jiggling about. The ride quality is so bad it got to the stage where I started to hate to drive it, they only car I have ever driven that was this bad was a Datsun Micra in the 1980s.
Once when it was in for a service, I was given an S60 - and that made the V40 seem even worse, the 60 and 70s ride very well, in the end I kept the V40 Cross Country SE Lux for 18months and did 16000 miles in it. I dont think it is a proper volvo, it may have the badge but underneath it must be a Ford Focus.
And they are certainly not built for UK roads, mine shook itself to bits - the radio rattled and the back seat base came loose. Also the doors leaked when it rained and the roof rails are rubbish. I now have a Skoda Superb, who would have ever though a Skoda would be better than a Volvo!
Dont by a V40 - you will regret it, unless you plan on not driving anywhere, in which case go for it.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D4 Lux Nav
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
3 - 5 years
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
59.4
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have found this car to be outstanding. It has been very reliable. One fault I had was the stop/start did not always work even on a warm day. This was investigated at the second service and winter check. It was eventually traced to the auxiliary battery not holding charge. Once this battery was replaced the stop/start works better than expected.
We usually change our car after three years. However, we are so pleased with the Volvo that we have decided to run it another year. I find it brilliant to drive. The performance is immediate and very strong. The car came with tempra spare wheel and adjustable floor. This means the boot floor and folded seats are totally level giving a very usable load bay. Recently I replaced the two front tyres with Bridgestone Potenza tyres. I have found the ride is great when the tyres are inflated to comfort, but too harsh if they are set to economy. Handling is still excellent and the car goes where it is pointed with no fuss. Occasionally I carry five large adults with all our equipment and this has no effect on the performance. The Volvo V40 D4 is a fast, economic and comfortable car that handles superbly. I have no issues with the manual gearbox at all whether it is warm or cold. The main dealer servicing costs look dear, but you are offered a free six month check and full breakdown cover, including continental use and repatriation including your trailer. Also you are entitled to two free sat nav updates.
I suggest anyone thinking of buying a second car of this size tries the Volvo D4. It has proven to be inexpensive to insure and usually travels more than sixty miles on a gallon of diesel. There is no road fund licence either on most of the second hand Volvo V40 range. In conclusion this is an outstanding car that is a pleasure to drive. I have found the local Volvo main dealer to be excellent.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 Lux Diesel
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
70
Tell us what you think about your car?
After test driving numerous similar models & brands, having been a fan of Audi for many years, so pleasantly surprised. Stereotype squashed. So modern, attractive, sexy, sleek, economical... so many admiring glances! Such a lovely comfortable drive, I will definitely consider renewing for the same model! It's trouble free driving.
An extremely happy V40 CC owner!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D2 Lux
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
65
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have been a Volvo fan for sometime and this doesn't disappoint. The D2 V40 cross country has enough power and returns brilliant fuel efficiency.
The interior, in my opinion, is better than anything else I've ever driven in a comparable price category, the finish with the two tone leather is excellent and everything feels like its built to last... not a "plastic fantastic" car like so many. The paint finish outside is deep and of a good standard and trim parts also feel built to last.
I have had a problem with the back door and the slave cylinder of the clutch, but the dealer was excellent and fixed it all... free of charge, despite only having the dealers own warranty. This and my previous experience of the Volvo dealer network in the UK has been nothing but positive.
Its good on tyre wear, the tax on mine is free, has great fuel efficiency and the little D2 unit is amazingly smooth. I use it on long motorway journeys and the comfort is the best of any car I have driven yet, Ive never felt it underpowered. I have used it in snow in the highlands, heavy rain and dry roads and I have never felt that it was out of its comfort zone on the road. I would recommend... Ill probably buy another after this one.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
D4 Lux Nav
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
56
Tell us what you think about your car?
I bought the Volvo to replace my BMW 320d. I tried a variety of similar cars, BMW1 Series, Merc A Class, VW Golf and Kia Ceed . They were all fine but the quality of the Volvo stood out. We tried a D2, D3 and finally the Cross Country D4.
We have covered about 6000 miles in the car. I am pleased with most things especially the performance and handling.
The engine is the best aspect it is more powerful than our BMW 320d and much smoother.
The handling and ride are very good. The car does not lean in corners but it soaks up the bumps brilliantly.
The Volvo makes a great Tug for our 1200KG caravan and still manages 40 mpg. Solo on long runs it often approaches 70 mpg. I could not get near this with the BMW.
I recommend this car to anyone it really is very good.
The boot is quite small due to the spare wheel jack and flexible floor. However if you remove everything the space becomes quite large and ideal for carrying tall items especially bags for Recycling.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
LUX D2 DIESEL
Year
2013
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
49.5
Tell us what you think about your car?
By far the most comfortable car driven especially after driving Audis and BMWs,
While no where near stated mpg it still better than the German cars.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
