Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC40 SUV - Practicality & boot space

The Volvo XC40’s boot isn’t the biggest, but it’s well designed

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Practicality & boot space Rating

4.0 out of 5

Unlike many crossovers, the XC40 has shunned a coupe-like roofline for a more conventional boxy shape, resulting in plenty of space for passengers. Luggage space isn’t class-leading, but it should suffice for most people and is neatly thought out.

Volvo XC40 interior space & storage

The XC40 isn’t a particularly big SUV, but pushing the wheels out to each corner of the car means interior space is quite impressive. Rear legroom and headroom are both adequate if not class-leading, and unlike many rivals, the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof doesn’t see your follicles flattened by a lower roof.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the Jaguar E-Pace, there’s plenty of room inside, with four six-foot tall adults travelling together, but a fifth might be stretching it, especially because a raised transmission tunnel robs the middle occupant of space to put their feet.

Boot space

With 452 litres of boot space on offer, the XC40 offers less space than the Audi Q3 (530 litres) and BMW X1 (505 litres) in the luggage wars, while the sporty Jaguar E-Pace is actually quite a bit bigger, providing 577 litres. Unlike some plug-in hybrids, the T5 Recharge plug-in hybrid doesn’t sacrifice any boot space to accommodate the battery because it's fitted under the floor of the cabin. The same is true for the EX40, with a 452-litre boot capacity.

Sheer volume isn’t the only important factor, though: the XC40’s boot is nice and flat, with no lip to heave items over. This smooth loading space remains snag free even if you fold down the back seats, boosting space to a maximum of 1,336 litres.

Towing

The front-wheel-drive B3 can haul a 1,600kg braked trailer. The B4 can tow a braked trailer of up to 2,000kg, while the T4 and T5 Recharge PHEVs can tow up to 1,800kg. The EX40 with a single motor can also tow up to 1,500kg, increasing to 1,800kg for the Twin Motor model. That's quite impressive for an EV, many of which aren't able to tow at all. A retractable towbar is a £1,400 option.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    2.0 B3P Core 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £36,310

Most Economical

  • Name
    2.0 B3P Core 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £36,310

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 B4P Plus Dark 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £40,960

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volvo XC40 review – an impressive small premium SUV
Volvo XC40 facelift
In-depth reviews
25 Jul 2024

Volvo XC40 review – an impressive small premium SUV

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
22 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before
Jaguar Design Vision Concept teaser
News
21 Nov 2024

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before

New Hyundai Ioniq 9: huge SUV unveiled as electric flagship
Hyundai Ioniq 9 front quarter
News
21 Nov 2024

New Hyundai Ioniq 9: huge SUV unveiled as electric flagship

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024