Volvo XC40 2022: facelifted small SUV quietly drops on European configurators

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The Volvo XC40 has been revised for 2022 with subtle styling changes and fewer leather components in the interior as the Swedish manufacturer moves to reduce its carbon footprint.

A first glimpse of the updated 2022 XC40 was seen at the end of last year, but the European configurator for the vehicle gives us our best look yet at the subtle changes to this popular crossover.

With 3687 sales in 2021, the XC40 was Australia’s second-best selling small luxury SUV, besting the BMW X1 (2986 sales), Mercedes-Benz GLA (2624 sales) and Lexus UX (1744 sales), but trailing the segment-leading Audi Q3 that managed 5707 deliveries last year.

Australian pricing for the facelifted XC40 is not yet known but the model will start from 34,100 British pounds in the United Kingdom ($65,197) for a mild hybrid variant. Chasing Cars expects only subtle movements from the current Australian pricing that ranges from $48,490 to $76,990 before on-road costs.

What is the difference between the old and new XC40?

As previously reported by Chasing Cars, the new MY23 XC40 is quite similar to the outgoing car, however there are small changes to differentiate it. 

New daytime running lights, fog lights and a re-shaped front bumper are the main differences for the front end. At the rear, a new bumper has been installed which goes without the exhaust cutouts of the outgoing model – the exhaust now exits out beneath the car. There are new wheel designs for the full electric Recharge model, with 19-inch, five-spoke wheels borrowed from the C40 Recharge. 

On the inside, the XC40 is largely unchanged, however a leather-free trim level could feature as the brand works to be more sustainable. 

Powertrains and performance 

There are a range of engines to choose from for the updated 2022 Volvo XC40. 

Starting out the range is a 2.0-litre engine that produces either 120kW/265Nm or 144kW/300Nm and are badged B3 and B4. Both come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

It is likely that Australia will not receive the entry-level B3 engine, while the current Australian-spec T4 engine will receive new B4 billing thanks to the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Up next are the plug-in hybrid models which begin with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor. In T4 guise, the combination creates a total power output of 155kW while the four-wheel drive T5 steps things up to a total power output of 193kW. 

Two pure electric models are also available. A front-drive version has a 67kWh battery pack and produces 170kW of power and 330Nm of torque. 

The range topping four-wheel drive model is powered by a larger 75kWh battery pack and gains a dual-motor electric powertrain that produces 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque.  

Specifications and safety 

Standard equipment on the cheapest XC40 Core variant includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers and silver roof rails. 

Inside, the cabin gets dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a 12-inch digital driver cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment system. 

Volvo is staying true to its safety roots with plenty of standard equipment on that front, too. Cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, an adjustable speed limiter and oncoming lane mitigation system which prevents the car from having an impact with an oncoming vehicle. 

In the range-topping XC40 Ultimate, buyers will gain 19-inch alloy wheels, Volvo’s Pixel LED headlights and front LED fog lights. Interior equipment for this trim level includes a 360-degree parking camera, heated front and rear seats, electric passenger seat and a Harman Kardon stereo system.