After a one-year hiatus, the 2028 Volvo XC40 arrives with a fresh redesign featuring a new front end, new taillights, new bumper, better tech, and an updated interior.
2028 Volvo XC40 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
2028 Volvo XC40 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2028 Volvo XC40
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2028 Volvo XC40
Volvo has redesigned the XC40 for 2028, bringing a bit of brutalist style to its small crossover. The exterior is more mature than before, and the interior showcases some new upholstery and an upgraded touchscreen. The B5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine returns as the only option, but safety tech improves dramatically, with better sensors, cameras, radar, and software.
Design
The Volvo XC40 has always carried itself a bit differently than the rest of the company’s crossover lineup. It has more of a bulldog’s presence, with short overhangs, a high seating position, and generally squat proportions. The 2028 redesign evolves that compact styling. The profile still features slab sides and minimal bodywork, and now the front and rear appropriately match the brutalist, Scandinavian style. A revised hood looks blockier and more solid, but the character lines along the sides feel more significant, as if they were carved out of stone rather than from sheet metal. The same effect can be seen along the lower half of the profile and the redesigned liftgate. The grille now features a diagonal design language, replacing the grid style from the old XC40. The headlights and taillights are also new, now featuring Matrix LED technology to give a more solid appearance than before. A distinct gap separates the horizontal and vertical elements on the headlights; the taillights don’t feature this gap, instead maintaining a clear and vibrant bow design.
Powertrain
Volvo offers one powertrain on the 2028 XC40. The B5 engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2026 XC40 had a lower-spec engine powering front-wheel drive (FWD) on the Core trims, but this has been discontinued for the 2028 model year, and we expect to see an increase in the XC40's base MSRP as a result. Fuel economy figures have not yet been released, but expect to see 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. That’s what the EPA rated the previous B5 XC40, and this new model has the same powertrain.
Interior
Inside, buyers will find the requisite Swedish flags adorning the seats, an Orrefors crystal shift knob on the Ultra trim, and a new upholstery option—Arianne Cardamom leather. Paired with Brown Ash wood decor, this interior selection does wonders for the XC40’s cabin. It adds a degree of light and warmth that, when paired with the XC40’s otherwise minimalist-yet-functional aesthetic, makes for a very pleasant environment. Shoppers can still expect a decent amount of plastic material inside the XC40, but it’s well put together and generally looks and feels high end. The rear seat is snug and hard plastic seat protectors on the backs of the front seats may beat up a tall passenger’s knees. Forward visibility is outstanding, thanks to big windows and an upright seating position.
Technology
An 11.2-inch touchscreen sits between the central air vents. It’s angled slightly toward the driver but looks a bit out of place, as if it’s too big for the location. Nevertheless, it works very well. Volvo has upgraded the XC40’s infotainment software and the result is fast processing, lag-less swipes and touches, and crystal-clear resolution. Google Gemini offers nearly flawless natural-language voice processing, meaning drivers can spend more time with their hands on the wheel and less time fiddling with the touchscreen. Further, with Google built-in, features such as Google Maps run natively on the system, although Android Auto is also standard.
Safety
Multiple new safety systems have been added for 2028. A new rear-exit alert warns rear-seat occupants of oncoming traffic or cyclists before they open the door. Pilot Assist, an optional feature, can now assist with lane changes, and the optional surround-view camera system has a new 3D view. Beyond those new features, the 2028 Volvo XC40 also boasts improved software and systems. New radar and cameras give a fuller picture of the XC40’s surroundings, allowing for better performance from its myriad advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Although neither organization has crash-tested the 2028 Volvo XC40, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2026 model five stars in its overall evaluation, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it either Good or Acceptable grades in all its tests.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2028 Volvo XC40 will go on sale in the United States in early 2027. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we predict a starting price north of $48,000 after the mandatory destination fee, with top trims closing in on the $55,000 mark. There will not be a 2027 Volvo XC40.
Further Research on the 2028 Volvo XC40 and its Competitors
by Matt Smith
Matt believes you don't have to be a "car person" to love your car—you just need the right match. The right vehicle opens up your life, whether that's weekend drives, remote adventures, or simply making daily routines less of a grind. As Head of Content for CarGurus, US, he creates and oversees the site's written and video content, helping people find their ideal car. Matt has been working on the journalism side of the auto industry since 2014.
The content above is for informational purposes only and should be independently verified. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
