Volvo XC40 alternatives: New and used substitutes for the stylish Swedish SUV
The Volvo XC40 is a superb family SUV, but what if you want something different? We’ve come up with six great new and used alternative choices
Volvo’s range has got a little confusing of late, with an explosion of seemingly similarly-sized SUVs all granted different names depending on whether they have combustion or electric power.
That hasn’t stopped the XC40 being a common sight on the roads, though, with buyers drawn in by its handsome looks, punchy performance, restrained cabin design and the reassurance of Volvo’s excellent record on safety. It’s also got a bit of class without resorting to ostentatious flash; you could say it makes a statement without standing out.
It’s not without compelling alternatives however, and below we’ve selected three stylish models from the used market that might just edge out the Volvo in your affections, and a choice of three gently-depreciated used alternatives with more space, prestige and luxury than the Volvo XC40 can offer.
New: MINI Countryman
- Prices from £29,500
Swedish style is one thing, but no recent small SUV has the wow-factor of the new MINI Countryman. On the outside it takes classic MINI cues and gives them a more industrial feel, while the spacious five-seat interior has the kind of delightful detailing that wouldn’t look out of place on a boutique supercar – or indeed, some boutique luggage or clothing.
It’s still MINI-like to drive – responsive and somewhat firm-riding, and while the petrol models could have more pep, there are always the electric versions for that. The circular OLED touchscreen is a real talking point and the fabric dash and door-top trim are far cheerier than the black plastics of most rivals. But the Countryman is sensible too: its boot is a touch bigger than the Volvo’s (450 litres vs 443 litres), and it feels more spacious in both the front and rear seats.
New: Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Prices from £33,100
Back when Volvo used to be known for its estates, only one brand’s wagons had even more “old money” appeal: Mercedes. Today, they compete in SUVs instead. The Mercedes GLA doesn’t look quite as chunky or rugged as the Volvo, but it’s hard to argue with the appeal of that badge on the front, and its starting price even undercuts the Swedish car’s.
Like other recent Mercedes, the GLA majors on both comfort and eye-catching features. The cabin is a lot more flashy than that of the Volvo, which may not suit some, but it’s more interesting to look at and has a sportier feel. We also prefer the Merc’s infotainment; a landscape layout incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more intuitively, and it’s sharper and quicker, too. Mercedes also has physical controls for the air-con, so won’t distract you from the road as often.
New: Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Prices from £39,900
If you’re willing to entertain the idea of an electric alternative to the combustion-powered XC40, then how about the Hyundai Ioniq 5? For just a few grand more than the starting price of the XC40, you can get into one of our favourite family cars – our 2021 Car of the Year, a five-star road test recipient, and one of the most distinctive models on the road.
Those interested in the Volvo for its understated style will no doubt appreciate the design-led approach of the Hyundai too, but the retro-futuristic boxy form ensures the Ioniq 5 is very spacious, and the interior feels minimalist without stripping away important controls. 84kWh models offer up to 354 miles of range, more than enough for most family trips.
Used: Porsche Macan
Trading a brand-new Volvo family SUV for something with a Porsche badge obviously comes with some compromises. You can’t expect a warranty, and you’ll be looking at a car that’s around four or five years old – although post-Covid, people don’t seem to drive as much as they used to, so a Macan for XC40 money may only have covered 20-30k miles.
You’ll have to take a hit on economy and tax, too, since Porsche ditched the parsimonious diesel version in 2018; the 39mpg 2.0-litre petrol is as frugal as it gets. But forget the negatives: the Porsche Macan is far better to drive than the Volvo in any form, it’s from a class size above so is more spacious and holds more luggage, it’s already past the biggest chunk of its depreciation curve, and it’s got proven reliability.
Used: Land Rover Discovery Sport
As with the Macan we’re giving you a larger option here, but another with a strong image that eclipses even Volvo’s. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is around 17cm longer than an XC40, about 10cm taller and a touch wider, but into that volume it packs a useful seven-seat layout, while for XC40 money you can find one that’s only a couple of years old, and still retains some of its factory warranty.
Like the Volvo, the Disco is a feel-good car. You feel good from the raised driving position, the indomitable feeling in the poorest weather conditions, the handsome styling and the classless image. Opting for a used Disco Sport rather than new one means enjoying the trickle-down of higher-spec versions too; these cars can feel quite luxurious in the right trim. Most use the 42mpg D200 diesel engine, but the plug-in hybrid P300e is also worth seeking out.
Used: Volvo XC60
Why not keep it in the family? If you’re considering an XC40, then the slightly larger Volvo XC60 will probably appeal just as much, and due to the wonders of depreciation, the money you’d spend on a brand new XC40 could be put towards an XC60 in higher spec, with more space, that’s little more than a year old – or even simply pre-registered and on delivery miles.
It’ll take up a bit more space on the drive, being around 26cm longer, but the return is extra interior and boot space, and larger, more powerful engines to help haul it around, without an enormous fuel economy penalty: an XC60 B5 should return 35.3mpg, to the XC40 B4’s 42.1mpg. The interior is comfortable too, and the design won’t scare you off: at a quick glance, the dashboard layouts are nearly identical.
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