Review and Test Drive: 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD Momentum
The rear compartment is equally capacious for two with ample knee room and the seating, while more upright than one would expect, was quite comfortable for two adults, even for longer journeys.
Volvo’s engineers were particularly thoughtful when it came to providing storage space. The XC40 has generously-sized door pockets, a bin in front of the center console, a removable waste bin ahead of the center armrest, and a slide-out storage box under the driver’s seat (part of the Premium Package). There’s a dedicated spot for mobile phones – complete with wireless charging – which means that phones aren’t competing with cups for cupholder space.
The rear seats can be folded down, making the rear cargo space rather cavernous.
Like its larger brethren, the XC40 has Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, although it’s an option here. Sensus has one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use user interfaces I’ve come across in a vehicle. It supports a variety of functions and apps including Internet radio, navigation, music streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Park Assist Pilot, a camera system that gives driver and passenger a true 360° view of what surrounds the car. No manual required.
The XC40’s ergonomics are some of the best we’ve seen. All controls are unambiguous and exactly where you’d expect them to be. Volvo orients the 9” very responsive touchscreen in portrait mode, which contributes to the logical menu design and layout.
Volvo was the first automaker to embrace Apple CarPlay in a big way and CarPlay continues to be one of our favorite features. For the uninitiated, CarPlay is an in-vehicle touch-based display interface that functions as an extension of a driver’s iPhone. By connecting an iPhone to the vehicle via a USB cable, I immediately had access to Apple Maps or Google Maps for navigation, the Apple Music app as well as multiple others including Tune-In Radio and Pandora, and the ability to make calls or send messages. I was also able to access Siri via a voice control button on the steering wheel to control iPhones hands-free, including sending and receiving texts and making calls. I didn’t even have to pair my phone.