Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volvo V40 Cross Country hatchback (2016-2019)

"The Volvo V40 Cross Country is expensive, but its rugged off-roader looks and car-like driving experience ensure that it’s not without appeal"

Carbuyer Rating

3.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.4 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • More comfortable than V40
  • Efficient diesel engines
  • Striking design

Cons

  • Far too expensive
  • Not much fun to drive
  • Four-wheel-drive only on top spec

The Volvo V40 Cross Country is a toughened-up version of the classy and handsome Volvo V40 hatchback, which competes with upmarket hatchbacks like the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, BMW 1 Series and Infiniti QX30. The V40 Cross Country’s raised ride height and chunky bodykit make it look like an SUV, but only the most powerful petrol version has four-wheel drive – and even then it's more of a road car with extra grip, rather than a genuine off-roader.

As a result of this niche status, there aren’t many direct rivals for the V40 Cross Country, but it might be worth considering if you’re looking at an Audi Q3 or BMW X1, not all versions of which have four-wheel drive, either.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Cross Country is more expensive than the standard V40, partly because it only comes in mid and high-spec trims. If you’re looking at a well-specified V40, it’s worth checking out the Cross Country to see if you like its chunky looks and raised driving position.

The V40 Cross Country benefits from Volvo’s excellent interior design and quality, which makes it a nice car to sit in, particularly for a family hatchback - though it's starting to feel dated inside now. Volvo offers the Cross Country with a range of petrol and diesel engines, the most efficient of which is the D2 diesel, which returns an impressive 76.3mpg and emits 99g/km of CO2. The D2 also has a low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate, making it an attractive proposition for company-car drivers. A recent update has lightly freshened the V40 Cross Country’s appearance to bring it in line with newer Volvos, but the dated interior and high price remain in place.

Although there are only two petrol engines available, one of these is the powerful T5, which gives the V40 Cross Country a 0-62mph time of just 6.1 seconds – faster than some hot hatchbacks and sports cars. The T5 model is quite expensive to buy, run and tax, though, and it doesn’t sell in huge numbers.

The V40 on which the Cross Country is based finished 47th out of the 75 cars ranked in our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey of cars currently on sale in the UK.

Meanwhile, in keeping with Volvo’s longstanding and hard-won reputation for safety, the V40 scored the full five stars in its Euro NCAP crash tests, with a near-perfect 98% adult occupant rating and a rare 100% award for safety-assistance technology. So V40 Cross Country drivers can rest assured that they’re almost as safe in their cars as it’s possible to be.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

All-new Toyota Urban Cruiser revealed
Toyota Urban Cruiser
News
12 Dec 2024

All-new Toyota Urban Cruiser revealed

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
13 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Volkswagen Black Editions: T-Cross and Tiguan get a stylish upgrade
Tiguan Black Edition
News
10 Dec 2024

Volkswagen Black Editions: T-Cross and Tiguan get a stylish upgrade

More on V40 Cross Country hatchback

Volvo updates its V40 premium hatchback
News
24 Feb 2016

Volvo updates its V40 premium hatchback

The popular V40 has been given a subtle update to bring it in line with the latest range of Volvo models
Volvo overhauls engine range - full details
News
28 Apr 2015

Volvo overhauls engine range - full details

Swedish brand makes comprehensive replacements - new Drive-E engines more fuel efficient

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