2019 Volvo XC40 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Crossover SUVs are now one of the hottest selling vehicle types on the road today. Volvo meets this need with a number of SUVs in their XC series of vehicles. The 2019 Volvo XC40 is a compact crossover SUV. It offers plenty of passenger and cargo space but in a smaller overall package. You get many of the perks of an SUV with the size and driving dynamics of a sedan.

The Volvo XC40 has all of the utility and functionality you could want from a crossover SUV. Volvo has also placed an equal emphasis on comfort and luxury for this vehicle. All models of the XC40 feature four doors and a rear hatch for the cargo area. They all can seat up to five people. You'll get around 20.7 cubic-feet of cargo space with all of the seats in their default positions. With the seats folded down, you can increase this amount up to 57.5 cubic-feet of space.

The XC40 is around 65.3 inches high. It measures in at 174.2 inches long with a width of about 75.2 inches. The wheelbase comes in at 106.4 inches. The XC40 weighs in at around 4895 pounds with the T4 models being ever so slightly lighter. You get around 39 inches of headroom both up front and in the rear. Legroom comes in at 40.9 inches in the front and 36.1 inches for the back seats. All models of the XC40 have a fuel capacity of 14.2 gallons.

When equipped with the most powerful engine available, the XC40 boasts an impressive towing capacity for a vehicle in this class. You can haul up to 3,500 pounds when the XC40 is properly equipped. The all-wheel drive models can even tackle some light off-road duties. That's something you won't always see in a luxury-oriented vehicle. Volvo has also loaded this crossover down with an array of modern safety features.

Volvo's 2019 XC40 comes in three major configurations. The T4 and T5 models have different power trains. The third model offered is a plug-in hybrid. All three of these models come in three different trim levels. These are called the Momentum, the R-Design and the Inscription. There is also a performance package called Polestar Engineered. This package greatly enhances the power, efficiency and handling of this vehicle.

Volvo gives buyers a ton of options to choose from. This ensures that you can get a Volvo XC40 to best suit your specific needs. Unfortunately, this can also make it difficult to decide what setup is best for you. We will take a look at each configuration and option. All of the available trim levels will be compared to each other. With this information, your final decision should be somewhat easier.

Compare the 2019 Volvo XC40 T4 vs T5. What is the difference?

The T4 and T5 designations signify which of the two gasoline engines your XC40 is equipped with. Both models have four cylinders and a displacement of 2.0 liters. The major difference here is that the T4 is equipped with a turbocharger while the T5 comes with a supercharger. The T4 gets you around 187 horsepower. The T5 increases this amount up to 248 horses with 258 pounds-feet of torque.

Both of these engines offer excellent fuel efficiency for this class of vehicle. The T4 offers the best with a combined rating of 29 miles-per-gallon. Specifically, that's 36 miles-per-gallon on the highway and 25 miles-per-gallon in the city. The T5 isn't too far off with its combined rating of 26 miles-per-gallon. That's not too bad of a difference considering all of the extra power and torque you get from the supercharged T5 engine.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic-transmission system. This transmission features overdrive and an auto-manual features that allows manual shifting through the gears. Some trim levels include paddle shifters on the steering wheel to accomplish this task. One last difference between these models is that the T4 features front-wheel drive while the T5 offers all-wheel drive.

Compare the 2019 XC40 Momentum vs R-Design Trims. What is the difference?

Regardless of which power train you choose, the trim-level features will be basically the same. The Momentum trim comes in seven different colors. These are Fusion Red Metallic, Black Stone, Bright Silver Metallic, Amazon Blue, Ice White, Onyx Black Metallic and Osmium Gray Metallic. The R-Design reduces your choices here to just six. You get a new color called Bursting Blue Metallic. Onyx Black and Amazon Blue are removed from your options.

On the performance side of things, both of these trims offer several driving modes. Settings such as Comfort, Eco, Dynamic and Off Road change up the engine, transmission and suspension reacts so that everything is optimized for specific situations. You also get personalized electric power steering that can be tailored to your liking. Both trims come standard with Start and Stop Technology as well as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. The R-Design gets an added-on sport chassis and some paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

On the outside of the XC40, the Momentum trim gets a power-operated tailgate. This is missing from the R-Design. Both trims get tinted rear windows and illuminated door handles. A laminated power moon-roof with power sunshade is optional for either model. Rain sensors and automatic windshield wipers are standard for both trims. You can select a white contrasting roof on the Momentum trim. The Momentum gets aluminum roof rails while the R-Design sports glossy black rails.

For the interior, both trims come with Volvo's Clean Zone Air Quality System. The R-Design gets an upgraded Dual-Zone Climate-Control System. Both models come with a lot of standard features such as power windows and power door locks. The seats are mostly the same between the two models with power adjustments and a memory function. Power lumbar support is standard for both trims too. The R-Design gives you some added-on seat-cushion extensions.

All models of the Volvo XC40 come with a ton of small-space storage compartments. You get a center console with storage. There are cup holders and pockets throughout the vehicle. You can opt for power-folding rear seats on both models when you need more cargo space in back. The R-Design trim gets you upgraded interior lighting and some nice sports-style pedals. You also get an upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel for this trim package.

When it comes to the audio and infotainment systems, both trims are very similar. Both come standard with a 9-inch touchscreen display. You also get a 12.3-inch digital driver's display screen. Both trims offer a number of connectivity options such as USB ports and Bluetooth. The R-Design gets a nice navigation system from Sensus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard on all models of the XC40.

The safety features are identical between the Momentum and R-Design trim levels. Both get front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Brake Pedal Release and Automatic Braking After Collision are standard features. You even get the high-tech City Safety Collision Avoidance Technology. This monitors both vehicles and pedestrians and applies automatic braking where necessary to help you to prevent accidents. The system provides audible and tactile feedback to give warning of impending crashes. A Tire-Pressure Monitor helps you to make sure your tires are always properly inflated.

Collision Mitigation Support lets you know if a vehicle is fast approaching your rear and there is a danger of collision. Driver Alert Control monitors your normal driving habits. If you seem to be drowsy or drive erratically, the system will give you a warning. Other warnings include Lane-Keeping Assist, Road Sign Information and an Off-Road Warning. Volvo has also added on their unique whiplash protection system called WHIPS™. In the event of an impact, the head restraints and seat backs will move with the driver or front passenger to help mitigate the chance of whiplash.

Compare the XC40 R-Design vs Inscription Trims. What is the difference?

The Inscription trim comes in seven colors like the previous Momentum trim. Unlike the Momentum trim, these are somewhat different choices. You get to pick from Bright Silver Metallic, White Crystal Metallic, Denim Blue Metallic, Luminous Sand Metallic, Maple Brown Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic and Pine Gray Metallic. The choices this time around are more conservative, classy and somewhat subdued.

Again, there's not much to say about the performance differences here. The Inscription actually loses a couple of things. The paddle shifters and sport chassis are unique to the R-Design trim level. The R-Design is more geared towards performance and a sporty driving experience. The Inscription is all about comfort and luxury. That's not to say that the Inscription has poor performance or that the R-Design isn't comfortable. Both trims offer great performance and a luxurious interior. Each trim just emphasizes one aspect over the other.

The exterior features are not too different between the R-Design and Inscription trims. The Inscription gets mirror caps that are color coordinated to match the exterior paint. The Inscription has the same integrated, aluminum roof rails as the Momentum trim level. The R-Design has glossy black roof rails. The basic interior features are the same as well. The Inscription gets a leather steering wheel while the R-Design offers a unique, stylized wheel with the R-Design branding.

The Inscription gets an upgraded, 360-degree camera while the R-Design has the standard rear-view camera. You can upgrade the sound system to a premium package by Harman Kardon for the Inscription trim level. All of the remaining infotainment features are exactly the same for these two trim packages. Once again, all of the safety and security features are identical for these two models.

2019 Volvo XC40 Polestar Engineered. How is it Different?

Polestar Optimization is an additional package that can be added on to most trim levels. This is a performance package to increase your car's power and handling. Upgrades are made to the engine to increase horsepower and torque. The throttle response gets recalibrated to provide better acceleration and pedal performance. The gearshift speed and accuracy is also greatly improved. This is the ideal setup for anyone who loves high-performance vehicles.

The Plug-in Hybrid. How is it Different?

Volvo has committed the company to producing hybrids and eventually all-electric cars. The XC40 is one of the chosen models to get a plug-in hybrid model. It will be equipped with Volvo's T3 engine. This is the first three-cylinder engine developed by the manufacturer. It will be paired with an electric motor to form what Volvo calls the T5 Twin Engine. An all-wheel drive system will be implemented with the gasoline engine powering the front and the electric motor driving the rear wheels.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a 2019 Volvo XC40, you must first decide on the power train. The hybrid would be a good choice for anyone looking to go green. Unfortunately, it has not yet been widely released as of the time of this article's completion. This leaves you the choice of the T4 or T5.

There isn't a lot of difference in price or fuel economy between the two models. The T5, however, gives you massive gains in power and torque. The T5 model also comes in an all-wheel drive configuration. This gives you better traction on slick pavement and the possibility of some off-road capabilities. Choosing the T5 is just too good of a deal.

The best trim package for most drivers will be the R-Design. You get all of the best features here. The improvements with the Inscription are minimal and may not justify the cost increase for many consumers. The R-Design even gives you some nice performance and handling perks. With the Polestar upgrades, it can feel almost like driving a sports car. The T5 model with the R-Design trim package will be the best value for the largest demographic of XC40 fans.