2020 Volvo XC40 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Pretty much everyone has accepted that SUVs dominate the market these days. Odds are, this will continue to be the case for a while. As a result of this popularity, more and more sub-types have popped up, each with several promising options. Smaller SUVs seem to be some of the most highly sought-after due to the delicate balance they can strike between capability and comfort.

Consumers needing both utility and luxury will want to check out the 2020 Volvo XC40. This vehicle, which is classified as an extra-small luxury SUV, has most, if not all, of the features buyers are looking for today. Although a newcomer to the market, the XC40 is already gaining a loyal fanbase.

New for 2020 are features such as power child locks for the rear doors and heat for the windshield wiper blades. All models also now have an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The leather upholstery previously found on all trim levels has disappeared from the entry-level Momentum. It is replaced by a cloth and synthetic leather combination. In total, there are three different trim levels to consider for 2020.

Before selecting a 2020 Volvo XC40 model, it is important to fully know the differences between the trim levels. That is the purpose of this guide, which will lay out all changes found by going from one trim to the next in the hopes of preparing consumers to make an informed decision.

Compare the 2020 Volvo XC40 Momentum vs R-Design Trims. What is the difference?

The Momentum comes standard with front-wheel-drive. Although there is technically only one engine, Volvo lists the XC40 as having two different powertrains. Front-wheel-drive versions of this vehicle have the T4 version of the 2.0L four-cylinder and will produce 187-horsepower as well as 221 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to all-wheel-drive means getting the T5 and bumps up the power output to 248-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

It costs approximately 2,000 dollars more to go with AWD. Either way, drivers will get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also included with this engine in either variation is start/stop technology that helps to improve the fuel efficiency of the XC40.

This trim gets stylish 18" silver alloy wheels. The grille has a high gloss and the skid plates for both the front and rear are silver. For the roof rails, Volvo has integrated them into the body of the XC40 smoothly. They are aluminum and feature a satin silk metal finish. The Momentum has LED headlights and daytime running lights. It also has automatic high beams. Rounding out exterior features is the power operated liftgate.

Moving inside the cabin of this trim level, drivers will find electric climate control. This fancy version of automatic climate control allows drivers to change their temperature settings using voice commands. Also included is what Volvo calls CleanZone, which dehumidifies the cabin. The auto-dimming rearview mirror helps to reduce glare from headlights when driving at night.

Leather can be found on the gear shift knob as well as the three-spoke steering wheel. There are audio, phone, and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The dashboard and upper door panels have what Volvo refers to as "aluminum urban grid inlays." This sophisticated styling detail looks good, day or night. Both front seats offer lumbar adjustment for added comfort.

This trim level offers drivers an eight-speaker audio system. It also comes with a 9" touchscreen that runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This trim also gets a 12.3" driver display. It shows important information such as navigation steps, current road signs, phone settings, and more. The brightness of this screen can adjust automatically depending on the level of exterior light. Standard for this trim is a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area.

There are a number of standard driver aids to be found on the Momentum trim. These models have collision mitigation support in the front, which is called City Safety by Volvo. Also included are rain-sensing windshield wipers, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a park assist camera.

On top of the lane departure warning, the XC40 has oncoming lane mitigation. If the vehicle detects that it has crossed the center line and a vehicle is oncoming, it will steer itself back and alert the driver. This system is active at speeds of 37 MPH or higher. A 360-degree surround view camera is available for this trim. It remains an available option on all trim levels.

Also standard on all trim levels is a driver alert control. Using a camera, the XC40 compares steering inputs with what it has determined to be the driver's regular style. Signs of drowsy or distracted driving will activate a warning and suggest that the driver take a break. This system is only active when the vehicle is traveling at 40 MPH or faster.

Consumers can choose to add three different packages to the Momentum trim level. The first is called the Convenience package. This will add a dual-level cargo floor to the XC40 as well as dual-zone automatic temperature control. The second available package is known as the Premium. This gives the Momentum a wireless charging pad, hands-free function for the liftgate, keyless entry, blind spot monitoring, and auto-dimming side mirrors. Finally, there is a Multimedia package that is exclusive to this trim. It gives it navigation as well as a 13-speaker premium Harmon Kardon sound system.

There are a few other add-ons available for all three trim levels. One of which is a headlight high pressure cleaning system. This feature is activated when the windshield wipers are on and can help keep the headlights clear of dirt and debris. Another available feature is heated windshield wiper blades. Particularly useful in cold climates, adding this means that drivers will not have to worry about their windshield wiper fluid freezing.

The second choice for buyers to consider is called the R-Design. The engine options are exactly the same here - either the T4 with front-wheel-drive or the T5 with all-wheel-drive. This trim level adds dual integrated tailpipes and a glossy black rear skid plate. The result is a more athletic appearing version of the XC40. While the Momentum has what is called a dynamic chassis, the R-Design has a sport one instead.

As for the wheels, the R-Design is upgraded to 19" matte black alloy. The Momentum trim level had body-colored mirror caps but the R-Design changes this to black. These mirrors can be retracted with the push of a button, something handy for car washes or parking in tight quarters. Also black for this trim level are the roof rails. In fact, the entire roof of R-Design models is black.

The door handles give drivers keyless entry and illumination. Also unique for the exterior styling of this trim is the grille. It has a horizontal mesh pattern and features a silk metal finish. The LED lights gain a cornering feature when the vehicle is moving at low speeds.

Inside, this trim level gains the dual-zone automatic climate control as part of its standard equipment. The steering wheel has a unique sport shape. For this trim, the upholstery is leather and Nubuck, which is similar to suede. The front passenger seat now has power adjustment and memory functions. To make it feel more athletic, the R-Design gets paddle shifters as well as specially designed pedals.

In order to give this trim a cockpit type look, it gets charcoal headliners. The inlays are now "cutting edge" and have a black grid design. More interior lighting is also added when going with the R-Design trim. A panoramic sunroof is standard here. The front panel can tilt and slide. For added convenience, the sunroof can be closed from outside the vehicle using the remote. Other convenient features include a storage box hidden underneath the driver's seat and foldable floor hatches including a grocery bag holder.

Several technological upgrades can be found inside the R-Design. It gets the wireless charging feature standard. Also added is HomeLink, a way to connect the XC40 with compatible garage doors, gates, and more. The smart key for this vehicle is not only tiny, but it is also waterproof, making it easy to take anywhere. The R-Design has a hands-free function for the power liftgate. A frameless rearview mirror featuring a compass display is added as well.

There are a few popular driver aids added by this trim level. The XC40 gets park assist for both the front and the rear here. It also gains rear collision mitigation support as well as a blind spot monitoring system including rear cross traffic and automatic emergency braking.

The R-Design outshines the Momentum in many ways, but does it have enough to justify the bump in price? For many the answer is no when the available packages for the Momentum are factored in.

Compare the 2020 Volvo XC40 R-Design vs Inscription Trims.  What is the difference?

The most luxurious version of the 2020 XC40 is the Inscription. It is mechanically the same. In many ways, this trim builds off the Momentum rather than the sporty R-Design. It rides on 18" six-spoke black alloy wheels. This trim does have a unique grille that showcases black and chrome. The design is done in a way that the grille actually appears to be floating inside the opening. Dual integrated tailpipes are found on this trim as well.

Roof rails on the Inscription trim level are the same as those on the Momentum. Like all roof rails found on the XC40, they are low so they do not negatively impact the vehicle's aerodynamics or add unnecessary wind noise. The skid plates for these models are silver.

This is the only trim level to get full-blown leather seating. The Inscription is also the only version of the XC40 that has a solid crystal gear shifter. Swedish glass artisans designed this beautiful focal point inside the XC40. For this trim, the inlay is driftwood.

The Inscription is not really above the R-Design, rather it simply emphasizes luxury over sportiness. As a result, the Inscription only costs about 500 dollars more than the R-Design. Which trim is better depends largely on what a consumer plans on doing with the XC40.

Which Trim to Choose?

Buyers will find three great options when it comes to the 2020 Volvo XC40. While many vehicles require moving up to at least the middle of the trim ladder to find the best choice, this is not the case here. The Momentum trim has plenty of luxury, comfort, technology, convenience, and safety features. Since going up the trim levels does not do much for performance, there really is no reason.

Another great reason to stick with the Momentum is the packages that are available for it. Consumers can add the things that are important to them, such as more tech or convenience features, without having to pay for the things they do not care about. The additional packages really are not too hard on the wallet, either.

The 2020 Volvo XC40 Momentum is a great small luxury SUV that allows drivers to get a vehicle well-suited to their lifestyle.