While the 2021 Volvo XC40 does not differ from the 2020 Volvo XC40 in terms of powertrain options, general specs, or available trim levels, it does add a few extra features without greatly increasing the purchase price.

After it was first introduced in 2017, the Volvo XC40 made a name for itself as a stylish vehicle that more than lived up to its designation as a luxury subcompact crossover—and neither the 2020 nor 2021 model disappoints.

Comparing model years can be really time-consuming. That's why we did it for you! In the article below, you’ll find a thorough breakdown of how the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40 compare to one another, complete with our thoughts on which constitutes the better deal.

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2021 Volvo XC40 vs. 2020 Volvo XC40: what’s the difference?

As the smallest SUV offered by Volvo, the XC40 is well known as both a stylish and deceptively nimble vehicle that doesn’t skimp on the materials it employs. It also doesn’t hurt that the model consistently receives high safety ratings, is considered to be fairly reliable, and manages decent mileage.

But that still begs the question—is there actually a difference between the 2021 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Volvo XC40? As it turns out, not really. For all intents and purposes, the two model years are the same basic vehicle with a few slight variations.

Pricing

There is a slight difference in price as we jump from one model year to the next, but not in the direction you might think. On the whole, the 2021 Volvo XC40 is actually less expensive than the 2020 Volvo XC40 (or roughly the same price when adjusted for inflation).

Model	2021 MSRP	2020 MSRP
Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum	$33,700	$33,700
Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum	$36,695	$35,700
Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design	$39,945	$39,950
Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription	$40,445	$40,450
Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design	$41,945	$41,950
Volvo XC40 T5 Inscription	$42,445	$42,450

General specs

Due to the fact that there wasn’t a redesign or new generation released between the two model years, the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40 share the same basic specs—from the engine options to the transmission, they’re the exact same.

	2021 Volvo XC40	2020 Volvo XC40
T4 Base Engine	2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine (187 horsepower)	2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine (187 horsepower)
T5 Turbo engine	2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine (248 horsepower)	2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine (248 horsepower)
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
T4 Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
T5 Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Maximum towing capacity	3,500 lbs	3,500 lbs

As evidenced above, the general specs for the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40 are the same.

Interior dimensions

The 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40 also do not differ when it comes to interior dimensions. Both model years are capable of seating five passengers and boast a maximum cargo capacity of roughly 47.0 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

But how comfortable does it feel to ride in the XC40? For a full breakdown of the seating dimensions, consult the table below:

	2021 Volvo XC40	2020 Volvo XC40
Front headroom	39.0 inches	39.0 inches
Front shoulder room	56.7 inches	56.7 inches
Front hip room	54.7 inches	54.7 inches
Front legroom	40.9 inches	40.9 inches
Second-row headroom	39.1 inches	39.1 inches
Second-row shoulder room	56.3 inches	56.3 inches
Second-row hip room	54.6 inches	54.6 inches
Second-row legroom	36.1 inches	36.1 inches

As you can see, the seating dimensions for both models are the same—which means both the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40 have a fairly cramped backseat, not suitable for those above average height.

Fuel economy

Since they share the same powertrain options, the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40 have the same fuel economy estimates as well. The base T4 model gets roughly 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined, while the more powerful T5 gets 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined.

When compared to similar vehicle models, this estimated mileage is fairly average, if not slightly below average.

Safety ratings

Seeing as they share the same body, chassis, suspension, and the like, there is no real difference between the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2020 Volvo XC40’s safety ratings, either.

Both were awarded a five-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and both received an overall “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

To give you a better idea of what those ratings actually mean, let’s break them down. In regards to the NHTSA rating, both model years got five stars in the side and frontal crash tests, but only four stars when it came to the rollover test.

A “Good” rating from the IIHS means both model years performed exceptionally well in all crash test scenarios and that all safety equipment functioned as intended. The only major complaint from the IIHS cites inadequate headlight illumination on the Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trim levels.

Of course, safety ratings are all well and good, but what safety features does the Volvo XC40 actually have? As it turns out, a lot—but there are a few additions to the 2021 model.

Standard safety features for the 2020 Volvo XC40 include:

Dusk-sensing headlamps

Pre- and post-collision safety systems

4-wheel ABS

Remote anti-theft alarm system

Engine immobilizer

Traction and stability control

Front and rear head airbags

Dual front side-mounted airbags

In addition to those listed above, the 2021 Volvo XC40 adds the following safety features, standard at every trim level:

Blind-spot monitoring warning system

Front fog/driving lights

Cornering lights

Rear parking sensors

Rear cross-traffic alert

Styling and interior changes

Again, there aren’t many major changes when it comes to styling for the 2021 Volvo XC40, though there are a few worthwhile additions, including:

Leather upholstery standard at all trim levels

Standard adaptive LED headlamps

Two rear-seat USB-C ports

In general, you can expect a sort of subtle luxury when it comes to the Volvo XC40’s interior—neither model year is as luxurious as, say, the Volvo XC60, but both still deliver a sophisticated, stylish cabin with an array of practical tech features.

2021 Volvo XC40 vs. 2020 Volvo XC40: which should you buy?

Overall, we say that the 2021 Volvo XC40 is a slightly better deal than the 2020 Volvo XC40, for the simple fact that several features previously exclusive to the higher trim levels—including rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring—were made standard for the 2021 model year without resulting in a serious price hike.

Of course, the choice is ultimately yours to make, but it’s hard to deny that the 2021 Volvo XC40’s added features at no significant extra cost make for a near-unbeatable deal.

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