2028 Volvo XC40 First Look: Fresh Face, New Features for an Old FavoriteMotorTrendAlex LeanseThu, September 10, 2026 at 1:46 PM UTCAdd us on Google2028 Volvo XC40 Returns With More TechVolvoVolvo is updating its XC40 for the 2028 model year, adding fresh features and design details to its chic entry-level SUV. The changes are relatively minor, but they should give Volvo's luxury subcompact crossover some renewed appeal while the Swedish automaker figures out its broader product strategy for the next few years.A Bit of Volvo BackgroundAfter its global reveal in 2017, the XC40 arrived in the United States for 2019. Then, in 2021, Volvo announced plans to become an all-electric automaker and phase out combustion-powered vehicles entirely—including hybrids—by 2030. Several EVs, including the EX40, EX30, and EX90, arrived in the intervening years.But market conditions evolved, and in 2024 Volvo backed away from that deadline. Like many manufacturers, it has since reconsidered its gas and hybrid powertrain strategies. For several reasons, buyers simply haven't pivoted to EVs in the U.S. market as readily as Volvo and others initially hoped, with the departing EX40 (formerly XC40 Recharge) and short-lived EX30 serving as cautionary tales for execs at its Gothenburg headquarters. Even so, Volvo remains committed to its slate of EVs, as the recent arrival of the EX60 indicates.AdvertisementAdvertisementOne might imagine that, had Volvo's original electrification plans held, an all-new, all-electric successor to the XC40 would be arriving about now. Instead, the 2028 updates hint at a backup plan designed to keep the XC40 relevant.Not that major changes were needed, given the solid basis it's starting from. After becoming a finalist at our 2019 SUV of the Year contest, the XC40 proved to be an enjoyable member of our long-term review fleet, and subsequent assessments have generally been positive.In the United States, the XC40 will have a long 2026, and technically there will be no 2027 model. When the updated version "returns" for 2028, its basics will be unchanged, with the same overall size and shape. The B5's mild hybrid turbocharged I-4 powertrain carries over, although AWD will now be standard; it was an upgrade from FWD in 2026.VolvoStyle Remains a Strong SuitLooks have always been an XC40 selling point, and the evolutionary exterior design changes maintain that appeal. Volvo's intentions were to make the 2028 model more confident and contemporary, to give it maturity the cute original iteration somewhat lacked.AdvertisementAdvertisementEverything ahead of the front doors is new. The fenders line up with a clamshell hood that angles more steeply down to the grille. That slimmer grille directly abuts the headlights, which contain matrix LED projector beams for improved illumination. Black housings give the automaker's signature "Thor's Hammer" LED accents a brighter, bolder appearance. The SUV's chin looks slightly chunkier, as the bumper's corners are more rounded.At the rear, the taillights lose the previous transparent enclosures and likewise gain black bezels that give the slim red LED strips prominence—they now appear as light on a surface along the lines of a smartphone display, according to Volvo. Those bezels extend 10mm farther rearward and, with the reprofiled bumper, contribute to a tiny aerodynamic improvement. In addition, a new tailgate panel is also applied. Heather Bronze joins the paint palette, and its wheels range in size from 18 to 20 inches are all newly designed.VolvoInterior Touches and TechInside, the most noticeable change is the switch from a 9.0- to 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, also seen in the larger XC60 SUV. It runs Volvo's latest user interface, incorporating the Google Gemini conversational AI assistant and over-the-air update capability. The 12.3-inch digital driver's display is still standard but is still relatively featureless compared to rival equivalents; basic gauges and a map are the only view options.For a more premium vibe, ambient lighting has been added to the dashboard and front door panels, with trim panels reshaped to catch the illumination. The central air vents have been revised to align with the larger touchscreen, while the outer vents get matte black enclosures with slim gloss accents. Light brown Cardamom leather joins existing black and off-white options.AdvertisementAdvertisementFunctionally, the wireless device charging pad is relocated from the center to the right side of the center console bin, improving storage and access. Clever touches like a deployable glove-box bag hook and removable spring-loaded trash bin remain.VolvoSafer StillThis wouldn't be a Volvo if safety upgrades weren't part of the 2028 revision. New hardware and software include front corner radar for better intersection collision avoidance, and side cross-traffic detection to warn occupants of passing cyclists or cars before opening a door. The available Pilot Assist driver assist suite adds automated lane change functionality. Around the vehicle, more exterior cameras have been added to enable a 3D 360-degree view that can be swiped on the touchscreen to see different angles.Worth the Effort?As far as refreshes go, the 2028 XC40's is fairly minimal. It's perhaps the least Volvo could do to keep the vehicle relevant against truly newer rivals including the Acura ADX, Audi Q3, and BMW X1. Still, the updates bring this likable little SUV more into the modern era. The 2028 XC40 will be built in Ghent, Belgium, and should reach United States dealers by mid-2027.Photo credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: VolvoPhoto credit: Volvo