2028 Volvo XC40’s Newest Nip and Tuck Is an Exercise in SubtletyCar and DriverEric StaffordThu, September 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe Volvo XC40's Latest Refresh Defines SubtletyVolvoThe 2028 Volvo XC40 receives another refresh that's more extensive than it may appear.Along with all-new sheetmetal ahead of the A-pillars, the subcompact luxury SUV's rear end gets a makeover.Inside, there's a larger center touchscreen with new infotainment software, and Volvo has improved the XC40's driver-assistance hardware and features.You might not realize it at first glance, but Volvo's design team put a lot of work into the XC40's latest makeover. The styling changes apply to the 2028 model year, with the subcompact luxury SUV adopting an even more sophisticated appearance. The updates continue inside, and the technology suite is new and improved.VolvoAll of the XC40's body panels ahead of the A-pillars are totally new, even though they look familiar. While the revised hood and front fenders don't draw much attention, the grille is slimmer and features a new mesh with a pattern that mimics the Volvo badge's signature hashmark. The headlights have a new look too, featuring a fresh take on the brand's "Thor's Hammer" motif. They also intentionally obscure the headlights in the housing, which now feature matrix LED elements. These glare-reducing units have now been legalized in the United States, and they're debuting on the '28 XC40.VolvoAlong with the newly designed front end, Volvo's design team took its scalpel to the SUV's backside. The XC40's distinctive LED taillights have been sculpted to look thinner, and the liftgate has been massaged to match the new rear bumper. Naturally, the 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels all have fresh designs, although they're powered by the same 247-hp turbo four as before. Unlike the outgoing XC40, the 2028 models won't offer front-wheel drive (rated at 194 hp), meaning all-wheel drive is standard.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the new infotainment system is the first thing that catches your eye. While the larger 11.2-inch touchscreen features a more intuitive interface than the old 9.0-inch display, we still wish Volvo could have found a way to better integrate it into the dashboard. Instead, it looks tacked on. Still, the volume knob remains, and the Google-based software brings Gemini AI into the mix for those who appreciate that type of thing. The wireless charger has been upgraded too.VolvoVolvo also gives the XC40 ambient interior lighting for the first time, and it pairs nicely with the new cabin materials. Along with the newly available Black Ash and aluminum trim, the XC40 offers a mixture of Arianne Cardamom leather and Brown Ash wood. Very fancy.Of course, in typical Volvo fashion, safety features are a priority. That's also where the company went to greater lengths to make improvements, with the XC40 adding a bevy of new cameras, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. Joined by enhanced software, these enable new driver-assistance tech, such as a smoother Pilot Assist experience that now includes a lane-change assist. There's also a 3-D view for the 360-degree camera system and an alert to warn passengers of oncoming objects (i.e. cyclists) before they open their door.VolvoBuilt in Belgium, the 2028 Volvo XC40 will enter production later this year and go on sale in the U.S. sometime in the first quarter of 2027. Volvo hasn't yet released pricing, but the company says it expects to keep costs in line with the outgoing lineup, which currently starts at just over $41,000.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029