Volvo Refreshes the XC40 SUV As EV Sales Climb Slower Than Once ExpectedRoad & TrackMike DuffThu, September 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleVolvo XC40 Gains a Fresh Look As ICE Still ReignsVolvoVolvoAs the world changes, automakers need to adapt—and sometimes re-adapt. Back in 2021, Volvo said it would be an electric vehicle-only brand by 2030, and that it was aiming for fully half its global sales to be fully electric by 2025. But that plan didn't survive contact with the reality of slackening demand for EVs, especially on this side of the Atlantic. In the end, just 21.4 percent of Volvo's worldwide volume last year were EVs, although a slightly higher percentage were plug-in hybrids.So while the Swedish brand remains committed to ridding itself of combustion powerplants, there is no longer a hard deadline. As a result of that, the existing lineup of gasoline models are set to be refreshed, with the compact XC40 being the first to benefit from the largest package of changes since it was launched back in 2018.VolvoThere's no more power for 2028, but the XC40 does get a new look as well as significant updates to safety and technology. The redesign includes an entirely fresh front end with new hood, fenders, front bumper, headlights and grille—the latter now featuring Volvo's angled fins. Smaller visual changes, including new taillights, have been made at the rear, and new 18-, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs will be offered.VolvoInside the cabin has been given some smaller changes, the most significant for Volvo's modern customer base being the arrival of an upgraded infotainment system. This features a new, higher-resolution 11.2-inch portrait-orientated central touchscreen, two inches bigger than before. The UI system also now features the Google Gemini AI assistant that Road & Track has already experienced on the EX60, this intended to bring "natural language" control to various functions. Volvo has also upgraded the quality of trim, replacing some of the original XC40's molded plastic panels with the new option of materials including either black ash wood or aluminum. (Based on the version we saw at an unveiling event in London, this is significantly improved.)AdvertisementAdvertisementOne area in which the XC40's interior scores highly is with details that haven't changed. Compared to the excessively pared-back control architecture of more recent Volvos, the older car's continued use of conventional physical window and mirror controls, a volume knob, and a stop/start button all feel like usability wins.The XC40's active safety systems have also been improved, with a new Door Opening alert that triggers if another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching when the catch is pulled on the corresponding side. There's also an enhanced 360-degree camera system with a 3D view function, and the Pilot Assist smart cruise control can now deal with lane changes.VolvoOne thing lacking is any increase in performance. The fully electric EX40 that shared the XC40's bodyshell has been pulled from the U.S. market, although it will still be sold elsewhere. Volvo has also dropped the front-wheel driven B4 version that was sold here last year, meaning American buyers are set to have the sole choice of what Volvo calls its B5 powertrain. This uses a transverse-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which drives all wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, and which works with a mild hybrid system to produce peaks of 247 hp and 196 lb-ft.More details, including pricing, will be released closer to the revised XC40's market introduction next year.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State