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# 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design - Bottom Line Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-volvo-xc40-t5-awd-r-design-bottom-line-review/
- Published: 2018-12-19T15:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-05-06T18:30:46.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Crossover Utility Vehicles

(Contributing Editor: Susan Frissell)

#### Swedish Fish are a colorful fun candy goodwill ambassador from a land whose rugged landscape is less than colorful but begs adventurous exploration. Examining the piscine shape, then biting into starch gummy texture rewarded by a fruity sweet rather than a pickled herring flavor is a youthful pleasure.

#### With no kettle of boiling fish and potatoes upscent and a colorful Lava Orange cabin in sight, Roadblazing.com was set to feast on the all new 2019 Volvo XC40 cute ute sports activity vehicle from the Swedish carmaker.

### **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \***

*WHAT:* **2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design** subcompact sport activity vehicle, on the Swedish automaker's Scalable Product Architecture.

Standard Power (**T5**): transverse intercooled turbocharged 2.0L DOHC 16V DI gas I-4 = 250 hp/ 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm + 8-spd. torque converter planetary transmission w/ shift paddles + Haldex IV all-wheel drive.

Front-wheel drive exclusive **XC40** **T4** \= detuned 187 hp/ 221 lb-ft powerplant

*(A) STYLING (DIFFERENCE):* At least a galaxy away from the last sensuously stodgy **40-Series** sub-compact Volvo sedan offered in the U.S.

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Thor's Hammer LEDs alter from white DRLs to amber directionals](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-Design-night-ext-fr-P1380227-ad.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Thor's Hammer LEDs alter from white DRLs to amber directionals

*Cues in Baby Bear's genes inherited from Mama Bear* [***XC60***](https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-volvo-xc60-t6-awd-inscription-bottom-line-review/) *and Papa Bear* [***XC90***](https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-volvo-xc90-t6-inscription-awd-bottom-line-review/) \= **√** Low slung hood pours over into fender, w/ wider split twin side valleys; **√** Defined muscle = pronounced mid fascia and fully scooped coke bottle door cheatline; **√** R-Design rugged = Darkened grate version of wide hexagonal grille matching contrasting dark roof, pillars, full lower body cladding; **√** Inboard arrow shaped slim wrap-around LED headlamps; **√** "Thor's Hammer" alternating white DRLs/ amber flashers;

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: LED "Thor's Hammer" alternates from white DRL to amber directionals as wing mirrors fold upon comfort access lock / unlock](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-wing-mirror-fold-004d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: LED "Thor's Hammer" alternates from white DRL to amber directionals as wing mirrors fold upon comfort access lock / unlock

**√** Dark contrast roof spills partly into C-pillar, delineated by exaggerated Hoffmeister kink,

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Two tones of Crystal White Metallic and darkened spill-over roof = floating roof.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-ext-sid-P1370782-bd.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Two tones of Crystal White Metallic and darkened spill-over roof = floating roof.

**√** Deep liftgate adopts cheatline Kammback bulge; **√** Trademark long "S" LED tail-lamps follow from the roof spoiler down to the mid tailgate cheatline, wrapping into the rear quarters; **√** Slightly beveled part dark clad svelte bumper cover carries license plate in octagonal bezel; **√** Sizeable hockey stick shaped lower corner reflectors; are followed, by twin chrome tetrahedral exhaust outlets.

Summed-up: Lithest of Volvo SUVs also looks meanest.

*WHY*: *Whole lotta' personality and ute from a compact Volvo*

*WHEN:* On-Sale (in the U.S.) since late Spring 2018

*WHERE:* Volvo new vehicle dealers

*WHERE MADE*: Ghent, Belgium

*WHERE TO:* standard (in U.S.) Haldex all-wheel drive, e-varies front/ rear traction from 90/ 10% - lockable at maximum 50/50%, rear e-clutch differential limits the slip; Selectable and Driver customizable Off-Road modes aided by ABS descent control; 8" clearance = Inclement weather beater & light off-roader;

*HOW ROADWORTHY:* Long pedal travel to reach meat of waste gate driven variable scroll intercooled turbocharged boost is tantamount to "turbo lag;" Thereafter the 8-speed Aisin automatic seems bent on smooth B-lines to the higher (read most efficient) gears.

**\-1** Joystick toggle center console transmission position shifter frustrates attempts at quick getaways from Park: Not that remembering to depress the separate console flush mount P button when parking is any easier. Such efforts generate a stern "Depress brake pedal before shifting," warning in the gauge cluster.

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Toggle joystick style transmission shifter & console Park switch frustrates; Lower center stack wireless device storage accommodates](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-console-center-shifter-004.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Toggle joystick style transmission shifter & console Park switch frustrates; Lower center stack wireless device storage accommodates

Quick Haldex IV grants some understeer , then intervening with a maximum 90% torque split the rear open differential with ABS vectoring; *Fish Splashing*: powerplant noises = guppy mating calls

Compliance = just this side of acceptable for a luxury cute ute; Slightly stiffer R-Design damping & immense 20"-inch wheels emphasize more road imperfections; High center of gravity + short wheelbase emit greater sense of sway, while inert steering feel hampers turn-in sharpeness; The stiff structure can't be faulted;

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: $800 1"-inch "upgrade" to 20" alloy wheels makes a taut independent suspension overly so, w/o improving steering feel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-wheels-P1380299-bd.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: $800 1"-inch "upgrade" to 20" alloy wheels makes a taut independent suspension overly so, w/o improving steering feel

Utterly reliable Pilot Assist 2 semi-autonomous Level 2 driving, offers competent lane control even on freeway bends; Brake pedal effort seems wooden but slows impressively; **\-1** Low speed steering squeak

*HOW FAR:* **24** combined **m**iles **p**er **g**allon; 430 highway miles

*HOW BIG/ LITTLE:* **√** 5 Occupant 2+3 seating

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: 60/40% reclining, split folding rear seat backs w/ power under-hatch release](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-seats-rear-004d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: 60/40% reclining, split folding rear seat backs w/ power under-hatch release

\- For Comparison's Sake:

- 106.4"-inch Wheelbase: 1.3" > BMW X1, 3.0" < Cadillac XT4
- Maximum cargo capacity: 18% < BMW X1, 8% < Infiniti QX30
- 2nd Row legroom: 3.4" > Cadillac XT4, 1.0" < Jaguar E-Pace, 0.9" < BMW X1

*HOW USEFUL*: **√** 60/40% split sliding 2nd Row cushions; **√** 2nd Row reclining & flat fold seat backs; **√** Remote 2nd Row power seatback release; **√** 2nd Row center pass through;

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Accessing 2nd Row cargo pass-through means having to raise the center head-rest](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-seats-rear-passthrough-004d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Accessing 2nd Row cargo pass-through means having to raise the center head-rest

**√** Cargo area 12V outlet; **√** Power liftgate; **√** Folding & tethering cargo floor; **√** Sub-cargo floor storage; **+1** Ample bottom center stack wireless device bin; **√** Sub-front seat storage; **√** Deep, carpet-lined front + rear door pockets; **√** 2nd Row side pockets; **\-1** Low end of class cargo capacity; **\-1** Thick rear pillars and small backlight make optional surround view cameras nearly imperative; *Tow Rating: 5000 lbs.*

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Cargo load floor jackknifes revealing subfloor and donut spare cover](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-cargo-subfloor-007d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Cargo load floor jackknifes revealing subfloor and donut spare cover

\-**1** No overhead console retracting sunglass bin; **\-1** Distant reach to & smaller glove box;

*HOW SAFE*: **√** 7 airbags; **√** Surround camera view; sonar front & rear Park Distance Control, **√** Blind spot, rear cross traffic & lane departure warning, **√** Auto parking brake hold; **√** City Safety pedestrian avoidance; **√** Auto high beam headlamps; **√** Power 2nd Row door child locks

*Partial Autonomous Driving*: **√** Pilot Assist 2; **√** Full-adaptive cruise control; **√** Lane Keep Assist, **√** Forward Collision avoidance braking; **√** Active Park Assist; **+1** Permits 23 seconds of hands/ foot free driving.

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Rear cross traffic warning, blind spot warning](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-BLIS-rear-cross-004.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Rear cross traffic warning, blind spot warning

**Park Assist Pilot**: Parallel and back-in perpendicular parking seems space locating challenged.

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Park Pilot assist achieved less than centered perpendicular back-in](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-ParkPilot-Assist-005d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Park Pilot assist achieved less than centered perpendicular back-in

*HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:* **√** Supportive, 8-way power driver/ 4-way power front passenger seats, manual knee extenders, 2-setting driver's memory; **√** Power windows w/ full express x 4; **√** 2-Zone auto climate control w/ auto front seat, steering wheel heating; **√** 2nd Row privacy glass; **√** Power retracting rear headrests; **√** Door puddle lamps x 4; **√** Panoramic power moon-roof;

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Nappa leather & nubuck cover the 8-way power heated driver's, 4-way front pax sport seats, w/ pull-out knee extensions](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-seats-drivers-P1370936-bd.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Nappa leather & nubuck cover the 8-way power heated driver's, 4-way front pax sport seats, w/ pull-out knee extensions

*Cool Gizmo(s)*: **√** 12.3"-inch LCD Digital Driver Display w/ configurable LCD twin gauges **√** Waterproof center console retracting cover trash bin;

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: voice commanded GPS HDD native navigation features redundant gauge cluster map w/ turn auto-zoom & Pro Pilot 2 adaptive cruise control + lane keep steer assist indicators](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-navigation-drive-007.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: voice commanded GPS HDD native navigation features redundant gauge cluster map w/ turn auto-zoom & Pro Pilot 2 adaptive cruise control + lane keep steer assist indicators

*Details Done Righ*t: **√** Lava orange carpet = mimicked in door panel & pocket felt; **√** Aluminum steering wheel, vent, door handle, display bezels & rotary knobs; **√** "Cutting Edge" hyphen aluminum dash & door inlays; **√** Contrast stitched, perforated Nappa leather + nubuck seating; **√** Dashboard & door panel & footwell ambient LEDs; **√** Hood mount hanging Swedish flag.

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: 13 speaker, 600 Watt Harman Kardon Q-logic audio](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-HarmanKardon-audio-004d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: 13 speaker, 600 Watt Harman Kardon Q-logic audio

*Nearly Non-Descript*: **\-1** Ordinary plastic keyless push start & drive modes switches replace XC90 hammered metal barrels; Un-lined center armrest storage bin & glovebox; Uneven glovebox door gap.

*HOW "APP" -LICABLE:* **√** 9" vertical tablet, pane-swipe, touch LCD infotainment screen, **√** Touch script text entry; **√** Rotary audio volume dial, selection, defroster & Home screen switches ; **√** Voice recognition command hands-free communications w/ SMS, MMS, Email; **√** 3-D HDD GPS navigation; **√** Subscription based Sirius XM radio & TravelLink; **√** Android Auto + Apple CarPlay; **Sensus Connected Apps** \= Pandora, Google Destination, Weather, Park & Pay, Spotify, TuneIn, Yelp, Glympse, Voice record; **√** Qi Wireless Charging; **√** 12V x 3; USB x 1.

![2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Swipe right on the 9" Sensus LCD infotainment display for system settings; Swipe left for apps](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2019-Volvo-XC40-T5-AWD-R-D-infotainment-screen-swipe-004d.jpg)

2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design: Swipe right on the 9" Sensus LCD infotainment display for system settings; Swipe left for apps

**Audibly**: **√** 13 speaker, 600 W Harman Kardon Q-Logic = boomy bass notes bias

**By Subscription**: **√** SiriusXM ( 90 days incl.); **√** 4G LTE by Verizon;

*HOW MUCH: *$45,935** \= as tested **2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design**; $800/ mo. **Care By Volvo** subscription ownership

*WHAT'S MISSING:* Conventional gated transmission position selector; heated rear seats

*ANY COMPETITION:* **BMW X1**: **+1** engine response, handling, cabin IT; **Cadillac XT4**: **+1** 2nd Row space; **Infiniti QX50**: **+1** Sublime cabin design; **Jaguar E-Pace**: **+1** Cachet, available diesel; **Lexus NX 300**; **+1** Syrupy ride  

*FINAL WORD: *Lingonberry tangy, luxury urban handsome ute**

[2020 Volvo XC40 T5 Inscription AWD – Re-Driven Blue Swede Re-Shod | RoadBlazing2020 Volvo XC40: Blue Sweet Swede Re-Shod for luxury compact crossover comfort![](https://www.roadblazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/rb-wheel500.png)RoadBlazingGeorge Straton![](https://www.roadblazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/RB_2020_Volvo_XC40_T5_Inscription_AWD_ext_fr_P1780016_bc.jpg)](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volvo-xc40-t5-inscription-awd-re-driven-blue-swede-re-shod/)