2021 Volvo XC40 — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Volvo XC40 is an SUV powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volvo XC40 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Volvo XC40: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 98 cu ft (2,775 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 25 cu ft (708 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 211 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Volvo XC40, all with the 2L 4-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 26 mpg (US), or 30 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 223 | $3,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/32) | 211 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 25 cubic feet (about 708 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Volvo XC40
Running Costs: 2021 Volvo XC40
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Volvo XC40 at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Volvo XC40 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Volvo XC40 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volvo XC40. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (12), Fuel/propulsion system (7), Unspecified (6). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 29 complaints across the 8 Volvo XC40 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Volvo XC40
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (12 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (7 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Visibility (5 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Volvo XC40 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 31 mpg figure is 4 mpg better than that average. Its 211 g/km CO₂ figure is 42 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 31 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 30 mpg average for Volvo models in our database.
Of the 8 Volvo XC40 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 32 mpg). See every Volvo XC40 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Volvo XC40
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s8) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volvo XC40?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Volvo XC40 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Volvo XC40 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Volvo XC40?
Among the 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (12 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (7 complaints), Unspecified (6 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 25 cubic feet (about 708 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Volvo XC40's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.