Volvo XC40 I (XZ) (2017 – 2022)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The Volvo XC40 (Generation I, type XZ) is the Swedish brand's first premium compact SUV, introducing the modular CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform. Launched in late 2017, it quickly achieved immense commercial success, crowned with the title of European Car of the Year 2018. Although initial demand included diesel engines (D3 and D4 from the VEA - Volvo Engine Architecture family), Volvo made the radical decision to remove diesel from the XC40 catalog in summer 2020 to focus on hybridization (MHEV, PHEV) and 100% electric (Recharge) powertrains. In the used car market, diesel versions (2017-2020) are therefore particularly sought after by high-mileage drivers for their generous torque and fuel efficiency on highways, contrasting with the sometimes high consumption of the T3/T4 pe

✅ Strengths

Distinctive exterior design and a very well-thought-out interior (clever storage).
Exceptional seat comfort (typical Volvo).
Passive and active safety level (City Safety) at the top of its class.
Mechanical reliability of VEA diesel engines (D3/D4) on open roads.
Soundproofing quality, even on diesel versions.

⚠️ Weaknesses

Premature discontinuation of diesel (2020), limiting the supply of recent used models.
Sensus infotainment system (2017-2021) sometimes slow to start.
Annoying electronic bugs on PHEV and electric versions (TCAM module).
Relatively high fuel consumption for petrol engines (T4/T5) given the vehicle's weight (1.7 tonne).
Slightly firm damping at low speeds with 19 or 20-inch wheels.

🎯 Verdict

The Volvo XC40 is an extremely relevant choice in the premium used car market. If you are specifically targeting the diesel (D3 or D4), you are making a sensible choice for long journeys: these VEA engines are robust, torquey, and very fuel-efficient, correcting the XC40's main flaw (its high weight, which penalizes petrol versions). However, since these diesels were only produced from 2017 to 2020, you will need to look for slightly older models and ensure they have not been used exclusively in the city to avoid EGR/DPF issues. For mixed use, the small 3-cylinder petrol engine (T3) is an excellent surprise. Hybrid and electric versions are appealing but require rigorous verification of their software and electronic history.