DRIVEN + VIDEO: Is The All-new Volvo XC40 The "IT" SUV Of 2018?

At this stage, it shouldn't be much of a surprise. Sport-utility vehicles are where the sales are at.

And, for certain niche luxury brands, this is where they'll be making their bread for years to come. Take, for example, Volvo. While it produces lovely sedans, the reality is its sales are overweighted to their fantastic SUV offerings.

The same goes for Acura.

All new to the Volvo fleet is the XC40. Packaged in a smaller and spunkier package, it definitely brings a bit more panache and funky styling to Volvo's product portfolio. And, it seems to have struck a chord. I am seeing these SUVs everywhere and they just hit dealerships.

So, I've got to ask: Is the XC40 the "IT" SUV of 2018?

What say YOU, Spies?



The luxury sub-compact SUV concept might sound like an oxymoron, but plenty of high-end car makers are disagreeing in droves, as are car buyers. Volvo wants in on the CUV action, and we're going to show you why we think Volvo's XC40 is one of the best.

TomM - 6/28/2018 6:33:07 AM

+2 Boost

Although much depends on how GM markets it - but I think that the new Chevy Blazer is going to be the new "IT" crossover. It is just styled different enough - bold enough - but not outrageously so - and with Trump pushing them - it is from an American Company - although it will be built in Mexico.

I do not believe ANY Volvo will be able to sell well enough to overcome the marketing force that is General Motors.

Agent00R - 6/28/2018 1:03:15 PM

0 Boost

You're talking about apples and oranges.

Volvo is a decidedly niche automaker.

Chevrolet is a volume automaker.

Of course Volvo will never eclipse the sales of the all-new Blazer with the XC40.

That said, mark my words, the Blazer will NEVER be an "IT" SUV.

TomM - 6/28/2018 5:27:59 PM

0 Boost

That depend on how you define "IT"
Famous "IT" cars of MY past in include the Ford Mustang - the Chrysler Cordoba - and EVEN the Dodge/Plymouth NEON (Hi!)

IT is simply something that people want to be seen in - and I believe if they market it well - the Blazer has that possibility.

At the same time - Volvo is not the kind of car a young person wants to be seen in - with their conservative reputation - and now add in their aspiring to higher class they do not yet belong to - means their pricing prevents IT status among all but the elite.

MDarringer - 6/28/2018 8:29:00 AM

+4 Boost

It definitely looks like the shIT SUV of 2018 with its ugly rear end.

xjug1987a - 6/28/2018 10:46:39 AM

+2 Boost

Agree, I've seen a few in our area. If it was a mini XC90 things would be different, this is too funky looking.... I'm still not convinced about their powertrains either...

MDarringer - 6/28/2018 9:52:53 PM

+2 Boost

@zjug1987a You mean you don't like thrashy Chinese powertrains?

llaroo - 6/28/2018 9:12:57 AM

+5 Boost

too many choices in that category, not my first pick, looks as bad in person

Truthy - 6/28/2018 12:37:38 PM

+3 Boost

Agree with the comments above. Nice looking, but pricey for the segment and the power train is questionable. Why take the risk when there are many attractive options.

bnilhome - 6/28/2018 9:43:19 PM

+3 Boost

It appears the new Acura RDX may be the it SUV this year. I guess the next 7 months of sales will tell if this is true.

bnilhome - 6/29/2018 11:30:48 AM

+2 Boost

I just saw an article that the RDX is on pace to break the all time Acura monthly sales record and may get up to 6000 units for the month.