Volvo's XC40 Plug-In Hybrid Is The 40 MPG Hybrid We Need. But Can't Get.
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Date: 2024-11-25
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Comments and reviews: 20
lucasrlawson
As an owner of a 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 with 175, 000 miles, I can say the only thing that would make me replace it is if Volvo came out with a high mpg hybrid or plug in hybrid. The T8 is fine but I drive sometimes up to 200 miles per day and I would barely benefit from the T8 powertrain because I do almost exclusively highway mileage and climb Black Mountain, NC everyday. The Highlander hybrid and RX and TX hybrid are my top choices if I left the Volvo brand but I never can bring myself to do it. So until Volvo brings a fuel efficient hybrid to the XC90 similar to the Toyota system and the Toyota plug in system, I’ll just keep my T6.
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As an owner of a 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 with 175, 000 miles, I can say the only thing that would make me replace it is if Volvo came out with a high mpg hybrid or plug in hybrid. The T8 is fine but I drive sometimes up to 200 miles per day and I would barely benefit from the T8 powertrain because I do almost exclusively highway mileage and climb Black Mountain, NC everyday. The Highlander hybrid and RX and TX hybrid are my top choices if I left the Volvo brand but I never can bring myself to do it. So until Volvo brings a fuel efficient hybrid to the XC90 similar to the Toyota system and the Toyota plug in system, I’ll just keep my T6.
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Qrail
At 17: 20 you talk about Travis’ A3 eTron PHEV. I still have mine. On my last 10 fill ups, I am averaging 49 mpg. I still can get 16. 3 miles in all EV mode. Since my car is one of 3317 sold in 2017, it is unique enough to keep for ten or 12 years. I might consider an Ionic 6, but until the interest rates come down, my car is doing fine. As for the Volvo. I hope they consider bringing it over. The price for a PHEV should be around $35k. If it is a hybrid, $32k. I looked at the sedan used the dealership wanted $44k. Too high for my budget.
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At 17: 20 you talk about Travis’ A3 eTron PHEV. I still have mine. On my last 10 fill ups, I am averaging 49 mpg. I still can get 16. 3 miles in all EV mode. Since my car is one of 3317 sold in 2017, it is unique enough to keep for ten or 12 years. I might consider an Ionic 6, but until the interest rates come down, my car is doing fine. As for the Volvo. I hope they consider bringing it over. The price for a PHEV should be around $35k. If it is a hybrid, $32k. I looked at the sedan used the dealership wanted $44k. Too high for my budget.
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naveenthemachine
I don’t get why people care so much about mpg in this category. If you can’t afford the low mpg then you can’t afford the car. Plain and simple
If mpg mattered so much in the luxury category, then how come vehicles like the GLA35 AMG, or x2m35i, tonale, x3m40i, GLC 43 AMG, or stelvio don’t get 40-50mpg
Exactly Because it doesn’t matter. If you want the pinnacle luxury and ultimate convenience of fuel efficiency there’s a lovely civic hybrid with your name on it.
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I don’t get why people care so much about mpg in this category. If you can’t afford the low mpg then you can’t afford the car. Plain and simple
If mpg mattered so much in the luxury category, then how come vehicles like the GLA35 AMG, or x2m35i, tonale, x3m40i, GLC 43 AMG, or stelvio don’t get 40-50mpg
Exactly Because it doesn’t matter. If you want the pinnacle luxury and ultimate convenience of fuel efficiency there’s a lovely civic hybrid with your name on it.
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alex_on_autos
There is a market need for this, but unfortunately a car like this would cannibalize EV sales because it’s such a good product that can thrive with the existing infrastructure.
When Volvo made this decision years ago, EV’s were the golden ticket and so they couldn’t afford giving consumers another option that isn’t pure EV.
The EV momentum has slowed, and if they’re smart they’ll bring this back to the US. Fingers crossed.
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There is a market need for this, but unfortunately a car like this would cannibalize EV sales because it’s such a good product that can thrive with the existing infrastructure.
When Volvo made this decision years ago, EV’s were the golden ticket and so they couldn’t afford giving consumers another option that isn’t pure EV.
The EV momentum has slowed, and if they’re smart they’ll bring this back to the US. Fingers crossed.
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patrick7228
I think charging infrastructure is rapidly reaching a point (even for non-Teslas) where range anxiety is just the boogeyman in people's minds. I'm not sure much can be done to change that, so there may always be a market for PHEVs, but they don't make much sense to me. Especially given the volumes of research on 90% of people's daily driving habits being well in range for even the lowest mileage EV.
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I think charging infrastructure is rapidly reaching a point (even for non-Teslas) where range anxiety is just the boogeyman in people's minds. I'm not sure much can be done to change that, so there may always be a market for PHEVs, but they don't make much sense to me. Especially given the volumes of research on 90% of people's daily driving habits being well in range for even the lowest mileage EV.
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marklittlehale5756
I’ve got a 2018 Volvo XC-60 plug-in hybrid, and it’s been an absolute delight! It’s super comfortable, and the ride is smooth. Plus, it’s got a great pickup when you need it. I also have a 2023 Lexus RX350h, which gets better gas mileage than the XC-60, but it’s not as comfortable, especially on long drives. I’m thinking of getting another Volvo when the time comes to replace it.
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I’ve got a 2018 Volvo XC-60 plug-in hybrid, and it’s been an absolute delight! It’s super comfortable, and the ride is smooth. Plus, it’s got a great pickup when you need it. I also have a 2023 Lexus RX350h, which gets better gas mileage than the XC-60, but it’s not as comfortable, especially on long drives. I’m thinking of getting another Volvo when the time comes to replace it.
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Molishious
The Rav4 Prime has about 50 % more horsepower in the Engine, about 2. 5 times the amount of horsepower in EV mode, about 50 % more EV range, similar mpg in hybrid mode and it’s a little larger than the XC 40. I don’t think we are missing out on that much by not having this PHEV. We get the XC 60 which has good specs and I think looks nicer. What I’d like to see is an all Electric XC 60.
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The Rav4 Prime has about 50 % more horsepower in the Engine, about 2. 5 times the amount of horsepower in EV mode, about 50 % more EV range, similar mpg in hybrid mode and it’s a little larger than the XC 40. I don’t think we are missing out on that much by not having this PHEV. We get the XC 60 which has good specs and I think looks nicer. What I’d like to see is an all Electric XC 60.
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vicariousity3046
A lot of people looking at plug-in hybrids focus on EV only range, not overall fuel consumption. Why would I both with a plug in if a regular hybrid gives me the same/better fuel economy No AWD in an SUV is a deal-breaker too
Volvo is right. This would never sell in North America
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A lot of people looking at plug-in hybrids focus on EV only range, not overall fuel consumption. Why would I both with a plug in if a regular hybrid gives me the same/better fuel economy No AWD in an SUV is a deal-breaker too
Volvo is right. This would never sell in North America
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AAutoBuyersGuide
Why can't America have nice things I truly believe that if Volvo had brought the XC40 PHEV to America, they would still be building it as it would have been the most popular hybrid in the segment. Afterall, the XC40 is the best-selling small lux SUV in America already.
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Why can't America have nice things I truly believe that if Volvo had brought the XC40 PHEV to America, they would still be building it as it would have been the most popular hybrid in the segment. Afterall, the XC40 is the best-selling small lux SUV in America already.
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cch201992
I feel like this similar to the dodge hornet. I can get 39 mpg when dead but I have to be at specific speed to get that mpg. Perhaps the mpg difference is because the Hornet is more of a hothatch also a 6 speed instead of 7. Interesting
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I feel like this similar to the dodge hornet. I can get 39 mpg when dead but I have to be at specific speed to get that mpg. Perhaps the mpg difference is because the Hornet is more of a hothatch also a 6 speed instead of 7. Interesting
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johnm7251
I drove one of these as a loan vehicle when our Volvo was being serviced. They only sold a few of these in Australia for a short time about 3 year ago. I real shame because hybrids sell like hot cakes in Australia
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I drove one of these as a loan vehicle when our Volvo was being serviced. They only sold a few of these in Australia for a short time about 3 year ago. I real shame because hybrids sell like hot cakes in Australia
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winc06
I would love for VW to use something similar in the GTI/Golf R. I doubt we will see anything like this because the ultimate goal is full electrification and this sort of thing is just for a short interim period.
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I would love for VW to use something similar in the GTI/Golf R. I doubt we will see anything like this because the ultimate goal is full electrification and this sort of thing is just for a short interim period.
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ChristianC-gy1ym
Surprise Surprise. I wonder why we can't get this car in North America.
Do you guys STILL believe we have a truly free market Not at all influenced by corporate interests I think not!
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Surprise Surprise. I wonder why we can't get this car in North America.
Do you guys STILL believe we have a truly free market Not at all influenced by corporate interests I think not!
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diydrivenGA
Bad idea it looks like a lot of the interest is in hybrids and while I own a Volvo electric and think it's great I do think hybrids are better use case for those who want to go on road trips
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Bad idea it looks like a lot of the interest is in hybrids and while I own a Volvo electric and think it's great I do think hybrids are better use case for those who want to go on road trips
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alex_on_autos
PHEV should have been the solution America pursued with the most emphasis small battery covering 90% of daily needs, with gasoline for long distances no charging necessary.
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PHEV should have been the solution America pursued with the most emphasis small battery covering 90% of daily needs, with gasoline for long distances no charging necessary.
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karacha
This is exactly the car I’d buy. Bring it to the US. Perfect range for my daily driving, don’t need a bigger model, no range anxiety, can charge at home. Just perfect.
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This is exactly the car I’d buy. Bring it to the US. Perfect range for my daily driving, don’t need a bigger model, no range anxiety, can charge at home. Just perfect.
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nbooky
As a current owner of XC60 PHEV for 4 years, the car’s lifetime MPG is 50MPG. I don’t need to put gas in for months. I’d get the XC40 PHEV if this option exists.
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As a current owner of XC60 PHEV for 4 years, the car’s lifetime MPG is 50MPG. I don’t need to put gas in for months. I’d get the XC40 PHEV if this option exists.
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karl2yt
One of the first owners of XC40 in the U. S. back in 2019. Very easy to live, peppy and good looking CUV. I wish we had this option in the US. Fantastic review, Alex!
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One of the first owners of XC40 in the U. S. back in 2019. Very easy to live, peppy and good looking CUV. I wish we had this option in the US. Fantastic review, Alex!
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EcoLanco
I was so excited when i saw this until I heard tgat it is not available here, really dont understand why, would like to learn more about it, seems like a no-brainer
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I was so excited when i saw this until I heard tgat it is not available here, really dont understand why, would like to learn more about it, seems like a no-brainer
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LetMeCook86
The problem with Volvo isn’t their design language it’s their tech and software. Sprinkle in the awful infotainment screen designs and it’s a no.
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The problem with Volvo isn’t their design language it’s their tech and software. Sprinkle in the awful infotainment screen designs and it’s a no.
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