2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design

The XC40 is Volvo's smallest SUV, and it's the one that brought a more youthful, playful vibe to the lineup. It's genuinely fun to drive, with eager steering and a composed ride that makes city driving a pleasure. Cargo space is decent for the class, and the rear seats fold nearly flat for those bigger hauls. The T5 R-Design sits above the T4 trims with a stronger engine and standard all-wheel drive, while the Inscription trims trade its sporty look for more chrome and wood trim. Its 2.0L I4 makes 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, routed through eight-speed automatic to all-wheel drive for confident all-weather grip, and it returns 26 mpg combined. The R-Design gets a stiffer suspension and unique 19-inch wheels, so expect a firmer ride than the Momentum but sharper handling in corners.