Volvo’s designers have shaved away unnecessary volume from the 2028 XC40, making it seem smaller with edges slightly farther away. It’s only an inch here and there, but compared to metastasizing SUVs, it’s a more sympathetic and socially aware approach that makes the XC40 look less aggressive. Volvo, with its fastidious approach to safety, would be the one to do it.

The most significant interior change is the new 11.2-inch touchscreen. Volvo was an early adopter of Google’s Android Automotive OS and Google Automotive Services, and that integration continues with Gemini. Based on limited testing, it is more capable as a voice assistant than its predecessor. There’s also a cardamom leather interior option with open-grain wood trim.

Volvo added a new suite of front, rear, and corner radars, a new forward-looking camera, plus new ultrasonic sensors and revised software that includes an upgraded 3D view for the 360-degree fused parking cameras.

The revised 2028 Volvo XC40 goes into production later this year and should go on sale next year. A revised electric EX40 benefits from the same styling changes, but the US won’t get that one.