The XC40 might be Volvo’s smallest SUV, but it still packs everything required to worry its premium rivals.

The number of car makers jumping into the small luxury SUV segment has been steadily increasing. Existing players like the BMW X1/X2 are about to be joined by the Cadillac XT4 and the Lexus UX, as well as the Mercedes GLA that’ll get overhauled next year, but the XC40 is already here and first impressions are more than positive.

The US-spec version of the sub-compact Volvo SUV is offered with two powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 187hp and front-wheel drive in the T4, and the same engine with 248hp sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the T5 that’s tested here.

Volvo reckons the XC40 T5 is capable of a 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph (225 km/h, which sounds more than enough performance for a small SUV. Hybrid and all-electric versions are also on the way.

The Swedish automaker has, traditionally, put an emphasis on safety, and the XC40 packs an impressive range of technologies, including Pilot Assist and automatic parking, as well as amenities such as a digital instrument cluster, the portrait-style Sensus infotainment system and more.

On paper, then, it’s an impressive small SUV that distinguishes itself thanks to its playful design, long list of equipment and good performance figures. How does this all translate to the real world? Let’s see what Kelley Blue Book has to say.