Get Storage, stowing and towing Guide for Volvo EX40 SUV First Generation (2025-2026)

12. Storage, stowing and towing

Your car is designed to transport people as well as luggage and other cargo. Learn about the car’s stowing

and towing capabilities.

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The storage space under the bonnet can be used to store items, such as a puncture repair kit.

Your car's passenger compartment and boot have several areas for stowing items of different shapes and sizes safely.

The boot can be expanded to create more space for larger cargo.

You can also use the roof for transporting heavy cargo and, with a towbar, you can attach a trailer.

Warning

It is important to properly store objects, even small items. Objects that are not stowed securely can be dangerous in the

event of sudden braking or a collision.

Adding cargo to the car changes the car's weight and driving control properties. Always refer to the car's permitted

weight regulations and guidelines.

Before towing a trailer, ensure that all connectors and safety attachments are secured. Also, be sure to follow local regula-

tions regarding towing.

Important

Large and heavy loads on the roof may interfere with car sensors.

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12.1. Passenger compartment storage

Find where the storage locations are in the passenger compartment.

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Door panel storage compartments

Pockets on the front seat backs

Tunnel console

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Glove box

12.1.1. Glove box

You can store items that you don't immediately need in the glove box.

In the event of sudden braking or a collision, loose items can be hazardous. The glove box is useful for storing small items

safely and securely.

The glove box is located in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat.

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The hook on the glove box can be folded out when the glove box is open. You can then close the glove box and hang items on

the hook.

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12.2. Boot space and storage

The boot can be configured to accommodate cargo of different shapes and sizes.

You can adapt the boot in different ways and expand it to create a larger cargo space. This can be useful for storing larger items.

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Ski hatch

Foldable rear seats

Cargo hold

Folding down the rear seats is ideal for loading large objects. Install a safety net when doing so to prevent objects moving into

the front passenger compartment.

You can use the ski hatch when loading long, thin objects, such as planks of wood or skis, inside the car. This way, you don't

need to fold the seats down.

The cargo hold is accessed via the underfloor hatch. It's useful for protecting items and storing the parcel shelf.

The parcel shelf can be removed to give you more space in the boot. It can be conveniently stored under the cargo hatch.

Tip

Adjust boot opening height

You can adjust how much the boot hatch opens. This can be useful when you're parked in places with a low ceiling, such

as a garage, and you want to reduce the boot opening height. You can also raise the boot opening height to create more

room for accessing the boot.

Stowing cargo securely

You can also find options for stowing cargo securely to ensure that it doesn't move around the boot while you are driving.

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12.2.1. Parcel shelf

The parcel shelf can be used to hide items in the boot from view.

There are two attachment points on the parcel shelf itself and two on the boot hatch. Cords run between attachment points.

You can remove the parcel shelf to create more space for larger items in the boot and expand the boot area.

Warning

Child restraints

Take care to keep the parcel shelf and objects in the boot clear from the top tether straps of a child restraint. Contact with

the straps can cause damage. Never use the child restraint if the top tethers are damaged in any way. When using a child

restraint on the rear seats, remove the parcel shelf or detach it and keep it secure in the cargo area. Furthermore, secure all

objects in the boot.

Important

Do not place anything on the parcel shelf. In the case of sudden braking or a collision, loose objects can move

abruptly and cause injury.

Do not leave the parcel shelf in the car when it is not properly secured.

When folding the rear seats down, first remove the parcel shelf.

When placing tall objects in the boot, it's best to remove the parcel shelf. This is because the shelf is attached to the

boot hatch and lies flat when the hatch is closed. If a tall object gets in the way of the parcel shelf, it can damage the

shelf.

12.2.1.1. Removing and storing the parcel shelf

The parcel shelf can be removed to give you more space in the boot. It can also be stored conveniently under

the cargo hatch to save space for other items in the main boot area.

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You can use the parcel shelf to hide items in the boot from view.

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There are two attachment points on the parcel shelf itself and two on the boot hatch. When the parcel shelf is attached, cords

run between attachment points on the parcel shelf and the boot hatch.

The cords have loops at each end that you hook onto the boot hatch attachment points.

Removing the parcel shelf

1. Detach each cord from the boot hatch attachment points.

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The shelf is loose but lies flat in the same position.

2. Lift the shelf from the hinges at the back, near the rear seats.

3. Carefully move the parcel shelf towards you until it is completely removed from the boot.

Storing the parcel shelf

4. Grasp the cargo hatch handle and lift the hatch upwards.

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Place the parcel shelf with its top facing down and the rear part facing forwards.

6. Close the cargo hatch.

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Tip

To install the parcel shelf again, follow the removal and storage steps in reverse order.

12.2.2. Removing the cargo hatch

You can make the boot space bigger and access the cargo hold more easily by removing the cargo hatch.

Removing the cargo hatch allows you to enlarge the boot space.

Clear all items from the boot to ensure that nothing will get in the way when you fold down and remove the cargo hatch.

1. Grasp the cargo hatch handle and push the hatch towards the rear seats so that it folds.

Folded cargo hatch.

2. Push the left-hand-side locking clip forwards and, at the same time, lift the folded cargo hatch slightly.

Left-hand-side locking clip.

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3. While continuing to hold the cargo hatch up, push the right-hand-side locking clip forwards.

Right-hand-side locking clip.

4. When the cargo hatch is free from the hinges and fully loose, you can pull it out from the boot.

Cargo hatch released.

Place the cargo hatch where it can't get damaged or fall.

12.2.3. Installing the safety net

The safety net can be installed behind the front seats or the rear seats.

Warning

There should be no occupants in the car to the rear of a safety net. A safety net can interfere with safety features such as

airbags.

Important

Do not use the safety net to secure large or heavy objects. Secure any large or heavy cargo with straps using the load re-

taining eyelets located around the rear interior of the car.

When a safety net is in place behind a retractable seat, be careful not to recline or reposition the seat too far back.

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When installing the safety net, make sure it is the right way round. The tightening straps should always be on the side facing

you.

Installing behind front row seats

1. Remove the coat hooks from their sockets by twisting the hooks. Store them in a safe place for when you need the hooks

again.

2. Insert each pin of the safety net into a coat hook socket. Push the pins forwards until they lock into place.

3. Fasten the lower corners of the net to the outer tether points behind the seats.

4. Tighten the straps to make the safety net tight and more secure.

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The safety net is attached at all four points.

Installing behind second row seats

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5. Insert each pin of the safety net into a coat hook socket. Push the pins forwards until they lock into place.

6. Fasten the lower corners of the net to the load-retaining eyelets behind the seats.

7. Fasten the lower corners of the net to the load-retaining eyelets behind the seats.

8. Tighten the straps to make the safety net tight and more secure.

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The safety net is attached at all four points.

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Tip

Removing the safety net

To remove the safety net, follow the installation steps in reverse order.

12.2.4. Opening the ski hatch

You can use the ski hatch when loading long, thin objects, such as planks of wood or skis, inside the car. This

way, you don't need to fold the seats down.

The ski hatch is located in the middle of the rear seats. You can access it via the boot or the passenger compartment.

Warning

Any objects placed in the rear of the car must not be in contact with the front seats. This can impede the safety of other

occupants.

1. Open the boot and grasp the handle located in the middle of the rear seats.

2. Pull the handle and fold the hatch down.

3. Go to the back of the passenger compartment and fold the rear seat armrest forward.

Make sure nothing is obstructing the hatch opening.

12.2.5. Stowing cargo in the boot

The boot has a number of options for storage.

The boot has several useful features to help you stow things away and secure items.

The boot has several features to help stow items. These include:

Bag hooks for preventing shopping bags from falling over. They are located on the side panels and under the cargo hatch.

Storage pocket in the side panel.

There's also a cargo hold under the boot floor where you can store tools and equipment. To access it, open the hatch in the boot

floor.

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12.2.5.1. Accessing the cargo hold

You can access the cargo hold under the floor in the boot.

The cargo hatch has two sets of hinges – one set at the back edge and a second set in the centre fold. This allows you to fold

the hatch in the middle for two different configurations.

You can increase the space in the boot by fully pushing the hatch away from you and flattening it.

If the hatch is opened and folded by using the hinges in the middle, the hatch can be propped up vertically and used as a parti-

tion wall.

Move any items in the boot towards the back. Make sure they do not cover the cargo hatch.

Opening the cargo hold hatch

1. Grasp the hatch handle. It is located in the middle, near the outer edge.

2. Pull the hatch up and push it away from you.

Boot partition

3. Fold the hatch at the middle hinges.

4. Position the hatch in a standing vertical position.

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The boot partition.

The folded hatch forms a partition wall, separating items at the back from the front of the boot.

Tip

The cargo hatch is sturdy and is useful for protecting objects.

You can hang bags and other items from the hinges at the centre fold.

When the hatch is fully retracted and folded flat, you can store the parcel shelf in the cargo hold and then fold the hatch

back down to cover it.

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12.3. Storage under the bonnet

In addition to the boot, there is a storage space under the bonnet.

Examples of items that can be stored in the front cargo area include the car's warning triangle, tool kit, towing eye, charging

cable and puncture repair kit.

Important

Make sure the bonnet is shut properly after using the storage space.

12.4. Towing a trailer

The towbar allows you to tow a trailer with your car. Be sure to familiarise yourself with towing features and

any relevant safety issues.

Before towing a trailer, consider how this will affect your journey. Make a thorough assessment based on your car's capabilities.

Keep in mind that the car performs differently with added weight at the rear. This affects both handling and power usage.

Expect a notable reduction in range when towing a trailer.

Only use trailers in good working condition that comply with local regulations.

Make sure you have read the separate section covering loading recommendations.

Note

Maximum permitted trailer weights

The stated maximum permitted trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle regulations can further limit

permissible trailer weights and speeds. Your towbar may be certified for a higher towing weight than the car can actually

tow.

Towing preparations

1. Increase the tyre pressure to the recommended pressure for a full load. This applies regardless of the trailer weight.

2. Deploy the towbar and attach the trailer.

3. It's advisable to check that the trailer lights are in good working order.

Driving with a trailer

4. Read the recommendations for driving with a trailer thoroughly before you start driving.

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Important

While driving

Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep ascents.

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 12%.

The additional load increases the risk of overheating, which will be indicated in the driver display. Follow any

instructions shown.

Avoid parking on an incline if possible. The extra weight of the trailer can affect the parking brake's ability to

securely hold the car. If you cannot avoid parking on an incline, be sure to block the wheels^[1]as a precaution.

Snaking

Snaking is a phenomenon that can occur when towing a trailer. It causes the car and trailer to resonate in a side-to-

side motion, which can escalate quickly and cause loss of control. Snaking primarily occurs at high speeds, especially

if the trailer load is too heavy or improperly distributed. The car continually monitors its movement and can intervene

to help the driver regain control if it detects snaking.

Factors that introduce sideways motion can trigger snaking. For example:

Sudden gusts and powerful side winds.

Uneven road surfaces.

Sweeping steering wheel movements from side to side.

Trailer stability assistance

The stability control system^[2]intervenes if it detects snaking when towing a trailer. The system precisely times indi-

vidual braking actions for the front wheels to mitigate the snaking phenomenon. This is often enough to help the

driver stabilise the car and trailer.

When the stability control system intervenes to suppress snaking, the electronic stability control symbol is shown in

the driver display.

Electronic stability control symbol

Interventions and warnings when reversing

The car can automatically brake to prevent a collision when reversing if it detects an obstacle or crossing traffic behind

the car. Interventions and warnings when reversing are disabled when towing a trailer.

Note

If you've had the towbar installed after purchasing your car, a system update may be needed for the towing features

to work. Contact a Volvo dealer to update the software.

[1]

If you do not have wheel chocks, you can use large stones or wooden blocks instead.

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[2]

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

12.5. Recommendations for loading

Proper loading is important for safety and your car's performance on the road.

Loading in general

Load weight and placement affects the car's centre of gravity, handling and performance.

Warning

Unsecured loads

A loose object weighing 20 kg (44 pounds) can, in a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h (30 mph), carry the impact

of an object weighing 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). Always follow the loading recommendations to reduce the risk of ma-

terial damage or personal injury.

Place heavy cargo as low as possible.

Do not stow cargo where it may obstruct airbag deployment. If stacked cargo reaches above the upper edge of the

windows, be sure to have at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clear space between the window and the cargo. Otherwise, the

intended protection of the inflatable curtain, which is concealed behind the panels above the windows, may be

compromised.

Always comply with the car's specifications regarding weight and maximum permitted load.

When loading the boot, position the cargo firmly against the rear seats' backrests.

Large objects placed in the boot can obscure the driver's view through the rear windscreen.

Avoid placing cargo against the back of the front seats. It may compromise the effectiveness of the front seat whiplash

protection.

Cover any sharp edges, corners and protrusions.

Make sure that all cargo is secure for the duration of travel. You need to regularly check and re-tighten the straps as cargo

can move during transit.

Remove cargo you no longer need to have in the car. Reducing the car's overall weight improves both performance and

range.

Roof loading

Important

Any loads on the roof should not extend above the windscreen. This can interfere with car sensors.

Use a load holder recommended by Volvo when carrying loads on the car's roof. This reduces the risk of damage to the car and

helps ensure safety while travelling. Carefully follow the mounting instructions supplied with the load holders.

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Exterior loads affect the car's aerodynamics, handling and sensitivity to crosswinds. Increased drag affects energy consump-

tion and range.

Place heavy cargo as low as possible.

Distribute the load evenly across the load holders.

For long loads that extend over the bonnet, fit the towing eye at the front of the car and use it to secure the load.

Drive gently. Avoid heavy acceleration or braking, and sharp cornering.

Remove the load holders when you are not using them. It improves both performance and range.

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Storage, stowing and towing for Your Volvo EX40 SUV First Generation (2025-2026)

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