Volvo XC40 vs. Volvo XC60: which is better?
Two luxury crossover SUVs are put through their paces as we compare the Volvo XC60 to the Volvo XC40 in our guide – which will come out on top?
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Volvo is a Swedish brand that has already established itself as a premium and safe car manufacturer. It’s now on a quest to be known for its SUVs.
Its three-strong core range of XC-branded SUVs is backed up by a growing list of EX-branded electric SUVs, but the XC40 and XC60 continue to be some of its most popular.
If you’re struggling to pick between a used Volvo XC60 vs. used Volvo XC40, then you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we outline many of their key differences to help you be sure of your decision.
Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC40: which has more style?
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Though they both feature a premium, minimalist exterior, they still have a lot going for them and are quickly recognised by their T-shaped LED daytime running lights, which are visible day and night.
The signature that a car’s lights make gives it a lot of presence on the road, and unlike many other brands, all Volvo taillights also remain on day and night – a nod to the brand’s commitment to safety by increasing visibility.
The XC40 stands out from seemingly tens of other crossovers with its stylish and quirky design, which is a bit boxier than many other small SUVs, helping it to feel more grown-up.
Its prominent wheelarches and high beltline add to this feel, making it look like a mini off-roader.
The Volvo XC60’s silhouette is more sporty and aerodynamic, almost verging on coupé-like, making it a solid rival to cars like the BMW X4 as well as the more conventional-looking BMW X3.
The XC60 is at its most eye-catching in R-Design trim (or Plus for newer post-2022 models), where its sporty styling and large air intakes give it a much more aggressive stance.
What is it like to drive a Volvo XC60 vs. XC40?
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Starting with the XC60, this mid-size family SUV is known for its soft and comfortable ride.
Its suspension is perfectly tuned to absorb many of the lumps and bumps that plague our roads.
However, the suspension is still firm enough to give it some rigidity in corners rather than leaning excessively, which is sometimes the case with large SUVs.
It’s only available with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, but mild hybrid models (badged with a ‘B’ rather than a ‘T’ or ‘D’) help improve efficiency.
The B5 is pretty quick, but the B4 is good enough for the majority of drivers.
There are also plug-in hybrid versions, which are very quick and, when charged regularly, open the doors to rock-bottom running costs.
The XC40 has a slightly more nimble feel. Combined with its lighter steering, it’s more suited to narrower side streets and mini-roundabouts.
Its high driving position, big windows and chunky mirrors also improve visibility around town.
You can get it with smaller engines, including mild hybrid options, but if you want a diesel, you’ll have to look at older models because Volvo stopped selling these several years ago.
It, too, is available with plug-in hybrid options.
The XC40 was also the first mainstream Volvo model to be fitted with an electric powertrain.
Twin-motor versions are needlessly quick (but fun), so you’re better off saving some cash and going for a single-motor version.
Range is good for this size vehicle, with around 300 miles on the cards, depending on which you go for.
What is the technology in the Volvo XC40 and XC60?
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There are a lot of differences when it comes to the exterior and the power options, but these cars are much more similar inside.
It’s almost as if Volvo copied and pasted the interior across all of its cars, which is no bad thing because it’s an exceptional design with a high-quality finish.
Everything revolves around the large, portrait-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, with just a few physical controls on the dashboard and a couple more on the steering wheel.
The XC40 and XC60 come with all the car tech you’re likely to need, including connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Newer models also benefit from Google’s voice assistant and other Google services like sat-nav.
They’re both loaded with safety kit and driver aids, too, like adaptive cruise control, but you’ll have to pay more for optional extras like a 360-degree parking camera, depending on which model year you pick.
Volvo XC40 vs. XC60 dimensions and boot space
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Clearly the bigger car, the XC60 is longer and wider, measuring 4,708mm long and 2,117mm wide, including the mirrors.
Its height is also average for this class of vehicle, measuring 1,655mm, but the XC40 is almost as tall, at 1,652mm.
These figures illustrate the boxy design used by the XC40 to help give it more road presence – most other crossovers are substantially shorter.
The XC40 is 4,425mm long and 2,034mm wide, which is pretty normal.
Volvo quotes a range of figures for boot sizes – the XC60 has a 483-litre space up to the parcel shelf, but you can also choose to load it to the roofline and/or fold the rear seats.
The XC40’s 452-litre space is impressive and doesn’t fall that far short of the XC60’s. Electric models also get a 31-litre storage area under the bonnet, known as a ‘frunk’, which is good for storing charging cables.
XC60 vs. XC40: which is more reliable?
Volvo’s cars have a reputation for being very reliable and dependable, and while the warranty may only cover the first three years/60,000 miles (which is industry-average), few drivers note any major problems.
It’s also worth mentioning that both cars not only received full five-star safety ratings when tested by Euro NCAP, but that they scored extremely highly across the categories, too.
Used Volvo XC60 vs. used Volvo XC40: which should I buy?
The decision should be pretty simple, because if you need a bigger SUV to carry the family and all their luggage, an XC60 will fit the bill.
Younger drivers will value the XC40’s style as well as its good levels of practicality, and it’s more affordable.
The complexity comes in the form of whether or not you prefer an electric model, because then you’ll be limited to the XC40.
It’s worth considering plug-in hybrid XC60 models because newer variants can do up to around 50 miles between charges, which covers many commutes and short trips.