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Volvo EX30 vs Volvo XC40

2026 Volvo EX30 vs 2026 Volvo XC40 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Volvo EX30

2026 Volvo EX30

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 2Volvo EX30 wins 3 of 5 categories
Volvo XC40

2026 Volvo XC40

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,400 a year less in fuel for the Volvo EX30 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Volvo XC40 is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Volvo EX30 has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 14).

The two cars

The 2026 Volvo EX30 is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 167 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,035 lb (4dr SUV Single Motor).

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 174 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,721 lb.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
EV
Fuel
Hybrid
EV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

–
Best combined MPG
27 MPG
–
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
261 mi
EV range
–
$650
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,050

Performance & space

422 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
194 hp
5
Seats (most)
5
166.5 in
Length
174.4 in
72.4 in
Width
73.2 in
61 in
Height
65 in
4,035 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,721 lb

Safety & reliability

12
Driver-assist features standard
12
2
Recalls (2026)
0
4
Recalls, all years since 2005
14
3
Owner complaints (latest year)
1

Interest

5,187
Wikipedia views, 30 days
7,658

Buying used

–
Best used year
2020
–
Year to avoid
2021

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Volvo EX30 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (261 miles)
  • You want more power (up to 422 vs 194 hp)
  • You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (4 vs 14 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Volvo XC40 if…

  • You want more room (8 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Volvo EX30

  • Strong performanceUp to 422 hp, versus about 194 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

2026 Volvo XC40

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 194 hp, versus about 312 hp for similar 2026 models.

Full 2026 Volvo EX30 specs →Full 2026 Volvo XC40 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →