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HomeComparisonsRenault Scenic E-Tech vs Volvo XC40
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Renault Scenic E-Tech vs Volvo XC40

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

SpecRenaultVolvo
Price (RRP)$55,990$54,990
Fuel typeElectricPetrol
Range (WLTP)430km
Battery60 kWh
Power125kW145kW
0-100 km/h8.6s8.5s
Max DC Charge130kW
10-80% Charge Time30 min
Fuel Economy7.3 L/100km
Boot Space545L460L
Towing1,000kg2,100kg
Warranty5yr / 100k km5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP Safety5 StarsNo data

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Price Breakdown

The Renault Scenic E-Tech starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo XC40 opens at $54,990. That makes the Volvo XC40 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $61,589 and $60,489 respectively.

The Renault Scenic E-Tech qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volvo XC40, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Charging Times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

How long to charge

87kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

1h 24m

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 130kW · 0–80%

40 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

Feature Showdown

The Renault Scenic E-Tech features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Renault Scenic E-Tech stands out with BOSE audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo XC40. The Volvo XC40 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Renault Scenic E-Tech gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo XC40 offers textile/leather blend.

Drivetrain

The Renault Scenic E-Tech uses a Electric producing 125kW and 280Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Volvo XC40 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid making 145kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Volvo XC40 has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC40 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Renault Scenic E-Tech measures 4,470mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the Volvo XC40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Scenic E-Tech generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 545L in the Renault Scenic E-Tech and 460L in the Volvo XC40, giving the Renault Scenic E-Tech a 85L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo XC40 leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.9m to 11.0m

TightestRenault Scenic E-Tech Techno EV60Tightest turn at 10.9m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Renault Scenic E-Tech Techno EV60
10.9mTighter
Best
Volvo XC40 Plus B4
11.0m
Worst
Renault Scenic E-Tech Techno EV60
10.9m · Good

Based on 10.9m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Volvo XC40 Plus B4
11.0m · Good

Based on 11.0m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestRenault Scenic E-TechTightest turn at 10.9m, needs the least road to swing around
Renault Scenic E-TechTightest10.9 m
Good△ 3-point
Volvo XC4011.0 m
Good△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Renault Scenic E-Tech) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC40). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Renault Scenic E-Tech if: You need more boot space, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Volvo XC40 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Renault Scenic E-Tech has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Renault Scenic E-Tech and Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Scenic E-Tech by $1,000.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Volvo XC40 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.

Which is safest?

They are evenly matched — Renault Scenic E-Tech all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.

Which has the most boot space?

The Renault Scenic E-Tech has the largest boot at 545L.

Which can tow the most?

The Volvo XC40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.

Which is the most powerful?

The Volvo XC40 makes the most power at 145kW. The Volvo XC40 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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