Tesla Model Y vs Volvo EX40
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 16 Sep 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model Y starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $11,090.
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 $64,790 and $76,989 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Tesla Model Y
- REC-006419 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a software issue, the driver side window’s automatic protection system may not operate as intended and result in the window closing with excessive force on any obstruction such as a body part.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
Volvo EX40
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
78kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model Y features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Tesla Model Y stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Tesla Model Y gets vegan leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model Y uses a Electric Motor producing 255kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 185kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Tesla Model Y is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model Y) vs 82kWh (Volvo EX40), giving WLTP ranges of 466km and 520km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Tesla Model Y) vs 200kW (Volvo EX40).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 352mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Tesla Model Y a 318L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 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.
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 / 999,999km (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Tesla Model Y: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 63
The Tesla Model Y comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 63), taking 6 of 9 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: energy efficiency (Tesla Model Y ahead by 33), safety (Tesla Model Y ahead by 30), technology (Volvo EX40 ahead by 16). If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX40?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $11,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo EX40 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo EX40 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Tesla Model Y holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Volvo EX40, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 255kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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