Volvo EX40 vs CUPRA Tavascan

The Volvo EX40 starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Tavascan opens at $66,490. That makes the CUPRA Tavascan the more affordable entry point by $3,500.

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 $76,989 and $73,139 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.

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

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

The Volvo EX40 features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the CUPRA Tavascan gets a 15-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo EX40 stands out with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the CUPRA Tavascan. The CUPRA Tavascan counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Volvo EX40 gets textile/leather blend upholstery while the CUPRA Tavascan offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Volvo EX40 and 3-zone in the CUPRA Tavascan.

The Volvo EX40 uses a Electric producing 185kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan responds with a Electric Motor making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 185kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the CUPRA Tavascan is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 82kWh (Volvo EX40) vs 77kWh (CUPRA Tavascan), giving WLTP ranges of 520km and 531km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (Volvo EX40) vs 135kW (CUPRA Tavascan).

The Volvo EX40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 204mm shorter than the CUPRA Tavascan at 4,644mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Tavascan generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 536L in the Volvo EX40 and 540L in the CUPRA Tavascan, giving the CUPRA Tavascan a 4L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Tavascan). Both match on warranty length.