Volvo EX40 vs Volvo XC60
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.
Price Breakdown
The Volvo EX40 starts from $76,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo XC60 opens at $74,990. That makes the Volvo XC60 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $84,689 and $82,489 respectively.
The Volvo EX40 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volvo XC60, 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.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo EX40 features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC60 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo XC60 counters with panoramic roof that the Volvo EX40 does not offer. 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 Volvo XC60 offers leather.
Drivetrain
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 Volvo XC60 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC60 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 248mm shorter than the Volvo XC60 at 4,688mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC60 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 536L in the Volvo EX40 and 505L in the Volvo XC60, giving the Volvo EX40 a 31L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo XC60 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 600kg 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 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 (Volvo EX40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC60). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC60 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC60 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 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, Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 is the cheapest at $74,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo XC60 uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC60 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo XC60 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo XC60 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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