Volvo EX40 vs Volvo XC60

The Volvo EX40 starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo XC60 opens at $74,990. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $5,000.

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 $76,989 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.

Both the Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC60 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volvo XC60 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Volvo EX40.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Volvo EX40 and 8 in the Volvo XC60. The Volvo XC60 adds a 360-degree camera that the Volvo EX40 misses.

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 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.

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 6.9 seconds.

The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC60 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Volvo EX40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 268mm shorter than the Volvo XC60 at 4,708mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 536L in the Volvo EX40 and 483L in the Volvo XC60, giving the Volvo EX40 a 53L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo XC60 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 900kg 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 (Volvo XC60). Both match on warranty length.