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CUPRA Leon vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (35,200 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Volvo XC40?

CUPRA Leon vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

  • somewhat cheaper
  • visibly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
details

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

CUPRA Leon is somewhat cheaper – starting at 35,200 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,720 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 5.2 L/100km.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Leon offers visibly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 128 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers noticeably more torque with 420 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 120 Nm more.

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is clearly lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 317 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries only slightly more – 532 kg compared to 493 kg. That’s a difference of about 39 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £35,200
Leon

CUPRA Leon

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 124 - 131 km
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CUPRA Leon
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

CUPRA Leon

The Cupra Leon blends sporting intent with everyday practicality, serving up sharp handling and a cabin that feels more premium than its hatchback looks might suggest. It's a driver's car in commuter clothing — lively, distinctive, and clever enough to make daily driving feel a little less routine without screaming for attention.

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Reviews CUPRA Leon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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The Hyundai Tucson turns heads with bold styling, generous kit and wallet-friendly practicality, while the Volvo XC40 answers with crisp Scandinavian design, a cosseting cabin and a premium badge that justifies the extra euros. If you want bang-for-buck family usability and lots of equipment go …
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CUPRA Leon
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,200 - 50,900 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 172 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Volvo
Is the CUPRA Leon offered with different drivetrains?

The CUPRA Leon is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.