@ Kia Corporation
@ Volvo Cars
VS

Kia Sportage vs Volvo XC40 – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Kia Sportage or Volvo XC40?

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

The Battle of Compact SUVs: Kia Sportage vs. Volvo XC40

In the world of compact SUVs, two models stand out for their blend of style, performance, and innovation: the Kia Sportage and the Volvo XC40. As we delve into their specifications, it's clear that both offer unique propositions to their respective audiences. Let's explore what makes each of these vehicles shine in their own right.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Engine Options and Performance

The 2024 Kia Sportage provides diverse engine options, ranging from Diesel Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) and Petrol MHEV to Full Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid variants. With power outputs spanning from 136 to 252 horsepower, the Sportage caters to a wide range of driving preferences. Notably, it offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed between 180 and 194 km/h, depending on the selected powertrain, with acceleration rates from 8.3 to 11.6 seconds for a 0-100 km/h sprint.

On the other hand, the Volvo XC40 focuses on a streamlined approach with a Petrol MHEV engine, providing two power options at 163 and 197 horsepower. Its front-wheel drive structure and dual-clutch automatic transmission ensure a smooth driving experience with an acceleration prowess of 7.6 to 8.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. With a top speed capped at 180 km/h, the XC40 maintains a balanced performance ideal for city driving and highway cruising.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Both vehicles deliver respectable fuel consumption figures, with the Sportage boasting a broader range due to its multiple powertrain options. Consumption varies from a frugal 1.2 L/100km in hybrid configurations to 7.2 L/100km in traditional petrol engines. For those with an eco-conscious mindset, the Plugin Hybrid variant offers an electric range of up to 64 km.

The XC40 keeps fuel consumption moderate at 6.5 L/100km, aligning well with urban and suburban driving expectations. Additionally, its CO2 emissions remain competitive, ranging between 147 and 148 g/km, placing it within efficiency class E.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Design and Practicality

From a design perspective, the Kia Sportage emphasizes versatility with its trunk capacity of 526 to 587 liters, dependent on the chosen model type, and a maximum payload of 565 kg. The vehicle dimensions, standing at 4515 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and 1650 mm in height, provide a spacious interior for five passengers, ensuring comfort on long journeys.

Comparatively, the Volvo XC40, slightly more compact at 4425 mm in length but equally substantial in height, offers 452 liters of trunk space and a payload capacity of 532 kg. Its sleek Scandinavian design ethos not only manifests in aesthetics but also enhances its efficiency in urban landscapes.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Technological Innovations

The Kia Sportage strides forward with innovative features designed for convenience and safety, highlighting modern connectivity and driver-assistance technologies across its range. This integration ensures an engaging driving experience, whether on daily commutes or family road trips.

Volvo's XC40 carries the brand's hallmark of safety, integrating advanced safety systems as standard, alongside intuitive infotainment and connectivity solutions that prioritize the driver’s ease of use. This model offers features aimed at enhancing driver comfort and situational awareness, staying true to Volvo's commitment to safety.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Kia Sportage and Volvo XC40 hinges on personal priorities—whether it's the Sportage's versatile configurations and higher power range or the XC40's refined simplicity and prestigious safety reputation. Both models promise a blend of efficiency, style, and performance, each manifesting unique strengths that cater to discerning drivers in the compact SUV segment.

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

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Kia Sportage has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 30200 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 6600 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Sportage manages with 5 L and is therefore evident more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 1.50 L per 100 km.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Sportage has a slightly edge – offering 239 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 42 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is minimal quicker – completing the sprint in 7.60 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.90 s. That’s about 0.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Kia Sportage performs a bit better – reaching 203 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 23 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Sportage pulls hardly perceptible stronger with 320 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Kia Sportage is slight lighter – 1552 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 136 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia Sportage offers evident more room – 587 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 135 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Sportage performs clearly perceptible better – up to 1776 L, which is about 448 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Kia Sportage barely noticeable takes the win – 580 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 48 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Kia Sportage shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £30,200
Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Kia Sportage

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 136 - 239 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 - 7.9 L

Kia Sportage

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Sportage proves you don't have to choose between style and sensible family motoring, wrapping modern, confident looks around a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It's an easy car to live with — comfortable on daily runs, pleasantly engaging when you want a bit of fun, and kind to your wallet so you can keep smiling at the fuel pump.

details

Volvo XC40

5 (2)
rate

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.

details
Kia Sportage
Volvo XC40
Sportage @ Kia Corporation
XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Consumption

Price
30200 - 43900 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 7.9 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
132 - 180 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
52 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1552 - 1733 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4540 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1865 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1645 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1715 - 1776 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
543 - 580 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 239 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.9 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
180 - 203 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
250 - 320 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 176 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Kia
Brand
Volvo
Is the Kia Sportage offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia Sportage is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.