VS

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (24,500 £ vs 36,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Hatchback or Volvo XC40?

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • substantially cheaper
  • moderately more efficient
  • somewhat lighter

Volvo XC40

5 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more power
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space

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

3 Hatchback

Urban Elegance: Mazda 3 Hatchback vs. Volvo XC40

The market for compact vehicles is rich with choices, and two popular contenders vying for attention are the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Volvo XC40. These vehicles cater to the needs of urban drivers seeking efficiency, style, and cutting-edge technology. But how do they compare in terms of performance and innovation?

XC40

Power and Performance

The 2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback offers a variety of performance options. With choices between a manual or automatic gearbox, it gives drivers flexibility. Its engine lineup includes petrol MHEV with outputs ranging from 140 to 186 horsepower. The hatchback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a respectable 8-9.8 seconds with a top speed reaching between 199 to 216 km/h. This performance is backed by torque ratings of 238-240 Nm, all while maintaining efficient fuel consumption between 5.6 and 6.5 L/100 km.

In contrast, the Volvo XC40 focuses on delivering a premium yet efficient drive with its dual-clutch automatic transmission. This SUV features engines that produce between 163 and 197 horsepower, along with a torque ranging from 265 to 300 Nm. The XC40 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 to 8.6 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h, ensuring a smooth and powerful urban drive.

3 Hatchback

Interior and Comfort

Both the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Volvo XC40 boast ergonomic interiors designed for five passengers. The Mazda offers a trunk capacity of 351 liters and strikes a balance between style and functionality with its modern design. On the other hand, the Volvo XC40 stands out with a more spacious trunk at 452 liters, ensuring enough room for cargo, which is ideal for small families or those with an active lifestyle.

XC40

Design and Dimensions

Measuring at a length of 4460 mm, a width of 1795 mm, and a height of 1435 mm, the Mazda 3 Hatchback has a sleek and compact design, allowing for easy navigation through tight urban spaces. Its lightweight design promises a curb weight between 1419 and 1549 kg.

The Volvo XC40, categorized as an SUV, offers a more robust presence with dimensions of 4425 mm in length, 1863 mm in width, and 1652 mm in height. This larger frame is reflected in its higher curb weight of 1688 kg, a tribute to its sturdy and safe build that is synonymous with the Volvo brand.

3 Hatchback

Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

While both models offer petrol MHEV options, the Mazda 3 Hatchback presents a better CO2 efficiency class at D and E, with CO2 emissions ranging from 126 to 146 g/km. Conversely, the Volvo XC40 has a CO2 efficiency class of E, with slightly higher emissions at 147-148 g/km. Efficiency remains a top priority for both manufacturers as they aim to reduce environmental impact while delivering top-notch performance.

XC40

Conclusion: Choosing Between Two Contenders

The decision between the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Volvo XC40 ultimately hinges on individual preferences and priorities. For those seeking a nimble, efficient, and stylish vehicle perfect for city drives, the Mazda 3 Hatchback stands as a strong contender. However, if spaciousness, premium features, and a commanding presence are at the top of the checklist, the Volvo XC40 may be the perfect match.

Both vehicles showcase the latest in automotive innovations, demonstrating how modern engineering meets consumer demand in the ever-evolving landscape of compact vehicles.

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

3 Hatchback

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.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is substantially cheaper – starting at 24,500 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 36,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,214 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda 3 Hatchback uses 5.6 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.9 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 Volvo XC40 offers marginally more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 11 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers slightly more torque with 300 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 60 Nm more.

3 Hatchback

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is somewhat lighter – 1,419 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 269 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo XC40 offers clearly more boot space – 452 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 101 L.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries only slightly more – 532 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Hatchback leads convincingly 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 £24,500
3 Hatchback

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

details

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.

details
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption

Price
24,500 - 35,500 £
Price
36,800 - 47,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 146 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,419 - 1,549 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
-
Length
4,425 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
1,652 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,328 L
Payload
470 - 485 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Volvo
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.