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Mazda 3 Sedan vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (25,400 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Sedan or Volvo XC40?

Mazda 3 Sedan vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • a bit lighter
details

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly more power
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
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

3 Sedan

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda 3 Sedan is considerably cheaper – starting at 25,400 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,457 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda 3 Sedan uses 5.5 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1 L/100km.

XC40

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 Volvo XC40 offers very slightly 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 very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Mazda 3 Sedan takes 8.1 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

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

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 Sedan is a bit lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 271 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries barely more – 532 kg compared to 501 kg. That’s a difference of about 31 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Sedan 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 £25,400
3 Sedan

Mazda 3 Sedan

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.5 - 6 L/100km
details

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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
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Mazda 3 Sedan
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

details
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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
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Reviews Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
Pim de Bruijn
15 Jun 2026, 14:27:59

After many new Volvos — including a V70 and an XC90 — I've now bought a lightly used XC40 from the dealer. In every respect it was the best choice.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
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 Honda HR-V is the clever, pragmatic compact SUV — roomy, economical and built for cost‑conscious buyers who want sensible packaging without fuss. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, feels like a grown‑up’s treat: pricier but wrapped in Scandinavian style, class‑leading safety tech and a premium cabin, …
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Mazda 3 Sedan
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,400 - 34,700 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
123 - 137 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,468 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
450 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
482 - 501 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
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
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
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Mazda 3 Sedan have?

The Mazda 3 Sedan 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.