@ Nissan Motor Corporation
@ Volvo Cars
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Nissan Qashqai 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: Nissan Qashqai or Volvo XC40?

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Streetwise Personality

The Qashqai plays the pragmatic card with a confident, mass-appeal look that feels reassuringly familiar on suburban streets, while the XC40 leans into Scandinavian character with sharper lines and a sense of premium quirkiness. One reads as the sensible choice for buyers who want a modern, functional compact crossover; the other makes a quiet fashion statement that will turn heads at the school run and the café. Both wear their identities well, but they speak to different tastes—one mainstream and unflashy, the other a touch more design-led and distinctive.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

How They Move

Behind the wheel the Qashqai favours comfort and composure, smoothing out everyday imperfections and delivering relaxed progress without fuss. The XC40, by contrast, feels more planted and willing to engage the driver, with firmer responses that reward a brisker pace but can be less yielding on rough surfaces. If you prioritise serene cruising you’ll appreciate the Qashqai’s diplomacy; if you want a compact that feels more driver-oriented, the XC40 has the edge.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Inside: Comfort and Controls

The Qashqai’s cabin is cleverly organised for real life—intuitive controls, comfortable seating and a layout aimed squarely at hassle-free daily use. The XC40 elevates the experience with tactile materials and a minimalist, premium ambience that feels grown-up and slightly more special. Both cabins work well, but the choice comes down to whether you value pragmatic ergonomics or a more premium interior mood.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Everyday Practicality

When it comes to hauling stuff and moving people, the Qashqai prioritises utility with clever storage and a user-friendly load area that makes family life easier. The XC40 counters with smart solutions and a tidy, well-finished cargo space that suits owners who want practicality without compromising style. In short, one leans toward everyday versatility while the other balances utility with a premium feel.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Ownership: Daily Costs and Ease

Living with the Qashqai tends to feel straightforward and budget-friendly, with an emphasis on low fuss and dependable running characteristics that suit routine motoring. The XC40 brings a touch more polish to ownership, including a sense of premium service and finishes that some buyers will happily pay for. Your priorities—frugal practicality or a more elevated ownership experience—will steer which one makes more sense for you.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Who Should Drive Which

Choose the Qashqai if you’re a family-focused buyer or commuter who values comfort, sensible packaging and uncomplicated everyday usability; it’s the kind of car that quietly handles the daily grind. The XC40 is aimed at style-conscious drivers who want a compact SUV with a premium presence, engaging road manners and an interior that feels a step up. Flip a coin if you must, but read on — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed next and you won’t want to miss who takes the crown.

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

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Nissan Qashqai has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29400 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 7371 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Nissan Qashqai manages with 5.10 L and is therefore noticeable more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 1.40 L per 100 km.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

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 has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 197 HP compared to 190 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

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

In terms of top speed, the Nissan Qashqai performs somewhat better – reaching 206 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 26 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Nissan Qashqai pulls slight stronger with 330 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm difference.

Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

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 curb weight, Nissan Qashqai is a bit lighter – 1420 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 268 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Nissan Qashqai offers a bit more room – 504 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 52 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Nissan Qashqai performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1447 L, which is about 119 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 slight takes the win – 532 kg compared to 520 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Nissan Qashqai shows itself to be wins the duel decisively 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 £29,400
Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Nissan Qashqai

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 140 - 190 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.8 L

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai blends practical, family-friendly packaging with SUV styling that refuses to shout, making it a sensible and dependable choice for everyday life. It’s comfortable to live with, economical on the road, and neatly equipped enough to feel modern without ever feeling precious — perfect if you want crossover versatility without the drama.

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Volvo XC40

5 (1)
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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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Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40
Qashqai @ Nissan Motor Corporation
XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Consumption

Price
29400 - 42500 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
116 - 154 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 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
1420 - 1665 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4425 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1835 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1625 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1422 - 1447 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
466 - 520 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 190 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.9 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
170 - 206 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
240 - 330 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 140 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1497 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Nissan
Brand
Volvo
Is the Nissan Qashqai offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include 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.