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Nissan Qashqai vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (205 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (29,600 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Qashqai or Volvo XC40?

Nissan Qashqai vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • somewhat 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

Qashqai

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
VW T-Roc
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, family-friendly compact SUV — roomy, quietly comfortable and packed with practical tech for long motorway miles. The VW T-Roc swaps a little rear-seat space for cheeky styling and sharper handling, so if you want personality and a bit more driver engagement it’s …
Volvo EX40
Volvo XC40
VS
The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC40 put two sides of Volvo’s compact-SUV line-up head-to-head: the EX40 is a dedicated electric model focused on efficiency, range and modern tech, while the XC40 is a versatile compact SUV available with petrol, hybrid and electric options that delivers a more traditional …

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

Qashqai

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.

Nissan Qashqai is significantly cheaper – starting at 29,600 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,300 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Nissan Qashqai uses 4.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 L/100km.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Qashqai offers very slightly more power – delivering 205 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 8 HP more horsepower.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 7.6 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Qashqai delivers only slightly more torque with 330 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.

Qashqai

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, Nissan Qashqai is somewhat lighter – 1,420 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 268 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries very slightly more – 532 kg compared to 516 kg. That’s a difference of about 16 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Qashqai 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 £29,600
Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 158 - 205 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
details
Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover that blends everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed driving experience and a smart, well finished interior. It feels sensible and versatile for city life and longer trips, appealing to buyers who want a reliable, low fuss family car.

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13. New refreshed Qashqai 2024 in fuji sunset color driving on the road in Faro, Portugal
3. New refreshed Qashqai 2024 in fuji sunset color driving on the road in Faro, Portugal
9-High
All-New Nissan Qashqai - Interior 32

Reviews Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (3 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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223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl

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

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
Renault Captur
VS
The Nissan Qashqai stays the sensible family favourite — roomier, better built and more composed on the motorway, so it’s the pick if you value comfort and practicality without drama. The Renault Captur, meanwhile, charms with bolder styling, clever packaging and nippier city manners (usually for …
Lexus NX
Volvo XC40
VS
The Lexus NX and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact luxury SUVs that blend premium craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The NX leans toward refined comfort and dependable hybrid tech, while the XC40 emphasizes clean Scandinavian design, clever packaging and class-leading safety—so choice …
Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
VS
The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
Skoda Karoq
Volvo XC40
VS
The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …
Volvo EC40
Volvo XC40
VS
The Volvo C40 and Volvo XC40 are closely related compact Volvos that deliver strong safety, premium interiors and modern tech, but they take different routes: the C40 is a coupe‑styled, electric‑first model focused on design and emission‑free driving, while the XC40 is a more conventional SUV …
Nissan Qashqai
Opel Grandland
VS
The Nissan Qashqai feels sharper on the road with refined handling and clever packaging, while the Opel Grandland answers with a roomier cabin and bolder looks that’ll please practical families. Pick the Qashqai for polished tech and a composed daily drive, choose the Grandland if you want more …
Hyundai Tucson
Volvo XC40
VS
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 …
MG ZS
Nissan Qashqai
VS
Cheap and cheerful, the MG ZS punches above its price with a roomy, gadget-heavy cabin and surprisingly sprightly electric options, while the Nissan Qashqai feels more grown-up — quieter, better driven and tougher to fault on long motorway runs. Pick the ZS if you want maximum kit for your money; …
Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,600 - 39,900 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
98 - 152 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,624 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,835 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 516 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
158 - 205 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
260 - 330 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
116 - 151 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Nissan
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the Nissan Qashqai?

The Nissan Qashqai is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.