VS

Vauxhall Frontera vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or Volvo XC40?

Vauxhall Frontera vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • visibly lighter
details

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • 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

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Vauxhall Frontera is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,171 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Vauxhall Frontera uses 5.2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 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 markedly more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 52 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers clearly more torque with 300 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 70 Nm more.

Frontera

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is visibly lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 294 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries very slightly more – 570 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Vauxhall Frontera stands well ahead of its rival 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 £20,700
Frontera

Vauxhall Frontera

  • Engine Type Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 110 - 145 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.2 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 308 - 400 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
VS
Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …
Vauxhall Frontera
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

details
NewOpelFronteraElectric
NewOpelFronteraElectric (1)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (2)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (3)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (4)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (5)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

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
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

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

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.

details
223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
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

Opel Frontera
Opel Grandland
VS
The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
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 …
Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40
VS
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 …
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
VS
If you want unashamedly rugged, the Opel Frontera still wears its rough‑and‑ready off‑road badge with chunky looks and simple, go‑anywhere mechanics, whereas the Peugeot 2008 plays the smarter, city‑first crossover with sleek styling and the tech you actually use every day. Pick the Frontera 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 …
Opel Frontera
Renault R4
VS
Choosing between the Opel Frontera and the Renault 4 is a clash of eras and purpose: the Frontera brings 1990s SUV practicality and off‑road capability, while the Renault 4 (commonly called the R4) offers lightweight simplicity and economical charm. This comparison will focus on how their design, …
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 …
Vauxhall Frontera
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 118 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Vauxhall Frontera have?

The Vauxhall Frontera is available as 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.