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Renault Austral vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (200 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (29,900 £ vs 36,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Austral or Volvo XC40?

Renault Austral vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Renault Austral

4.9 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • only slightly more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • marginally lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space

Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h

By Achim Sedelmaier

Austral

Renault Austral vs Volvo XC40: A Showdown in the Compact SUV Segment

The compact SUV market is more competitive than ever, and two models that particularly stand out are the Renault Austral and the Volvo XC40. Both vehicles offer a blend of performance, comfort, and style, but each takes a unique approach to achieving these goals. In this comparison, we'll take a deep dive into the technical aspects and innovations of these two striking SUVs.

XC40

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The Renault Austral comes equipped with both petrol mild-hybrid and full hybrid options. Engine power outputs range from 158 to 200 HP, and its fuel efficiency is notable with consumption figures as low as 4.7 L/100 km for the hybrid variant. Acceleration for the Austral is competent, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds for the hybrid model, with a maximum speed of 174 km/h.

In contrast, the Volvo XC40 is powered by a petrol mild-hybrid engine, producing between 163 and 197 HP. Its consumption rate is slightly higher at 6.5 L/100 km, which positions it as a less fuel-efficient choice compared to the Austral's hybrid option. However, the XC40 compensates with a peppier acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, and offers a slightly higher top speed of 180 km/h.

Austral

Design and Dimensions

Both vehicles are five-seaters with a design orientated around functionality and style. The Renault Austral measures 4510 mm in length, 1825 mm in width, and 1618 mm in height, offering spaciousness without feeling overbearing. It boasts a sizable trunk capacity ranging from 430 to 500 liters.

The Volvo XC40, while shorter in length at 4425 mm, is wider at 1863 mm and taller at 1652 mm, lending it a robust and roomy cabin feel. This model provides a trunk capacity of 452 liters, which is slightly more accommodating than the base model of the Austral. Both vehicles come with five doors, which enhances accessibility and convenience.

XC40

Innovative Features and Comfort

Renault has focused on efficiency with the Austral, particularly through its hybrid technology which not only enhances fuel economy but also reduces CO2 emissions to 105 g/km in the hybrid variant. This is notably one of the Austral’s unique selling points, considering environmental awareness is more critical than ever.

The Volvo XC40 positions itself as a tech-forward vehicle with its dual-clutch automatic transmission and robust safety features that Volvo has been renowned for. Its emissions are a bit higher at 147 g/km, but the vehicle compensates with a seamless driving experience supported by Volvo’s reputation for creating comfortable, safe cars.

Austral

Conclusion

Choosing between the Renault Austral and Volvo XC40 largely depends on the buyer's priorities. If fuel efficiency and hybrid technology are essential, the Renault Austral offers an impressive package. On the other hand, if acceleration and cutting-edge safety features are more important, the Volvo XC40 proves to be a superb choice. Both models bring their own strengths to the table, making it a truly exciting showdown in the compact SUV segment.

Frequently compared as well

Renault Austral
Renault Symbioz
VS
If you want a sensible, well-rounded family SUV you can actually drive home today, the Renault Austral is the clear choice — comfortable, efficient and unfussy. The Renault Symbioz, by contrast, is a futuristic concept car full of show-stopping ideas and tech, perfect for gawking at motor shows but …
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Austral

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Renault Austral is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,900 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 36,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,848 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Austral uses 4.8 L/100km and is visibly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.7 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 Renault Austral offers only slightly more power – delivering 200 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Renault Austral takes 8.4 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 180 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers barely more torque with 300 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.

Austral

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, Renault Austral is marginally lighter – 1,548 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 140 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Austral offers somewhat more boot space – 527 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Renault Austral offers noticeably more capacity – up to 1,736 L, about 408 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries moderately more – 532 kg compared to 477 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Austral is decisively ahead 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 £29,900
Austral

Renault Austral

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 148 - 200 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.8 - 6.4 L/100km
details
Renault Austral
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault Austral

The Renault Austral dresses the family SUV in elegant modern looks and a surprisingly grown-up cabin that feels thoughtful and livable. It balances comfort and clever technology with a relaxed road presence—an appealing choice for buyers who want style and everyday sense without fuss.

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Reviews Renault Austral

4.9 (5 Reviews)
rate

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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.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate

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Renault Austral
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,900 - 37,800 £
Price
36,800 - 47,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.8 - 6.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
109 - 145 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
1,548 - 1,613 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
527 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4,533 mm
Length
4,425 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
1,645 mm
Height
1,652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,736 L
Max trunk capacity
1,328 L
Payload
455 - 477 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
148 - 200 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
270 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
109 - 147 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,332 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Renault
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Renault Austral have?

The Renault Austral 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.