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Renault Austral vs Volvo XC40 – Differences & prices compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Austral or Volvo XC40?

Austral @ Renault Group Media

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 @ Volvo Cars

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 @ Renault Group Media

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 @ Volvo Cars

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 @ Renault Group Media

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.

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

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

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.

Renault Austral has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 7020 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Austral manages with 4.80 L and is therefore clearly perceptible more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 1.70 L per 100 km.

Austral @ Renault Group Media

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 has a minimal edge – offering 200 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 7.60 s, while the Renault Austral takes 8.40 s. That’s about 0.80 s faster.

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

There’s also a difference in torque: Volvo XC40 pulls minimal stronger with 300 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm difference.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

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, Renault Austral is minimal lighter – 1539 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 149 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Austral offers to a small extent more room – 555 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 103 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Austral performs noticeable better – up to 1761 L, which is about 433 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 a bit takes the win – 532 kg compared to 477 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Renault Austral proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Renault Austral is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £29,700
Austral @ Renault Group Media

Renault Austral

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 158 - 200 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.8 - 6.5 L

Renault Austral

5 (2)
rate

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.

details

Volvo XC40

5 (1)
rate

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.

details
Renault Austral
Volvo XC40
Austral @ Renault Group Media
XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Consumption

Price
29700 - 37800 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.8 - 6.5 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
109 - 148 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
1539 - 1613 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
527 - 555 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4533 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1825 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1645 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1736 - 1761 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
464 - 477 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
158 - 200 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 9.7 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
116 - 147 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1332 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Renault
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Renault Austral have?

Available configurations include Front-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.