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Renault Rafale vs Volvo XC40 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Renault Rafale or Volvo XC40 fits your lifestyle better.

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

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Volvo XC40 has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 36800 £, while the Renault Rafale costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 780 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Rafale manages with 0.60 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 5.90 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 Renault Rafale has a noticeable edge – offering 300 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 103 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 6.40 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 1.20 s faster.

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

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

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, Volvo XC40 is barely noticeable lighter – 1688 kg compared to 1734 kg. The difference is around 46 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Rafale offers noticeable more room – 627 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 175 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Rafale performs noticeable better – up to 1910 L, which is about 582 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 to a small extent takes the win – 532 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 88 kg.

Who wins the race?

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

from about £37,500
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.6 - 5 L
  • Electric Range : 97 km
details

Renault Rafale

5 (3)
rate

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

details
3889762baac06bae2df96037b1f6e225-l @ Renault Group Media
cfebb339f4dc89e3dc217122d50fd1c5-l @ Renault Group Media
b2cc54a3ff665644e95268836bc0f658-l @ Renault Group Media

Volvo XC40

5 (2)
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
223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal @ Volvo Cars
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl @ Volvo Cars

Reviews Renault Rafale

Martin 4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
37500 - 49500 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
97 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
14 - 109 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
1734 - 2025 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4710 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1886 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1613 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
415 - 444 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Renault
Brand
Volvo

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What drive types are available for the Renault Rafale?

The Renault Rafale is offered with All-Wheel Drive or 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.