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Subaru Forester vs Volvo EX40 comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (34,700 £ vs 42,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Volvo EX40?

Subaru Forester vs Volvo EX40: Key differences

Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
  • a bit more trunk space

Volvo EX40

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h

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

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Subaru Forester is visibly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 42,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,143 £.

EX40

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 EX40 offers substantially more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 306 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX40 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 7.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX40 delivers considerably more torque with 670 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 488 Nm more.

Forester

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, Subaru Forester is visibly lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 2,040 kg. The difference is around 347 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers a bit more boot space – 508 L compared to 410 L. That’s a difference of about 98 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries marginally more – 492 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 holds a decisive overall lead 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 £42,800
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 480 - 576 km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 wraps Scandinavian calm and clever practicality into a compact electric package that feels both premium and refreshingly uncomplicated. It's the grown-up answer to flashier rivals — a safe, comfy, and city-friendly EV with thoughtful tech that makes everyday driving quietly satisfying.

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Reviews Volvo EX40

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Subaru Forester
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Price
42,800 - 58,200 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
480 - 576 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
67 - 79 kWh
co2
183 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
4,440 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
1,647 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,400 L
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
430 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with 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.