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Subaru Forester vs Volvo XC40 - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (136 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (34700 £ vs 36800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Volvo XC40?

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate

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 has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34700 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2057 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Volvo XC40 manages with 6.50 L and is therefore noticeable more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.10 L. The difference is about 1.60 L per 100 km.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo XC40 has a distinct edge – offering 197 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 61 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 7.60 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.20 s. That’s about 4.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Subaru Forester performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 188 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 8 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Volvo XC40 pulls distinct stronger with 300 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 118 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, Volvo XC40 is hardly perceptible lighter – 1688 kg compared to 1693 kg. The difference is around 5 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Subaru Forester offers a bit more room – 508 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 56 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Subaru Forester performs evident better – up to 1731 L, which is about 403 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 slight takes the win – 532 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 40 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC40 sits 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.

Subaru Forester
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £36,800
XC40

Volvo XC40

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 163 - 197 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 6.50 L
details

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

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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Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
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.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate

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Volvo XC40
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Subaru Forester
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
34700 - 42200 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
8.10 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
48 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
1693 - 1739 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4670 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1830 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1730 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1679 - 1731 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.20 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
188 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1995 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Volvo

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What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is available as All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.