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Volvo XC40 vs Mazda CX-5 comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 141 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 30,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Mazda CX-5?

Volvo XC40 vs Mazda CX-5: Key differences

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • very slightly more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
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Mazda CX-5

4.7 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • only slightly lighter
details

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

XC40

Overview: Mazda CX-5 VS Volvo XC40

Mazda CX-5 and Volvo XC40 take different routes to the same goal: a calm, capable compact SUV that works for everyday life. The Mazda CX-5 leans into space and straightforward usability — it feels like a family car first, with lots of room and a sensible layout. The Volvo XC40 trades a bit of raw luggage space for a more polished, premium atmosphere and clever interior details that reward daily chores. Both aim to be comfortable and safe, but the CX-5 prioritises utility while the XC40 prioritises refinement and a composed on-road demeanour. This matchup is less about which is better and more about which compromises you prefer in everyday ownership.

CX-5

Driving character and dynamics

The Mazda CX-5 drives with a predictability that reassures—steering feels responsive and the chassis is tuned toward comfort rather than excitement. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 presents an even more relaxed, easy-going personality: steering is very light and the car encourages relaxed cruising over sporty inputs. Where Mazda can feel a touch underpowered and sounds more strained under hard acceleration, the XC40 keeps the experience smooth and steady, at the cost of directness and driver feedback. If you want a car that feels connected rather than floated, the CX-5 tends to suit that taste; if you prefer to be eased along with the minimum of fuss, the XC40 will feel more natural.

XC40

Comfort and long-distance behavior

On long drives the Mazda CX-5 rewards occupants with roomy back seats and accommodating seats that make multi-hour trips manageable, though the engine becomes noticeably louder when pushed. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, composes itself beautifully at motorway speeds: it isolates wind and road noise well and feels very settled on extended runs. The CX-5’s softer overall ride occasionally allows more body motion over rolling surfaces, while the XC40 trades a touch of suppleness for superior high-speed serenity. For families regularly doing long stints, the CX-5’s space is a big win; for commuters seeking a quiet, relaxed cruiser, the XC40 has the edge.

CX-5

Practicality and family usability

When family practicality is the priority, the Mazda CX-5 wins on everyday details: wider rear doors, easier child-seat access and a flexible rear bench that makes loading people and kit simpler. The Volvo XC40 answers with clever cabin tricks — thoughtful storage, a foldable load floor and practical hooks — but its rear and boot space feel smaller and more curated than expansive. Mazda’s cargo layout is straightforward and forgiving for strollers and luggage, whereas the XC40’s solutions feel more boutique and tidy for daily shopping runs. So pick the CX-5 if you want raw, useable space; pick the XC40 if you value clever packaging and a neater, more premium-feeling load area.

XC40

Cabin feel, materials and infotainment

The Volvo XC40 consistently feels more premium inside thanks to solid materials and a cleaner, Scandinavian design that reads as higher quality at first glance. The Mazda CX-5 keeps the cabin simple and comfortable but shows more economical plastics in places, even though its layout is spacious and functional. Both cars push touchscreen-based controls, but Mazda’s larger, Google-integrated system brings modern connectivity and over-the-air updates at the expense of some physical controls, while the XC40’s interface is tidier yet more conservative about wireless smartphone mirroring. If tactile quality and a premium feel matter most, the XC40 will please; if up-to-date connectivity and sheer functionality top your list, the CX-5 is more compelling.

CX-5

Buyer fit: who should choose which

If your priority is family practicality, ease of loading and a roomy rear for kids and luggage, the Mazda CX-5 is the pragmatic pick that makes daily life simpler. If you prize a composed motorway experience, a more premium cabin and clever in-car details that feel refined, the Volvo XC40 is the better match. City drivers who favour light steering and a polished urban-to-highway transition will like the XC40; households that need space, simple ergonomics and straightforward tech will lean toward the CX-5. Read on to the technical comparison for the specific trade-offs in power, economy and dimensions that will confirm which of these tendencies matters most to you.

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40
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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

XC40

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mazda CX-5 is markedly cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,914 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC40 uses 6.5 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

CX-5

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 Volvo XC40 offers visibly more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 56 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 2.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers markedly more torque with 300 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 62 Nm more.

XC40

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, Mazda CX-5 is only slightly lighter – 1,629 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 59 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries moderately more – 601 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 69 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC40 is clearly ahead overall 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 £41,900
XC40

Volvo XC40

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 163 - 197 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 6.5 L/100km
details
Volvo XC40
Mazda CX-5

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
Pim de Bruijn
15 Jun 2026, 14:27:59

After many new Volvos — including a V70 and an XC90 — I've now bought a lightly used XC40 from the dealer. In every respect it was the best choice.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 blends sporty handling with a refined, premium interior, making everyday driving feel engaging and comfortable. It pairs stylish design and thoughtful cabin materials with user-friendly tech to deliver a well-rounded compact SUV that suits drivers who want more driver involvement without sacrificing practicality.

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Reviews Mazda CX-5

4.7 (11 Reviews)
rate
Ghighi
26 Jul 2026, 15:53:31

Mazda is much better designed. Audis are pretty ugly overall, especially the "Q" series.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Marc Adriaans
4 Jun 2026, 13:04:31

I've been driving Mazdas for about ten years now without problems and with a lot of enjoyment. The last 3.5 years in a CX‑5. A really nice, smooth car that can tow quite a bit too, although I wouldn't recommend doing that with the FWD because it lacks grip on the front axle — so if you fit a towbar always choose the AWD. The only downside I can think of, after long consideration, is... nothing 🤔

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Bengt
25 Jan 2026, 14:05:09

I've owned several Volvos, but I drive a Mazda now and would never switch back.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC40 put two sides of Volvo’s compact-SUV line-up head-to-head: the EX40 is a dedicated electric model focused on efficiency, range and modern tech, while the XC40 is a versatile compact SUV available with petrol, hybrid and electric options that delivers a more traditional …
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The Honda HR-V is the clever, pragmatic compact SUV — roomy, economical and built for cost‑conscious buyers who want sensible packaging without fuss. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, feels like a grown‑up’s treat: pricier but wrapped in Scandinavian style, class‑leading safety tech and a premium cabin, …
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The trusted Mazda CX-5 takes on the new, electrified Mazda CX-6e in a straight-up duel of everyday usability, driving feel and running costs. We drive them back-to-back to see which one gives you the sharper handling, smarter packaging and better value for your money — and which is just prettier on …
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The Ford Kuga is the sensible all‑rounder — roomy, loaded with hybrid options and family-friendly tech — while the Mazda CX‑5 plays the premium card with richer materials and more engaging steering. Choose the Kuga for practicality and efficiency, the CX‑5 if you want style, refinement and a …
Volvo XC40
Mazda CX-5

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
157 - 169 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
466 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,860 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
566 - 601 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
141 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
238 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
104 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Mazda
What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 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.