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Volvo XC40 vs Nissan Leaf comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 217 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 30,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Nissan Leaf?

Volvo XC40 vs Nissan Leaf: Key differences

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit lighter
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Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • marginally more power
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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

XC40

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Nissan Leaf is visibly cheaper – starting at 30,800 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,091 £.

Leaf

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 Nissan Leaf offers marginally more power – delivering 217 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 20 HP more horsepower.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 7.6 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Leaf delivers somewhat more torque with 355 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 55 Nm more.

XC40

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is a bit lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,864 kg. The difference is around 176 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries slightly more – 532 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 88 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Leaf 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 £30,800
Leaf

Nissan Leaf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 176 - 217 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 436 - 624 km
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Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40
VS
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 …
Skoda Karoq
Volvo XC40
VS
The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …
Volvo XC40
Nissan Leaf

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

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a practical, easygoing electric hatch that turns daily commutes into a quiet, effortless affair while offering more cabin space than it lets on. It’s a sensible, wallet-friendly step into electrification for buyers who value comfort and simplicity over sporty drama, though those chasing long-distance thrills might look elsewhere.

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Reviews Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
Mir
12 Mar 2026, 21:05:00

The author of this comparison probably doesn't read what they're writing. Almost 100 Nm is a small difference? XD And by the way, the Leaf is listed at 6.9 s to the first 100 km/h while the rival is over 8 s — that's not a small difference… it's a shame to read this comparison with so many mistakes; better to take a drive and judge for yourself.

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

Frequently compared as well

Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
VS
The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
Lexus NX
Volvo XC40
VS
The Lexus NX and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact luxury SUVs that blend premium craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The NX leans toward refined comfort and dependable hybrid tech, while the XC40 emphasizes clean Scandinavian design, clever packaging and class-leading safety—so choice …
Volvo EX40
Volvo XC40
VS
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 …
Volvo V60
Volvo XC40
VS
The Volvo V60 is a sleek, premium estate built for refined cruising and carrying larger loads, while the Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV focused on city agility, practicality and a taller driving position. Choosing between them comes down to whether you want wagon-style space and long-distance comfort …
Honda HR-V
Volvo XC40
VS
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, …
Peugeot 3008
Volvo XC40
VS
The Peugeot 3008 is the extrovert of the pair—bold styling, a quirky, techy interior and strong value that make it a fun crossover to live with, while the Volvo XC40 plays the long game with understated Scandinavian style, class-leading safety and a more premium feel. Pick the 3008 if you want …
Lexus LBX
Volvo XC40
VS
The Lexus LBX is a chic, compact premium crossover that trades the XC40's boxy utility for Japanese finesse — quieter, more refined and aimed at city buyers who value style and efficiency. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a more rugged, practical choice with more interior space, stronger safety tech …
Mazda CX-5
Volvo XC40
VS
The Mazda CX-5 and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact SUVs that blend style, comfort and day-to-day practicality for buyers who want a premium feel without stepping up to a large luxury brand. The CX-5 leans toward engaging driving dynamics and an upscale, tactile cabin, while the XC40 prioritizes …
Volvo XC40
Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
30,800 - 41,100 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
436 - 624 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
1,864 - 1,956 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
437 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,810 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
441 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
176 - 217 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
345 - 355 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Nissan
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.