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Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 2 comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 476 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Polestar 2?

Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 2: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • clearly lighter
details

Polestar 2

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
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

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

XC40

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Volvo XC40 is barely cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Polestar 2 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,257 £.

2

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 Polestar 2 offers significantly more power – delivering 476 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 279 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 2 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Polestar 2 delivers substantially more torque with 740 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 440 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 clearly lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 2,069 kg. The difference is around 381 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries noticeably more – 532 kg compared to 421 kg. That’s a difference of about 111 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Polestar 2 is clearly superior 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 £45,200
2

Polestar 2

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 299 - 476 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.8 - 16.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 568 - 659 km
Volvo XC40
Polestar 2

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.

details

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 is a crisp, Scandinavian-styled electric liftback that pairs minimalist luxury with a focused, driver's attitude. It feels agile and composed whether you’re commuting or heading out for the weekend, with a tech-forward cabin and enough personality to make everyday driving a bit more fun.

details
Volvo XC40
Polestar 2

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
45,200 - 57,400 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 16.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
568 - 659 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
78 kWh
co2
148 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
2,069 - 2,188 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
405 L
Length
-
Length
4,606 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
1,473 - 1,479 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,095 L
Payload
532 kg
Payload
412 - 421 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
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
299 - 476 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
205 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
490 - 740 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
220 - 350 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Polestar
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.