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Volvo XC40 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Subaru Forester?

Volvo XC40 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
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.

Subaru Forester is markedly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,200 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC40 uses 6.5 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.

Forester

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 offers noticeably more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 61 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 4.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers markedly more torque with 300 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 118 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 marginally lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 5 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries barely more – 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 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 £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

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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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Volvo XC40
Subaru Forester

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

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
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

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

3.8 (3 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.

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Volvo XC40
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
183 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
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Subaru
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.