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Volvo XC40 vs Subaru Impreza comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 30,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Subaru Impreza?

Volvo XC40 vs Subaru Impreza: Key differences

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Subaru Impreza

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • marginally 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

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

XC40

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Subaru Impreza is visibly cheaper – starting at 30,300 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,597 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC40 uses 6.5 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Subaru Impreza with 7.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

Impreza

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 Volvo XC40 offers visibly 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 noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Subaru Impreza takes 10.6 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers visibly more torque with 300 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 118 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, Subaru Impreza is marginally lighter – 1,574 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 114 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries marginally more – 532 kg compared to 526 kg. That’s a difference of about 6 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC40 stands 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.

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

Frequently compared as well

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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
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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
Subaru Impreza

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
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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

Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza feels like a trusty companion built for everyday adventures, shrugging off bad weather and awkward parking with quiet competence. It won't win any style contests, but its sensible cabin, grippy manners, and honest driving character make it a smart pick for buyers who prefer substance over flash.

details
csm_24MY_Impreza_Sport_-_3_33d643cf2c

Reviews Subaru Impreza

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Volvo XC40
Subaru Impreza

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
30,300 - 32,500 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
166 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
1,574 - 1,599 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
315 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,780 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
501 - 526 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
10.6 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
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
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.