VS

Volvo XC40 vs VW Golf Variant - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (197 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (36800 £ vs 26100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or VW Golf Variant?

Volvo XC40

5 (3 Reviews)
rate

VW Golf Variant

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.

VW Golf Variant has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26100 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10624 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf Variant manages with 4.30 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 2.20 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant

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 VW Golf Variant has a significantly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 2.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf Variant performs distinct better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf Variant pulls evident stronger with 420 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 120 Nm difference.

XC40

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf Variant is distinct lighter – 1366 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers evident more room – 611 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 159 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs somewhat better – up to 1642 L, which is about 314 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf Variant minimal takes the win – 547 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 15 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf Variant proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf Variant is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £26,100
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 8.2 L
Volvo XC40
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Volvo XC40

5 (3 Reviews)
rate

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

details

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

details
Volvo XC40
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

Price
36800 - 47200 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
147 - 148 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1688 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
452 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4425 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1863 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1652 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
532 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1969 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Volvo
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.