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Volvo XC40 vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or VW Passat?

Volvo XC40 vs VW Passat: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (5 Reviews)
rate
details

VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely 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:

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

VW Passat is slightly cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,443 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 5.3 L/100km.

Passat

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 VW Passat offers clearly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 75 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Passat is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 7.1 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Passat delivers markedly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 100 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, VW Passat is barely lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 115 kg.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries marginally more – 577 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat is decisively ahead 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 124 - 135 km
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Frequently compared as well

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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 …
Volvo EX40
Volvo XC40
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Choosing between the Volvo EX40 and XC40 is basically a choice between new‑school electric chic and old‑school SUV versatility: the EX40 is the fresh, all‑electric, city‑savvy compact with the latest tech and low running costs, while the XC40 is the tougher, more familiar compact that still offers …
Volvo XC40
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo XC40

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.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (5 Reviews)
rate
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

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

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Reviews VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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Volvo XC40
VS
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Choose the VW Golf Estate if you want a sprightly, city-friendly load-lugger with surprising practicality and lower running costs — it’s the clever, no-nonsense family carrier that still feels fun to drive. Opt for the VW Passat when space, comfort and motorway composure matter most — bigger, more …
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Volvo XC40
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
148 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
45 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
4,917 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
1,521 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,770 L
Payload
532 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
220 - 225 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Volvo
Brand
VW
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.