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Volvo XC40 vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or VW Polo?

Volvo XC40 vs VW Polo: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
details

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly 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 Polo is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 24,647 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Polo uses 5.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.

Polo

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 Polo offers very slightly more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 10 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers very slightly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.

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 terms of curb weight, VW Polo is clearly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 545 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries slightly more – 532 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 75 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo is far ahead 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 £17,300
Polo

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
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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 …
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Volvo XC40
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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 (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

VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

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Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

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Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
116 - 148 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
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.