@ Volvo Cars
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Volvo XC40 vs VW T-Roc – Which car suits you better?

Two cars, one duel: Volvo XC40 meets VW T-Roc.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

First Look: Scandinavian Calm vs. Continental Zing

The moment you walk up to the two, you get two very different promises — the Volvo XC40 presents itself with a quiet, understated confidence, while the VW T‑Roc trades subtlety for a cheeky, more expressive stance. Materials and finishes feel deliberately different: one leans toward premium restraint, the other toward youthful, urban energy. That contrast sets the tone for buyers who care more about cultivated presence versus playful character.

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

City Living: Nimbleness and Everyday Sense

In tight urban environments the T‑Roc shows its strengths with a perky, easy-going nature that makes threading through traffic and parking feel less of a chore, whereas the XC40 rewards you with a steadier, more assured ride that soaks up city irregularities without fuss. Visibility and ergonomics are tuned for different priorities — one favors rapid, confident moves, the other prioritizes a calmer, more composed approach to daily driving. Both are practical for town life, but they suit slightly different temperaments behind the wheel.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Long Drives: Comfort That Keeps You Going

On long stretches the XC40 leans into comfort with seats and suspension that encourage relaxed miles and a cabin mood that resists fatigue, while the T‑Roc keeps things a touch livelier, which can be engaging or tiring depending on how you like to cruise. Noise insulation and body composure underline the XC40’s focus on serene travel, while the T‑Roc’s firmer setup rewards drivers who prefer more direct feedback. Pick the one that complements your touring style rather than your headline stat sheet.

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Cabin Life: Everyday Practicality and Usability

Both cabins are built with real-life use in mind, but they solve everyday tasks differently: the XC40 favors thoughtful, minimalist storage and a calm control layout, while the T‑Roc mixes clever cubbies with a more conventional, user-friendly switchgear approach. Infotainment and interface logic feel intuitive in their own ways — one asks you to slow down and appreciate the design, the other gets you up and running with minimal fuss. For families and commuters, the decision will come down to how you prefer to interact with the car day in, day out.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Behind the Wheel: Poise Versus Playfulness

Drive the XC40 and you’ll notice a composed, confidence-inspiring temperament that encourages relaxed progress without drama; the T‑Roc answers with a lighter, more reactive personality that makes city corners feel like opportunities rather than chores. Steering and suspension tuning highlight those differences rather than contradict them, so the experience really becomes a matter of taste. Both are competent, but they reward different styles of driving pleasure.

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Value, Ownership and Who It Suits

Perceived quality, running sensibilities and standard spec levels shape each car’s appeal: the Volvo leans toward buyers who prize refinement and a polished ownership feel, while the T‑Roc will attract shoppers who want a sprightly, sensible package that slots neatly into everyday life. Consider who you are — daily commuter, style-conscious urbanite, or family ferry — and the purchase rationale becomes clearer. Either way, both offer sensible packages that deserve consideration on their own terms.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Ask Yourself: Which One Matches Your Life?

If you prize serene refinement and a calm long-distance companion, your instincts will pull one way; if you crave a chirpier, more extroverted companion for city life, you’ll head the other. Neither is an obvious misfit in normal family or commuter roles, but their personalities are distinct enough that preference matters more than specs. Keep reading to see how our judges scored them — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards.

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

T-Roc @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 T-Roc has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26400 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 10324 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW T-Roc manages with 5.50 L and is therefore somewhat more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 1 L per 100 km.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

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 has a evident edge – offering 197 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 47 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.60 s, while the VW T-Roc takes 8.90 s. That’s about 1.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW T-Roc performs a bit better – reaching 212 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 32 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Volvo XC40 pulls to a small extent stronger with 300 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 50 Nm difference.

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 T-Roc is to a small extent lighter – 1465 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 223 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW T-Roc offers hardly perceptible more room – 475 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 23 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW T-Roc performs barely noticeable better – up to 1350 L, which is about 22 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 slight takes the win – 532 kg compared to 515 kg. That’s a difference of about 17 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Volvo XC40 shows itself to be only a minor advantage and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £36,800
XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Volvo XC40

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 163 - 197 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 6.50 L
details

Volvo XC40

5 (1)
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
223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal @ Volvo Cars
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl @ Volvo Cars

VW T-Roc

5 (2)
rate

The VW T-Roc mixes cheeky, coupe-like styling with the everyday sense and space of an SUV, so it looks fun without sacrificing family sense. It’s a likeable all-rounder with tidy road manners and plenty of personality, ideal if you want a car that’s practical enough for chores but entertaining enough to enjoy.

details
DB2022AU00087_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2022AU00088_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2022AU00086_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2022AU00095_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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Costs and Consumption
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Price
26400 - 38000 £
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.3 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
147 - 148 g/km
co2
126 - 143 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
2 - 5
Curb weight
1688 kg
Curb weight
1465 - 1539 kg
Trunk capacity
452 L
Trunk capacity
284 - 475 L
Length
4425 mm
Length
4271 - 4373 mm
Width
1863 mm
Width
1811 - 1828 mm
Height
1652 mm
Height
1527 - 1573 mm
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Max trunk capacity
1350 L
Payload
532 kg
Payload
368 - 515 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV
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
115 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 - 12.3 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
187 - 212 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
200 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
85 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1969 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D
Brand
Volvo
Brand
VW

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What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.