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The Volvo XC40 was first introduced in 2017 as a subcompact luxury crossover SUV and is the first Volvo based on the CMA (compact modular architecture) platform that is shared with other Volvo models, Geely models, and Lynk & Co models.
It is Volvo's best selling car in the UK and offers a great alternative to other premium SUVs such as the Audi Q2 or the BMW X3 thanks to the wide array of kit and features available across the range. It's also been expanded into hybrid and fully electric version - the Volvo XC40 Recharge.
The Volvo XC60 was first launched in 2008 and brought a new style for Volvo's 60 Series models. The first generation was refreshed in 2013 before a second generation launch in 2017. The second generation brought with it only four cylinder engines and the option to choose a hybrid and in the 2017-2018 year the Volvo XC60 was named Car of the Year Japan.
Our guide will compare the Volvo XC40 vs XC60 and highlight where they differ so that you can decide which will be best for you as your next car.
Looking at the XC60 and the XC40 it's easy to tell that they're related with similarities such as the silver protective cap kit, tinted rear windows, and the front grille insert with chrome frame.
The XC40 is supposedly inspired in part by small robots that the car's designer, Ian Kettle, saw in sci-fi movies. This is where the XC40 gets it smooth, clean lines that make it look muscular but not imposing come from.
There are small differences between the two models in aesthetic such as black roof rails on the XC60 and aluminium ones on the XC40, larger alloys when you upgrade your trim level on the XC60, and a power operated tailgate for easier access to the boot.
As well as looking good, both of these models are designed with users in mind with a flat loading bay and smart storage solutions to make using the car practical in every day life. The central armrest also has a removable section that you can utilise as a bin and the boot has a pop up divider to help keep shopping in place or separate different items.
The XC60 is 268mm longer and a fraction taller but the XC40 is 35mm wider which means that either model will give you ample interior space. Their headroom has only a few millimetres of difference in both the front and rear seats so you should find adult passengers can get comfortable in either Volvo SUV.
Both models also make it very easy to get comfortable as either the driver or a passenger with height adjustment and lumbar adjustment. The XC60 then upgrades the experience with heated seats and power functions for the seat support, which for some will be reason enough to choose it over the XC40.
The XC60 has 41 litres more cargo space than the XC40 does, although at 572 litres the XC40 is hardly short on space. This is a key difference between the two sibling models. Opting for hybrid (or electric) on each Volvo reduces the space a little to 598 for the XC60 and 413 for the XC40.
Folding the rear seats in either car opens the space up further to 1410 litres for the XC60 and 1328 litres for the XC40. Again these are reduced when you opt for a hybrid or electric as the electric battery is placed in the rear of the vehicle.
When comparing the Volvo XC40 vs XC60 both models have some shared standard equipment such as LED headlights, dual zone climate control, city safety features with steering assistance, cruise control, and a comprehensive number of airbags.
There are a few differences in equipment however with the XC60 having a few additional features included as standard when compared to its smaller sibling.
All Volvo XC60 models have built in Google Automotive Services with a 4 year data plan to use these and other enabled apps in the infotainment system. Whilst the Volvo, the current petrol XC40 appears to have these included it looks like the current models of the hybrid variants only have smartphone integration with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, not full Google Services.
The XC60 also has leather upholstery, front and rear park assist, a rear view camera, 18 inch alloy wheels, a 12.3 progressive driver's display, and heated seats to name a few. The XC40 has leather seats and these other options available form it's Plus trim onwards, adding £3550 onto your base cost.
The Volvo XC40 and the Volvo XC60 have a difference in engine offerings which gives them differing performances.
The XC40 has moved away from diesel and offers a pure electric or hybrid version in the XC40 Recharge and petrol versions with the normal XC40 model. The XC60, in comparison, still offers one diesel option alongside it's petrol variants and plug in hybrid XC60 Recharge model.
If you're looking for power then theXC60 Recharge will give you the best results. With two 2.0 litre engines offering 350HP and 455HP respectively compared to the 1.5 litre engines of the XC40 which offer 211HP and 262HP. These two options are also your best options for fuel economy too, with a combined mpg as high as 282.5 on both engines.
Looking at the petrol engines the XC60 again offers the most power with it's 2.0 litre 250HP option but it's the XC40 that has the better fuel economy here. It's front wheel drive engines both offer a combined mpg of 42.2 whilst the XC60 petrol engines both fall below 40mpg.
Both also offer all and front wheel drive on some of their engine options too which means that you can get the full SUV driving experience from either model.
However your greenest option is, obviously, the XC40 Pure Electric. It's probably the difference that it has to it's big brother. With 231HP it's maybe not quite as powerful as the XC60 plug in hybrids but it has an electric range of 263.5 miles and a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds.
Both the Volvo XC40 and the Volvo XC60 are a great option for your next family car. The XC60 has a little extra room and some additional standard equipment but the XC40 is more than well equipped with a slightly smaller price tag.
Our teams at our John Clark Volvo sites in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee are always on hand to help you with any further questions you might have had or to guide you through both models in person.
