Nissan Ariya Vs. Volvo XC40: Which One Wins?

From small to large, sports utility vehicles are a popular category of cars. If you want such a versatile ride and safeguard the environment at the same time, an electric SUV is your best bet. With new models emerging each year, picking the best EV can be tough. Nissan and Volvo are not the top contenders, but they bring serious competition to the game. Here’s how their top electric SUVs, the Nissan Ariya vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge, compare.

Nissan Ariya Vs. Volvo XC40: Side-by-Side Comparison

Nissan Ariya Vs. Volvo XC40: What’s the Difference?

Ariya, Nissan’s first electric SUV, was introduced in July 2020 and originally scheduled for a 2021 release. However, due to production delays, the car only joined the automaker’s EV lineup in 2022 as a 2023 model. Similar to Nissan Leaf, Ariya is a roomy automobile ideal for families and adventurers. It comes in dual- or all-wheel drive. The former appeals to EV enthusiasts who don’t want to break the bank, although neither trim is exactly affordable.

Volvo XC40 Recharge is the pure electric version of the popular XC40 SUV. The differences in design between the conventional, hybrid, and electric models are minimal. Unless you’re an avid fan, you’ll unlikely spot them. This could be a plus or a downside, depending on how much you want your vehicle to scream “eco-friendly.” But even if passersby can tell whether you’re driving an EV, rest assured, this is a solid green option. The only true downside is the price. The XC40 Recharge is more expensive than Ariya, even though they have a similar performance and capacity.

Performance

The first thing folks typically check when buying a new car is performance. Whether you want speed or range, Nissan Ariya and Volvo XC40 Recharge don’t differ much. However, even if not major, the differences might make you prefer one model over the other.

Ariya impresses with a top speed of up to 124 miles per hour despite having a powertrain slightly weaker than XC40. The max power you can get is 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of instant torque on the Platinum+ E-4ORCE AWD. By comparison, the XC40 Recharge delivers 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of instant torque, yet, its max speed tops at 112 miles per hour.

Despite these differences, acceleration is similar between the two. Ariya goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. Volvo XC40 Recharge is slightly faster, going from 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds. Both vehicles come in FWD and AWD variants. The former is perfect for the city and road trips. The latter is ideal for off-road adventures. Once again, slight differences make it hard to choose between the two.

Ariya features larger tires. Entry-level trims come equipped with 19-inch wheels, while the high-end trims feature 20-inch wheels. The XC40 Recharge comes with 18-inch wheels on the entry-level trims and 19-inch wheels on the top-tier ones. One inch isn’t much of a difference, but it is enough to win Nissan points for traction.

Meanwhile, XC40 Recharge boasts a ground clearance of 7.1 inches, making it better for off-roading than Ariya, which has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Eventually, it comes down to the terrains you want to tackle. You can get good traction from either car, but you can’t increase Nissan’s ground clearance.

Range and Charging

The range is just as crucial as performance in an electric vehicle. In fact, the range is one aspect that can break the tie between the two SUVs. Ariya wins this round with up to 304 miles per charge, which is about the same as Tesla Model Y‘s Performance.

With its twin motor, the XC40 Recharge only goes as far as 223 miles per charge. However, the XC40 wins in the charging speed department. Volvo’s battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in about 37 minutes, whereas Nissan Ariya needs up to 40 minutes to go from 20 to 80 percent at a fast charging station.

At home or 120V outlets, Ariya needs more than 28 hours to charge fully. Despite the Level 1 charging, Volvo XC40 Recharge only needs around eight hours to go from zero to 100 percent battery when charging it at home.

Safety

As expected from modern cars, Nissan Ariya and Volvo XC40 Recharge pack a host of driver assistance and safety features. Both include adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. They also boast pedestrian and cyclist detection systems, as well as lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning.

One difference is Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 driver-assistance technology that is available as optional. With this system, you can enable hands-free driving mode when the cruise control is active. This mode works only in certain driving scenarios, but it can take some of the burden off of you.

Both EVs come with plenty of sensors and cameras, including blind-spot traffic detection and park assistance.

Technology

Infotainment is a big part of any car today, and Nissan Ariya and Volvo XC40 Recharge are no different. While each vehicle uses a different system, they have similar capabilities.

For its part, Nissan Ariya features a 12.3-inch customizable touchscreen. The “Hello Nissan” system allows you to interact with the proprietary voice assistant whenever needed. But that’s not it, as you’ll also get built-in Alexa. The Sirius-based platform is compatible with AppleCar and Android Auto, too, so you can connect to your handset for media access and hands-free calls.

Another highlight is the heads-up display that shows the essential info at eye level. With this function, you’ll never have to take your eyes off the road. For an all-around experience in the car, the BOSE audio system delivers incredibly clear sounds.

The XC40 Recharge comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The old-school appearance makes it seem smaller. Design considerations aside, the best thing about this system is the built-in Google. You can access Google Maps and Google Assistant without having to connect to your handset first.

You can sync all of your Google accounts as the system is compatible with Android Auto and AppleCar. Audio quality is delivered by Harman Kardon Premium speakers, which are comparable to BOSE in quality. Overall, both systems are intuitive, but you’ll like Ariya better if clean lines are important to you.

Comfort

Nissan Ariya and Volvo XC40 Recharge are compact crossovers that bring lots of comfort for all passengers. Each vehicle has a capacity of five passengers, with plenty of head and legroom at the front and at the rear.

The difference is in design. Volvo XC40 Recharge maintains the retro lines seen in its conventional and hybrid trims. This somewhat limits the room for the front passengers. You’ll also have to settle for 16 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are up, which is kind of limiting for a vehicle this size.

Nissan Ariya features a lounge-style design that provides ample room to the front passengers. The cargo space is also more generous, at 22.8 cubic feet. These details make Ariya a better choice for families and adventurers who want to stay on the road for long periods.

Price

If you’re reading and still haven’t made up your mind, the price might turn the odds in one’s favor. With Japanese technology under its hood and an affordable price tag, Ariya wins this round. Its starting price is $43,190 for the basic, entry-level trim. For the top-of-the-range Evolve+ e-4ORCE AWD, you can expect a starting price of $54,190, but that’s still lower compared to Volvo.

The Swedish multinational is widely known for its durable cars, but they aren’t exactly economical. The XC40 Recharge starting price is $54,645, and that’s for the Core trim. The high-end Ultimate can cost you at least $60,595 without add-ons.

Both Nissan and Volvo offer lease and loan options. You can access them directly through the automaker or authorized dealers.

Nissan Ariya Vs. Volvo XC40: 5 Must-Know Facts

• Nissan Ariya is the automaker’s first pure electric SUV and one of the first electric vehicles in its lineup.
• Volvo XC40 Recharge is the pure electric variant of the popular XC40 SUV. The automaker first released the compact luxury crossover (in its conventional variant) in 2017.
• XC40 is the smallest SUV model from Volvo, a car perfect for families, cities, and adventurers who don’t need a massive vehicle.
• Nissan Ariya is spacious, quiet, and comes with an impressive range. However, it lacks power and is less exciting to drive than the XC40 recharge.
• Ariya brings convenience and is over $11,000 cheaper, providing a satisfying ride for its price.

Nissan Ariya Vs. Volvo XC40: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Get?

The odds are balanced in the Nissan Ariya vs. Volvo XC40 match. Each vehicle brings unique features that appeal to different people. Nissan impresses with its range, even though recharging it some time. If you’re in need of a spacious cabin with plenty of cargo space, this is a fantastic option. Its acceleration and top speed are excellent, but the power is not as great as Volvo’s.

The XC40 Recharge brings a higher ground clearance and is a notch over the Nissan in terms of off-road capabilities. You’ll also get more power with the XC40, which can make a difference when tackling difficult terrains. The top speed is lower than Ariya’s, but you’ll be able to go fast enough. And while the range is shorter, the battery charges a lot faster.

In the end, the choice between XC40 and Ariya comes down to your preference. Do you want a roomy car with a modern interior and satisfactory capabilities? Go for the Ariya. Do you need a luxury electric SUV built for adventures? The XC40 Recharge could be the best option for you.

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