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The Tesla Model Y and the Volvo XC40 are all-electric SUVs. Therefore, the comparison between the Tesla Model Y VS and the Volvo XC40 is one of the most popular inquiries, as we’re almost halfway through 2023. So which car is better and should you take the plunge into the world of electric cars? With a minor difference in price, a big difference in the type of powertrain, and another big difference in the range these cars can achieve, it can be hard to decide.

That’s why in our comparison you’ll find the key differences, but also similarities and all the other important information that will make you think before choosing one of these two cars.

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureTesla Model YVolvo XC40
Release dateMarch 2020September 2021
Range330 miles254 miles
TrimsLong-Range and PerformanceCore, Plus, and Ultimate
Seating5-seater with a 7-seater upgrade option5-seater
Price$46,990$53,550
Subaru Solterra vs. Volvo XC40
The XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s first pure electric compact SUV, built for city life. Bold and expressive design meets compact efficiency.

©emirhankaramuk/Shutterstock.com

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: Key Differences

Although both the Model Y and XC40 are SUVs, the fundamental differences are in the type of powertrain, horsepower, battery, and range, so more on that here.

Range

One of the biggest differences between the Model Y and the Volvo XC40 is the estimated range. The Tesla Model Y in the Long Range trim offers an estimated range of 330 miles on a full charge, while the Performance trim has an estimated range of 303 miles on a full charge. By comparison, the Volvo XC40 has an estimated range of up to 254 miles on a full charge. So you can cover 80 additional miles with the Tesla Model Y in the Long Range trim or get significantly better performance specs in the Performance trim.

Trims and Horsepower

Another major difference is the trim level, as the Model Y is offered in two trim levels: Long-Range and Performance, while the XC40 offers three trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. It’s worth noting that the XC40 will only be available in three trim levels starting in 2023, while the earlier models from 2019 to 2022 will only be offered in one trim level.

When it comes to power, the Volvo XC40 has about 402 horsepower, while the Tesla Model Y has about 456 horsepower. It’s also worth noting that both electric vehicles come with all-wheel drive.

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: What Are the Similarities?

The Tesla Model Y and the Volvo XC40 have many things in common, and one of the most obvious is that they’re both SUVs. Both electric cars have a range of over 300 miles on a full charge, both have all-wheel drive, seat 5 (the Model Y can be upgraded to a 7-seater) and even offer comparable features. They’re also similar in the number of color options you can choose from, and they’re similar in cargo space, too.

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: 5 Must-Known Facts

  • The Tesla Model Y is a 5-seater like the Volvo XC40, but you can upgrade the Model Y to a 7-seater
  • Both EV SUVs come with an all-wheel drive system
  • The Model Y has an 80-mile range advantage over the Volvo XC40
  • The Model Y’s performance trim has much better acceleration, a higher 0 to 60 speed, more horsepower, and a range comparable to the XC40’s
  • The Volvo XC40 has a similar autopilot feature to the Tesla Model Y

The History of the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40

The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric vehicle in the United States before the Tesla Model 3 took the throne. Tesla manufactured it in 2019, so it’s a relatively new electric vehicle. It was supposed to come in 4 trim levels, but Tesla eventually decided on 2 trim levels: Long-Range and Performance. Later, in 2021, Tesla introduced a third trim level (Standard), but it’s not as available as the other two. It’s also good to know that the Model Y had been in the planning stages for almost 10 years before it hit the market. When it did hit the market, it was a big seller and is still receiving component and software upgrades today.

The Volvo XC40, on the other hand, is known as one of the safest vehicles on the road. It was actually a gas-powered vehicle before Volvo introduced a hybrid version and eventually the all-electric version, the XC40 Recharge, in 2020. The public has received the XC40 well for its versatility, despite it being the smallest SUV Volvo has ever built.

The Success of the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40

Tesla’s Model Y is an electric car that Tesla has been working on since 2013. When it was unveiled in 2019, it was the ultimate hit that conquered the electric car market. The Model Y became an instant success and one of the most popular cars in the world. In the United States in 2022, 65% of electric vehicles were Tesla’s, with the Model Y accounting for a large portion of that. In fact, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric vehicle in the United States before the Model 3 replaced it. The Model Y is known and loved for its spacious design with unique falcon wing doors, great equipment options, very good range, and even better performance.

The Volvo XC40 is also a hit as it’s a fully electric small SUV and has even won the award for “Best Small Electric SUV” thanks to its great demand since its launch in 2022. Since Volvo launched the XC40, it quickly sold out in the first three months and there was a considerable waiting list. Another achievement worth mentioning is that Volvo is committed to sustainability, and the XC40 is a locally built electric vehicle, which is why it also won the “Special Recognition Award”. For Volvo as a company, the XC40 Recharge is definitely a good sign that it’s moving in the right direction and slowly entering the electric vehicle industry.

polestar 4 vs. tesla model y
The Tesla Model Y Performance is said to have an EPA-estimated range of about 303 miles.

©Evo2Drive/Shutterstock.com

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: Pros and Cons

Tesla Model Y Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Offers 80 more miles than the XC40 and a 60% bigger cargo spaceDidn’t roll out the third trim so you can only choose between trims that make a difference between range and performance
The base price is lower than XC40The Performance version costs more than the Long-Range by about $5,000
It was the most-sold EV in the United States in 2022The Performance version doesn’t support an upgrade to a 7-seating capability
Can be a 7-seater if upgradedModel Y is the slowest Tesla car in their lineup

Volvo XC40 Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Features advanced technology, including Pilot AssistIt’s a big car but has 60% less cargo space than the Tesla Model Y
The same amount of horsepower in all trimsThe range is slightly lacking and could be improved
Three different trim levels to choose fromTrim levels were only introduced in 2023
It won awards for safetyCan’t be an optional 7-seater like a Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: Which One Wins?

The Volvo XC40 is definitely one of the best electric vehicles on the market, giving you the roominess of an SUV while keeping its dimensions small. With advanced features like Pilot Assist, the Volvo XC40 is definitely a worthy competitor to the Model Y.

With many similarities and some differences, the key factors you should consider when choosing are range, performance, and style. Of course, the price difference can also be an important factor for some when choosing their next electric car, as the Tesla Model Y costs $46,990 and the Volvo XC40 costs $53,550. All in all, both the Tesla Model Y and the Volvo XC40 are worthy opponents due to their many similarities, so personal preferences should also be considered. We personally prefer the Tesla Model Y as the winner of this review.

Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: Which One Wins? FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is Tesla Model Y going to get the third trim level?

It seems that Tesla is working on introducing the third trim level. At the time of writing, it’s rolled out but it’s not as widespread as the other two trim levels. It seems as if Tesla is hesitant to introduce the third trim level.

Which Tesla Model Y is cheaper, Long-Range or Performance?

Long-Range is the cheaper Model Y trim level and it’s about $5,000 cheaper than the Performance trim.

What is Volvo's Pilot Assist?

Pilot Assist is Volvo’s autopilot technology, which is very similar to Tesla’s Autopilot.

Which Volvo XC40 trim is the cheapest?

The XC40 Core trim is the cheapest with a $3,000 to $7,000 difference in prices between the other two trims.

How much horsepower do both EVs have?

Tesla’s Model Y has 457 horsepower in the Performance trim while Volvo’s XC40 has 402 horsepower available in all trim levels.

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