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
| Feature | Tesla Model Y | Volvo XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | March 2020 | September 2021 |
| Range | 330 miles | 254 miles |
| Trims | Long-Range and Performance | Core, Plus, and Ultimate |
| Seating | 5-seater with a 7-seater upgrade option | 5-seater |
| Price | $46,990 | $53,550 |
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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.
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Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC40: Pros and Cons
Tesla Model Y Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers 80 more miles than the XC40 and a 60% bigger cargo space | Didn’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 XC40 | The Performance version costs more than the Long-Range by about $5,000 |
| It was the most-sold EV in the United States in 2022 | The Performance version doesn’t support an upgrade to a 7-seating capability |
| Can be a 7-seater if upgraded | Model Y is the slowest Tesla car in their lineup |
Volvo XC40 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features advanced technology, including Pilot Assist | It’s a big car but has 60% less cargo space than the Tesla Model Y |
| The same amount of horsepower in all trims | The range is slightly lacking and could be improved |
| Three different trim levels to choose from | Trim levels were only introduced in 2023 |
| It won awards for safety | Can’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.
