2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$45,100 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the spacious comfort of the 2025 Buick Enclave and the sharp efficiency of the 2026 Volvo XC40 boils down to prioritizing size versus savings. Buyers often wonder if the extra bulk is worth the associated costs. The Buick Enclave starts higher at $45,100, nearly $5,200 more than the XC40's $39,900 entry price, which immediately favors the Volvo for budget-conscious shoppers. Power is clearly split: the Enclave boasts 328 hp, significantly outperforming the XC40's 194 hp. However, the efficiency story favors the smaller vehicle, with the XC40 achieving 27 MPG combined, compared to the Enclave's 23 MPG combined. Despite its larger footprint (207.6 inches long versus 174.8 inches), the Buick offers only slightly more cargo room at 22.9 cu ft, meaning the overall difference in utility might not justify the $5,200 premium for many.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is the clear winner for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Buick Enclave is better suited for families needing more road presence, offering a longer body at 207.6 inches and marginally more cargo space at 22.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts seeking immediate power will appreciate the Enclave's substantial 328 hp output compared to the XC40's 194 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 provides better overall economy and a $5,200 lower starting price, making it the stronger value proposition.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You require the greater power output of 328 horsepower for easier highway merging.
You prefer the larger physical presence, measuring 207.6 inches in length.
You don't mind using regular unleaded fuel despite slightly lower efficiency (23 MPG combined).

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Sticking to a tighter budget is key, given the $5,200 lower starting MSRP.
Maximizing fuel economy is a priority, achieving 27 MPG combined.
You prefer the XC40's tighter dimensions (174.8 inches long) for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Volvo XC40
Length	207.6"	174.8"
Width	79.6"	76.3"
Height	71.0"	65.2"
Wheelbase	120.9"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	194 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	355.0/454.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	250W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	54.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Volvo
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Volvo XC40.

Is the Buick Enclave much more practical than the Volvo XC40 for hauling cargo?

While the Enclave is larger, the difference in usable space isn't huge; the Buick offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the XC40's 20.4 cu ft. You gain about 2.5 cubic feet, which might not justify the larger exterior footprint for everyone.

How does the fuel cost compare between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is noticeably more efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined on premium fuel versus the 2025 Buick Enclave's 23 MPG combined on regular unleaded. This 4 MPG difference will result in fewer stops at the pump for the Volvo.

If I need quick acceleration, which vehicle should I choose?

The 2025 Buick Enclave is the clear performer here, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC40 lags significantly behind with only 194 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Does the lower MSRP of the Volvo mean it requires premium fuel?

Yes, surprisingly, the less expensive 2026 Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the higher-priced 2025 Buick Enclave operates perfectly fine on regular unleaded.

Which vehicle is better suited for city driving and parking?

The Volvo XC40 is significantly easier to manage in tight spots, measuring 174.8 inches long and 76.3 inches wide, compared to the Enclave's length of 207.6 inches and width of 79.6 inches.