2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Volvo XC40
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Volvo XC40 lies in fuel economy, with the XC40 achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Pilot's 22 combined MPG, a 4 MPG advantage. However, power output heavily favors the Pilot, which generates 285 horsepower, outperforming the XC40's 247 horsepower by a substantial 38 hp margin. Dimensionally, the Pilot is significantly larger at 199.9 inches long compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches. Despite the size, the Pilot offers slightly less cargo space at 18.6 cu ft versus the XC40's 20.4 cu ft. Priced nearly identically, the Pilot starts at $40,200 while the XC40 is $40,650, making the decision highly dependent on prioritizing size and power (Pilot) over efficiency and maneuverability (XC40).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC40
The 2025 Volvo XC40 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Pilot's 22 combined MPG.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot is the better family choice due to its significantly larger exterior footprint (199.9 inches vs 174.8 inches) suggesting superior interior volume.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the XC40's output.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers significantly more power (285 hp) and size for a marginally lower starting MSRP of $40,200 versus the XC40's $40,650.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- You require maximum horsepower, as the Pilot produces 285 hp compared to the XC40's 247 hp.
- Your primary need is size, evidenced by the Pilot's 199.9-inch length and larger physical dimensions.
- You prefer utilizing regular unleaded fuel instead of the XC40's premium requirement.
Choose the Volvo XC40 if...
- Optimizing fuel costs is key, given the XC40's 26 combined MPG rating, 4 MPG better than the Pilot.
- You prioritize cargo accessibility, as the XC40 offers 20.4 cu ft versus the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft.
- You need the inherent traction benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) over the Pilot's Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Pilot | Volvo XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.9" | 174.8" |
| Width | 78.5" | 73.7" |
| Height | 71.0" | 65.0" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 106.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | 23/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/499.5 mi. | 326.6/426.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 240W | 250W |
| Speaker System | 7 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/50R | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Volvo XC40.
How does the performance gap between the 2025 Pilot and the 2025 XC40 impact daily driving?
The Pilot has a significant advantage in raw power, producing 285 horsepower compared to the XC40's 247 horsepower, which translates to better acceleration capability, particularly when fully loaded. However, the XC40's lighter weight might keep its low-end responsiveness competitive despite the 38 hp deficit.
What is the actual financial difference based on fuel requirements?
The Pilot runs on regular unleaded gasoline and achieves 22 combined MPG, while the XC40 requires premium fuel and achieves 26 combined MPG. Depending on local fuel prices and yearly mileage, the premium requirement for the XC40 could negate some of the savings from its better MPG rating.
Which crossover offers more utility despite the Pilot being physically larger?
The Volvo XC40 technically offers more specified cargo capacity at 20.4 cu ft compared to the Honda Pilot’s 18.6 cu ft. This suggests the Pilot’s increased length (199.9 inches vs 174.8 inches) contributes more to passenger space than sheer cargo volume.
Is the 10-speed transmission in the Pilot substantially better than the XC40's 8-speed?
The Pilot utilizes a 10-speed automatic designed to maximize efficiency from its larger engine, whereas the XC40 uses an 8-speed automatic. While the Pilot has more ratios, both transmissions aim to provide smooth shifts appropriate for their respective torque outputs (262 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft).
Considering the entry prices, is the Pilot a better value proposition?
The Pilot is valued at $40,200 and delivers 285 hp, while the XC40 costs $40,650 for 247 hp. Based purely on the provided MSRP versus horsepower metrics, the Pilot provides a superior measurable power-to-cost ratio.
How does the standard drivetrain affect these crossovers?
The base Pilot comes with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) paired to its 285 hp engine, whereas the XC40 includes All Wheel Drive (AWD) with its 247 hp output, offering a functional advantage in inclement weather for the XC40.
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