2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$40,200 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Volvo XC40 lies in engine output, with the Pilot offering 285 hp compared to the XC40's 194 hp—a substantial 91 hp advantage for the Honda. Conversely, the XC40 leads significantly in efficiency, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Pilot’s 22 MPG combined, translating to a 5 MPG difference favoring the Volvo. Pricing is nearly identical, with the XC40 at an MSRP of $39,900 and the Pilot starting at $40,200. The Pilot is physically larger, measuring 199.9 inches long compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches, yet the smaller Volvo manages a slightly higher cargo capacity of 20.4 cu ft versus the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft. This comparison pits raw power (Pilot) against superior fuel economy (XC40).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is the superior choice for daily commuting due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot offers greater overall dimensions at 199.9 inches long, suggesting more usable passenger and storage space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot delivers 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the XC40's 194 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 provides 5 MPG better efficiency while carrying a slightly lower starting MSRP of $39,900 compared to the Pilot's $40,200.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

Maximum powertrain performance is critical, as indicated by its 285 hp output.
You require the largest physical footprint, measuring 199.9 inches in length.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium recommended for the alternative.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Long-term fuel costs are a primary concern, supported by its 27 MPG combined rating.
You prioritize the maximum possible cargo space, with 20.4 cu ft available.
A lower initial investment is desired, as the MSRP is $300 less at $39,900.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Volvo XC40
Length	199.9"	174.8"
Width	78.5"	76.3"
Height	71.0"	65.2"
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	194 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1500 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	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	355.0/454.4 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	✓	—
Front View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Volvo
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 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.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2026 Volvo XC40.

Which vehicle has better efficiency for long highway drives?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is significantly more efficient on the highway, rated at 32 MPG compared to the Honda Pilot’s 27 MPG highway rating. This 5 MPG advantage will result in fewer stops and lower running costs over long distances.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot boasts a 285 hp engine, providing 91 more horsepower than the 2026 Volvo XC40's 194 hp output. This translates to 262 lb-ft of torque for the Pilot versus 221 lb-ft for the Volvo.

Are the cargo capacities meaningfully different between these two crossovers?

Yes, despite being the physically smaller vehicle, the 2026 Volvo XC40 offers a greater stated cargo capacity of 20.4 cu ft compared to the 2025 Honda Pilot's 18.6 cu ft. Both utilize a 10-speed automatic for the Pilot and an 8-speed for the Volvo.

Is the fuel requirement a major factor in choosing between the Pilot and the XC40?

The fuel recommendation is a notable point of contrast: the Honda Pilot uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Volvo XC40 specifies that premium fuel is recommended, which can increase the running cost per fill-up despite its better MPG figures.

What is the overall size difference between the two vehicles?

The Honda Pilot is considerably larger, measuring 199.9 inches long and 71.0 inches high. The Volvo XC40 is more compact at 174.8 inches long and 65.2 inches tall, making it potentially easier to maneuver and park in urban settings.

Which vehicle has the lower starting price point?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 holds a slight edge in initial cost, starting at an MSRP of $39,900. The 2025 Honda Pilot is priced marginally higher at $40,200, despite offering superior horsepower.