2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$36,390 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Telluride enters the fray as the muscular, value-oriented powerhouse, boasting a robust 291 hp from its V6 engine, immediately signaling a focus on assertive highway presence. Conversely, the 2025 Volvo XC40 captivates with its sophisticated Scandinavian design and inherent efficiency gains, despite producing only 247 hp. While the Telluride is significantly larger at 196.9 inches long, offering a substantial 21 cu ft of cargo space, the XC40 counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Kia’s 22 combined MPG, even though the Volvo demands premium fuel. The initial sticker shock shows a clear $4,260 difference in MSRP, favoring the Telluride’s lower $36,390 starting point. For drivers prioritizing raw power and interior volume, the Telluride leads; for those focused on city agility and better long-term running costs (barring fuel type), the XC40 presents a compelling European alternative.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40's superior 26 combined MPG makes it the more economical choice for daily driving routes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride offers a larger footprint, measuring 196.9 inches in length, translating to better passenger comfort and capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride unleashes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the XC40’s 247 hp for sheer acceleration feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

With an MSRP of $36,390, the Telluride saves buyers $4,260 upfront compared to the XC40's starting price.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, as the Telluride delivers 291 hp.
You need the maximum available space, evidenced by its 21 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, given the $36,390 MSRP.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is a goal, where the XC40 achieves 30 highway MPG.
You prefer the benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive and a shiftable automatic transmission.
A more compact, city-friendly size (174.8 inches long) suits your needs better.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Volvo XC40
Length	196.9"	174.8"
Width	78.3"	73.7"
Height	68.9"	65.0"
Wheelbase	114.2"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	Kia	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Stereo Power	—	250W

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Volvo
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Volvo XC40.

How much more powerful is the Kia Telluride compared to the Volvo XC40?

The 2025 Kia Telluride holds a clear advantage in raw power, offering 291 horsepower, which is 44 hp more than the Volvo XC40's 247 horsepower rating. This means the Telluride should feel noticeably quicker off the line, delivering a stronger punch in acceleration.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for long-distance driving?

The Volvo XC40 is the clear winner for MPG, delivering 26 combined MPG (23 city/30 highway). The Kia Telluride trails slightly with 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway), and the Volvo driver will also need to source premium fuel.

Is the extra size of the Telluride worth the cost difference?

The Kia Telluride is significantly longer at 196.9 inches compared to the XC40’s 174.8 inches, translating directly into more interior room and slightly more cargo space (21 cu ft vs 20.4 cu ft). This extra dimension is included for $4,260 less in MSRP.

Does the difference in drivetrain impact performance appeal?

Yes, the standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) on the Telluride contrasts with the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on the XC40, which typically provides better traction and stability in varied weather conditions, appealing to enthusiasts focused on all-weather capability.

What is the real-world cost implication of the required fuel types?

The Kia Telluride uses regular unleaded, which is usually cheaper per gallon than the premium unleaded recommended for the Volvo XC40. This difference in fuel cost can significantly narrow the XC40’s 4 MPG efficiency advantage over time.

If I only use my vehicle for commuting, which car is the better primary choice?

For dedicated commuters, the XC40 is better suited due to its superior fuel efficiency and smaller dimensions making urban navigation easier. The 23/30 MPG split will result in fewer stops at the pump compared to the Telluride's 20/26 MPG.