2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$36,400 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the spacious, power-forward 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the compact, efficient 2025 Volvo XC40? This choice often boils down to size versus efficiency. The Pathfinder starts at a more accessible $36,400 and boasts a healthy 284 horsepower from its V6, making it feel zippier, though it lags slightly in fuel economy with a combined 23 MPG. Conversely, the XC40 starts at $40,650, sacrifices 37 horsepower (making 247 hp), but offers better efficiency at 26 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Pathfinder is significantly larger at 197.7 inches long, compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches. While the Pathfinder offers more traditional family hauling space, the smaller XC40 compensates slightly with a marginally better cargo capacity when the third row isn't needed, measuring 20.4 cu ft versus the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft in its smaller footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The smaller 2025 Volvo XC40 wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined efficiency and smaller footprint, making city driving and parking easier.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the better family choice because its larger size (197.7 inches long) generally translates to more overall passenger space than the compact XC40.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder provides a clear performance edge with 284 horsepower, significantly outpacing the XC40's 247 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder offers superior horsepower and a larger overall vehicle for $4,250 less than the starting MSRP of the XC40.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You need the most horsepower available, as the Pathfinder delivers 284 hp.
You prioritize lower purchase price, starting at $36,400 versus the XC40's $40,650.
You need the overall larger vehicle dimensions, measuring 197.7 inches in length for maximum cabin presence.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You prefer better fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG combined compared to the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive for inclement weather conditions, which the XC40 includes.
You prefer premium unleaded fuel, though the Pathfinder uses regular unleaded.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Volvo XC40
Length	197.7"	174.8"
Width	77.9"	73.7"
Height	70.9"	65.0"
Wheelbase	114.2"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Nissan	Volvo
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
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

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 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	Nissan	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	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 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Volvo XC40.

What is the major difference in size between the 2025 Pathfinder and the 2025 XC40?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is considerably larger, measuring 197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches high. The 2025 Volvo XC40 is more compact, fitting into a 174.8-inch length and 65.0-inch height.

Which car is more powerful for highway merging?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is significantly more powerful, offering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC40 produces 247 horsepower and nearly identical 258 lb-ft of torque.

How does fuel cost compare between these two crossovers?

While the Pathfinder uses regular unleaded, its combined MPG is 23. The XC40 uses premium unleaded but achieves a better 26 MPG combined.

Is the starting price significantly different?

Yes, there is a $4,250 difference in MSRP; the Pathfinder starts at $36,400, whereas the XC40 starts at $40,650.

Does the smaller Volvo XC40 actually offer more cargo space?

Surprisingly, yes, the XC40 offers 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The larger Pathfinder offers less overall cargo space at 16.6 cubic feet with its available seating configuration.