2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$39,995 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the spacious practicality of the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the polished efficiency of the 2025 Volvo XC40 can be tough, especially when base prices are so close, with the Ascent starting at $39,995 and the XC40 at $40,650. If sheer size matters, the Ascent dwarfs the Volvo, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches, offering more presence on the road. However, the efficiency gap is significant: the XC40 achieves 26 MPG combined running on recommended premium fuel, besting the Ascent's 22 MPG combined, which uses regular unleaded. While the Subaru boasts slightly more power with 260 hp versus the Volvo's 247 hp, the XC40 offers slightly more usable space inside with 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, even though it is the physically smaller SUV.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is better suited for families needing more exterior space, being 22 inches longer than the XC40.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers marginally higher output with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent offers significantly more vehicle size and power for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $39,995.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize maximum power, as the Ascent delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
You need the lowest running cost regarding fuel grade since it runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
You require a larger overall footprint, as the Ascent is 196.8 inches long, providing more road presence.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You want better fuel efficiency, as the XC40 achieves 30 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint for easier city parking (174.8 inches long).
You appreciate slightly more dedicated storage space, offering 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Volvo XC40
Length	196.8"	174.8"
Width	76.0"	73.7"
Height	71.6"	65.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Subaru	Volvo
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	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)	386.0/501.8 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Stereo Power	—	250W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 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	Subaru	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	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	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Volvo XC40.

How much bigger is the Subaru Ascent than the Volvo XC40?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is significantly larger; it measures 196.8 inches in length compared to the Volvo XC40's 174.8 inches, giving it over 22 inches in overall length difference.

Which vehicle will cost less to fuel regularly?

The Subaru Ascent uses regular unleaded fuel, while the Volvo XC40 recommends premium, which generally costs more per gallon, despite the XC40 having 4 MPG better combined efficiency (22 MPG vs 26 MPG).

Does the smaller Volvo have more cargo room?

Yes, surprisingly, the 2025 Volvo XC40 has a slight advantage in cargo space, offering 20.4 cubic feet versus the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet behind its rear seats.

Who has the performance edge between these two AWD crossovers?

The Subaru Ascent holds the performance edge, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, slightly outperforming the Volvo's 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.