2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2025 Volvo XC40
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander arrives boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine, giving it a clear edge in outright power, though it achieves 25 combined MPG running on regular unleaded. Conversely, the compact 2025 Volvo XC40 charms with its sophisticated, smaller footprint (174.8 inches long) and superior efficiency, netting 26 combined MPG, even while demanding premium fuel. The Highlander is significantly larger at 194.9 inches long, offering a cavernous ride that still prioritizes pulling power. However, the XC40 counters with better efficiency and standard All-Wheel Drive, a key advantage over the Highlander's FWD setup. While the Highlander starts slightly lower at $40,320, the difference in standard features and dimensions makes this a clash between American size/muscle and Scandinavian efficiency/agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 wins for daily commuting due to its marginally better 26 combined MPG and smaller dimensions facilitating easier city parking.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is better suited for families, offering a larger exterior and presumably more interior space than the compact XC40.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander generates more punch with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it the more spirited performer.
2025 Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 offers superior standard equipment by including All-Wheel Drive while maintaining a nearly identical MSRP ($40,650 vs $40,320).
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize sheer engine output and need 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the larger overall vehicle dimensions for passenger or cargo flexibility.
- You prefer to save money upfront with the slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,320.
Choose the Volvo XC40 if...
- You value fuel economy, even marginally, achieving 26 combined MPG.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory safety or traction feature.
- You prefer a more nimble and compact footprint for urban driving (174.8 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Volvo XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 174.8" |
| Width | 76.0" | 73.7" |
| Height | 68.1" | 65.0" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 106.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 23/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 326.6/426.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 14.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Stereo Power | — | 250W |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 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 | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Volvo XC40.
Which crossover is more powerful, the Highlander or the XC40?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is notably more powerful, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine. The Volvo XC40 trails slightly with 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
How much more cargo space does the Highlander offer over the XC40?
The specification sheets suggest the Volvo XC40 has superior listed cargo capacity at 20.4 cubic feet compared to the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. However, the Highlander is significantly longer externally at 194.9 inches versus the XC40's 174.8 inches.
Does the standard drivetrain significantly affect daily driving?
Yes, the 2025 Volvo XC40 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2025 Toyota Highlander uses Front Wheel Drive. This gives the XC40 an inherent advantage in adverse weather conditions right off the lot.
Is there a big difference in fuel economy between these two models?
The efficiency numbers are close, but the XC40 leads slightly with 26 combined MPG compared to the Highlander's 25 combined MPG. Keep in mind the XC40 recommends premium unleaded fuel while the Highlander runs on regular.
How close are the starting prices for these two crossovers?
The starting MSRPs are remarkably similar, with the Highlander beginning at $40,320 and the XC40 listed at $40,650. This small price gap makes the superior standard features of the XC40 very compelling.
Which car uses less expensive fuel?
The Toyota Highlander is the clear winner regarding fuel type, as it operates happily on regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded fuel.
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