2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$38,200 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas enters the ring boasting muscular performance with its 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, a true family hauler prioritizing outright grunt. Conversely, the 2025 Volvo XC40 captivates with its European sensibility and efficiency, returning an impressive 26 MPG combined despite requiring premium fuel. While the Atlas dwarfs the XC40 in size at 200.7 inches long, the smaller Volvo counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, a significant advantage over the Atlas’s FWD setup. The Atlas starts lower at $38,200, beating the $40,650 starting price of the XC40, but the Volvo’s superior fuel economy promises long-term savings, even factoring in fuel type differences. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic, but the Atlas delivers 22 more horsepower for those seeking more immediate thrust on the highway.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller footprint, making city driving less cumbersome.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the definitive family choice due to its significantly larger overall dimensions, offering greater interior space for passengers and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas is favored by enthusiasts for sheer power, putting down 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque versus the XC40's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo XC40

The XC40 offers better long-term value, as its 4 MPG efficiency advantage and standard AWD outweigh the Atlas's slightly lower initial MSRP of $38,200.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You need maximum space, evidenced by its commanding 200.7-inch length.
You prioritize raw acceleration, utilizing the Atlas's 269 hp engine.
Budget is tight, as the Atlas starts at a lower MSRP of $38,200.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the XC40 achieves 30 MPG highway.
You desire confidence in varied weather conditions thanks to its All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer a tighter, more maneuverable vehicle compared to the Atlas's 78.3-inch width.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas	Volvo XC40
Length	200.7"	174.8"
Width	78.3"	73.7"
Height	70.4"	65.0"
Wheelbase	117.3"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering 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	Volkswagen	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Volkswagen	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	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)	372.0/483.6 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Infotainment Display	12.0 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	Volkswagen	Volvo
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Rear Head Room	40.4 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.6 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.5 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 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	Volkswagen	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	235/55R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and 2025 Volvo XC40.

Which crossover is substantially larger for cargo and passengers?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is vastly larger, measuring 200.7 inches in length compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches. Although their stated cargo capacities are nearly identical at 20.6 cu ft (Atlas) versus 20.4 cu ft (XC40), the Atlas offers significantly more cabin volume due to its overall dimensions.

Is the Atlas more powerful than the XC40?

Yes, the Atlas delivers noticeably more thrust for enthusiasts, producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The XC40 trails slightly in raw output with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, but it compensates with superior fuel efficiency.

How significant is the difference in running costs?

The Volvo XC40 is clearly the more efficient choice, achieving 26 MPG combined compared to the Atlas's 22 MPG combined, netting 4 MPG better efficiency. However, buyers must weigh this against the XC40's requirement for premium unleaded fuel.

Which car comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, which is a key dynamic advantage over the front-wheel-drive configuration of the base 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

What is the price difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has a lower starting MSRP at $38,200. The 2025 Volvo XC40 commands a slightly higher entry price point of $40,650 for its base trim level.

Are the transmissions the same in both vehicles?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering similar driver control options for power delivery, despite their differing engine outputs.