2025 Volvo EX40 vs 2026 Rivian R1S

$52,500 · Crossover

$76,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between a nimble, efficient EV crossover and a powerful, adventure-ready electric SUV presents a common dilemma. The 2025 Volvo EX40 starts much more accessibly at an MSRP of $52,500, focusing on sensible daily driving with 296 miles of range. Conversely, the 2026 Rivian R1S demands a significant investment at $76,990 but delivers massive performance, boasting 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque—a staggering 285 hp advantage over the Volvo’s 248 hp. While the R1S dwarfs the EX40 in size (200.8 inches long vs. 174.8 inches), offering more than double the cargo space at 32.6 cu ft versus 16 cu ft, the Volvo keeps the edge in efficiency metrics. If your priority is getting into an electric crossover without breaking the bank, the EX40 wins; if raw capability and space justify the $24,490 premium, the R1S is the clear choice.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 wins for commuters due to its lower starting price and superior electric range of 296 miles compared to the R1S's 258 miles.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is better suited for families due to its significantly larger 32.6 cu ft cargo capacity and superior all-wheel-drive architecture.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Rivian R1S

Enthusiasts will prefer the Rivian R1S because it offers a massive 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 offers compelling baseline EV utility for $24,490 less than the Rivian R1S, providing better dollar-for-mileage value.

Choose the Volvo EX40 if...

Your budget ceiling is closer to $55,000, as the EX40 starts at $52,500.
Maximizing electric driving range between charges is critical, as the EX40 achieves 296 miles.
You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle, given the EX40 is substantially shorter in length at 174.8 inches.

Choose the Rivian R1S if...

You need substantial space, as the R1S provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Blistering performance is a must-have, evidenced by the R1S's 533 horsepower output.
You require the enhanced traction and stability provided by the R1S's all-wheel-drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo EX40	Rivian R1S
Length	174.8"	200.8"
Width	73.7"	82.0"
Height	65.0"	76.8"
Wheelbase	106.4"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
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	✓	✓
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 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 Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	248 hp @ 0 rpm	533 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 0 rpm	610 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	118/94 MPGe	85/72 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	106 MPGe	79 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	296 mi.	258 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	32	43
Charging Time (240V)	8.0 hr.	9.5 hr.
Battery Capacity	82 kWh	106 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE Combo	SAE Combo

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	15.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	250W	600W
Speaker System	8	12
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Front Head Room	37.6 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	60.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	54.9 in.
Seat Material: Vinyl	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	1
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	58.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R19	275/60R20
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	Rivian
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	8 yr./ 120000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	8 yr./ 120000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	8 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	4 yr./ 40000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo EX40 and 2026 Rivian R1S.

Is the 2025 Volvo EX40 big enough for weekend trips?

The EX40 offers 16 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is adequate for groceries or packing for a couple. However, if you need to haul significant gear, the Rivian R1S provides 32.6 cu ft, making it much more suitable for larger adventure loads.

How much more powerful is the Rivian R1S compared to the Volvo EX40?

The Rivian R1S is significantly more powerful, delivering 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. This provides a 285 hp advantage over the Volvo EX40's 248 hp, translating to much quicker acceleration.

Which vehicle offers better range for daily driving?

The 2025 Volvo EX40 is the range champion here, achieving an EPA estimate of 296 miles on a single charge. The 2026 Rivian R1S is rated for 258 miles, which might require more frequent charging stops for long commutes.

What accounts for the large $24,490 price difference between these two electric crossovers?

The primary factors driving the R1S's higher MSRP of $76,990 are its significantly greater power output, larger physical size (200.8 inches long), standard all-wheel drive, and substantially larger cargo capacity.

If I primarily drive in the city, is the R1S too bulky?

The Rivian R1S is considerably larger than the Volvo, measuring 82.0 inches in width compared to the EX40's 73.7 inches. Its increased length (200.8 inches) might make parking and navigating tight city streets more challenging than the compact EX40.

Do both vehicles use a traditional gear shift?

No, both the 2025 Volvo EX40 and the 2026 Rivian R1S utilize a 1-speed direct drive transmission, meaning there are no traditional gears to shift, which is standard for modern EVs.