2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$40,650 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Volvo XC40 and the 2026 Buick Enclave is the 81 horsepower advantage held by the Enclave, producing 328 hp compared to the XC40's 247 hp. This power delta comes with a $5,550 price increase for the Enclave, starting at $46,200 versus the XC40's $40,650 MSRP. Fuel economy is another key divergence; the XC40 achieves 26 combined MPG on premium unleaded, while the larger Enclave yields 23 combined MPG running on regular unleaded. Dimensions also separate them substantially, with the Enclave measuring 207.6 inches in length against the XC40's 174.8 inches. While the Enclave offers slightly more room with 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the XC40's 20.4 cu ft, the XC40 provides superior fuel efficiency ratings of 23/30 MPG city/highway.

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, which saves on routine operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave is superior for families because its larger exterior (207.6 inches long) and greater cargo capacity (22.9 cu ft) accommodate more passengers and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Buick Enclave due to its significantly higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 provides better value, delivering 247 hp for a $40,650 MSRP, contrasting with the Enclave's higher entry cost for increased power.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the XC40 returns 26 combined MPG versus the Enclave's 23 combined MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint for urban navigation, evidenced by the XC40's 174.8-inch length.
Budget sensitivity dictates the purchase, as the XC40's MSRP is $5,550 less than the Enclave's.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum available power is necessary, given the Enclave's 328 hp rating compared to the XC40's 247 hp.
You require greater maximum passenger and cargo accommodation from a vehicle measuring 207.6 inches long.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel, as the XC40 mandates premium unleaded fuel recommendations.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC40	Buick Enclave
Length	174.8"	207.6"
Width	73.7"	79.6"
Height	65.0"	71.0"
Wheelbase	106.4"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Buick
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid 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	2
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	247 hp @ 5400 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Volvo	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	326.6/426.0 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.2 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	Buick
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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	250W	—
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	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	2-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	Buick
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2026 Buick Enclave.

How does the required fuel type affect the long-term cost of ownership between the two models?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded, which typically carries a higher per-gallon cost, offsetting some of its efficiency gains compared to the 2026 Buick Enclave which uses regular unleaded. Over 50,000 miles, the required fuel cost difference could significantly impact the $5,550 MSRP variance.

Is the significant size difference between the vehicles reflected in the base cargo metrics?

Yes, the 2026 Buick Enclave offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo space, slightly exceeding the 2025 Volvo XC40’s 20.4 cu ft, which is expected given the Enclave's 32.8-inch longer wheelbase (implied by the overall length difference).

Which vehicle has better acceleration potential based on the provided horsepower and drivetrain?

The 2026 Buick Enclave boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, granting it a substantial performance advantage over the XC40's 247 hp, despite the Enclave being front-wheel drive while the XC40 is AWD.

Comparing the base price difference to the power difference, which offers better immediate power value?

The Buick Enclave offers 81 more horsepower for an additional $5,550. Based purely on cost per horsepower, the Enclave provides a higher performance metric for the added investment.

Since both use an 8-speed automatic transmission, how do driving dynamics likely differ?

The 2025 Volvo XC40's AWD system suggests better traction consistency in varied low-grip conditions, whereas the 2026 Buick Enclave's FWD setup combined with much higher torque (326 lb-ft) might lead to more noticeable torque steer under hard acceleration.