2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$40,650 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the premium feel of the 2025 Volvo XC40 and the practical powerhouse of the 2026 Honda CR-V often comes down to budget versus performance. Buyers face a substantial $9,730 difference in starting MSRP, with the XC40 starting at $40,650 while the CR-V begins at $30,920. This price gap is partially justified by the XC40's higher output, boasting 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, notably more than the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. However, the CR-V pulls ahead significantly in economy, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating compared to the XC40's 26 MPG combined, plus it runs on regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, practicality swings heavily toward the Honda, offering nearly double the storage volume with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft, even though the CR-V is 10 inches longer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V is the better family choice because it offers a massive 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, far exceeding the XC40's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 appeals more to enthusiasts, delivering a significant boost of 247 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V provides overwhelming value by saving $9,730 upfront while offering better fuel efficiency and much more space.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You prioritize spirited driving and appreciate having 247 horsepower available.
You require the assured traction of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) regardless of the starting configuration.
You prefer the premium positioning implied by the higher $40,650 MSRP.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You need maximum utility, as its 39.3 cu ft cargo space dwarfs the XC40's 20.4 cu ft.
You want to save nearly $10,000 initially, as the CR-V starts at $30,920.
You seek better running economy, achieving 30 MPG combined on regular unleaded gas.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC40	Honda CR-V
Length	174.8"	184.8"
Width	73.7"	73.5"
Height	65.0"	66.2"
Wheelbase	106.4"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Honda
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	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	247 hp @ 5400 rpm	190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	179 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	28/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	326.6/426.0 mi.	392.0/462.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.2 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	Honda
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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Honda
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	250W	160W
Speaker System	8	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volvo	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Honda
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	52.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	17 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	Honda
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.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2026 Honda CR-V.

How much bigger is the 2026 Honda CR-V really compared to the 2025 Volvo XC40?

The CR-V is substantially larger, being 10 inches longer at 184.8 inches versus the XC40's 174.8 inches. More importantly, this size difference translates directly to cargo space, where the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft while the Volvo only provides 20.4 cu ft.

Is the extra cost of the Volvo XC40 worth the extra power?

That depends on your driving habits; the XC40 delivers 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering 57 more horsepower than the CR-V's 190 hp. If spirited acceleration is key, that power jump might justify the $9,730 higher starting price, but it comes at the expense of fuel efficiency.

Which vehicle will cost less to fuel over a year?

The Honda CR-V should save you money at the pump, achieving 30 MPG combined on cheaper regular unleaded fuel. The Volvo XC40 is rated lower at 26 MPG combined and recommends premium unleaded, increasing its overall running costs.

Are the drive types significantly different between these crossovers?

Yes, the 2025 Volvo XC40 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing better grip in poor conditions. Conversely, the 2026 Honda CR-V utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) in its base configuration, which is generally more fuel-efficient.

How do the transmissions compare in these two models?

The XC40 utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for its distinct shift points. The CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), optimized for maximizing fuel economy over driver engagement.

Which car is slightly taller or wider?

The 2026 Honda CR-V is slightly taller at 66.2 inches compared to the XC40’s 65.0 inches. Width is nearly identical, with the CR-V at 73.5 inches and the XC40 at 73.7 inches.