The Volvo XC40 can be compared to other subcompact SUVs like the Audi Q3, Lincoln Corsair, or BMW X1.
The subcompact SUV is a new category in the world of cars. The Volvo XC40 has been a favorite since its launch, and it is a clear winner when we talk about its competitors. The XC40 offers better safety features, more storage space, more room in the backseat, a better or equal interior, and a good driving experience. It even costs less than its competitors.
Volvo XC40
Volvo is a Swedish car manufacturer which is quite famous for its safety, high-quality features, and luxury cars. The XC40 was launched in 2017 and then in 2019, Volvo revealed its plug-in hybrid model. Most recently, in 2020, Volvo unveiled its first full-electric vehicle named the XC40 Recharger. The XC40’s price starts at $33,700 and goes up to $53,990 for the electric version.
BMW X1
Being a German company, the BMW X1 is famous for its luxury and driving experience. It was launched in 2009 and received a second generation in 2015. The car is famous for its practicality and sporty drive. Its price starts at $35,400 and goes up to $42,845.
Audi Q3
Audi is a German brand famous for its sporty looks and drive. The Q3 is the smallest of Audi’s SUVs. They launched Q3 in 2011, and it received its second generation in 2018. The price of Audi Q3 starts at $34,900 and ranges up to $41,595.
Lincoln Corsair
Lincoln, an American car manufacturer, launched its subcompact SUV in 2019. It has remained as the best-selling Lincoln car since 2020. It has two fuel options, one gasoline and the other a plug-in hybrid option. It starts at $36,105, and the premium plug-in hybrid model costs up to $50,390.
Volvo XC40 vs. Audi Q3
Both of these cars are subcompact SUVs that offer a very good drive and comfort to their customers. The Volvo XC40 is more family-oriented and practical, while the Audi Q3 is more of a sporty-looking small-sized SUV. Both of these cars’ prices start at almost the same range.
Although Audi is famous for its sports cars, the XC40 is actually more powerful than the Q3. With the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine model, the XC40 has a horsepower of 248 and the Q3’s is 228 hp. This is probably due to the better engineering in Volvo’s new VEA program.
Both vehicles offer very quiet and comfortable drives, with the Q3 having slightly better road grip and traction. The trunk space is more practical in the XC40, and the folding seats have an electric button in the XC40, while in Q3, it has a lid.
Overall, the XC40 feels like a better option due to its better driving experience and luxury offerings like better interior and other safety features. The XC40 is the winner here.
Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1
The BMW X1 is one of the oldest cars in this SUV category. The X1 is on its second generation, while the XC40 first appeared 8 years after the X1’s launch. The X1 has always been dubbed as the most practical subcompact SUV with its ample storage capacity and driving experience.
Both these cars have different drive modes. The XC40 offers relaxing and secure driving, just like other Volvos. However, the X1 is sportier and grips better at corners. The transmission system in the X1 is slightly better than Volvo’s, but driving the X1 on highways can get pretty noisy.
As for reliability and safety, the XC40 is far better than the X1. The XC40 even offers a better infotainment system than the X1. The XC40 has a plug-in hybrid model and an electric version, whereas the X1 doesn’t.
Volvo XC40 vs. Lincoln Corsair
The XC40 has been one of the best vehicles in this smaller SUV category for a few years now, while the Corsair has just been around for a year. It is comparatively a newcomer in this category. The Corsair is slightly more expensive than the XC40; however, Lincoln offers more standard features in all of its models than there are in the XC40.
When it comes to performance, the Lincoln Corsair is far more powerful than the XC40. In the meanwhile, Volvo responded with more standard features in the 2021 XC40. They made rear parking sensors, blindspot detection, and adaptive headlights standard in all of their cars. The XC40 offers a better infotainment system, better passenger space, and, of course, excellent safety features. And all of this is for an even cheaper price than the Corsair.
Finally, the XC40 offers practicality, along with a more relaxed and smoother drive. The XC40 is more of an all-rounder in this category. The cabin experience and the leather quality of the seats are by far some of the best. The XC40 is still at the top of this category.
Final Verdict
In the end, all of these cars are excellent vehicles in their category. They all offer sporty SUV-like looks. However, the XC40 offers a truly luxurious ride and comfort level. The real reason is that most car companies don’t really give a luxury vehicle when they’re in the $30,000-$40,000 price range. The XC40, with its all glory and safety features, is by far the most elegant and best vehicle in this category.
FAQ
How much does Volvo XC40’s maintenance cost?
The Volvo XC40 has a high maintenance rate that is lower than its competitors. The average repair and maintenance cost of the XC40 in its first 10 years is around $11,700. This is lower than other compact SUVs by almost $3,500. The XC40 also has lower chances of needing any major repairs.
Are compact SUVs real SUVs?
Compact SUVs surely look like their big brothers, with their high ground clearance and sporty looks. However, most of the compact SUVs drive like normal cars because of the platform used to make them. Full-size SUVs, on the other hand, are usually made on a truck platform. Therefore, compact SUVs are not real SUVs. However, they are still a better option than sedans if you want big trunk space and better ground clearance.
What are some other compact SUVs present in the market?
We have seen an increase in the production and selling of compact SUVs around the world. That’s because of their shape and big trunk space, along with a much lower price than traditional big SUVs. These are some of the best compact SUVs present at this time:
- 2021 Hyundai Kona
- 2021 Mazda CX-52021 Kia Soul
- 2022 Hyundai Tucson
- 2022 Kia Sportage
- 2021 Subaru Forester
