What are the differences between the XC40 and XC60?
4 Answers
Volvo XC40 and XC60 differ mainly in three aspects: vehicle class, wheelbase, and engine. Below are the specific differences between the Volvo XC40 and XC60: Vehicle Class: The Volvo XC40 is positioned as a compact SUV; the XC60 is positioned as a midsize SUV. Wheelbase: The Volvo XC40 has a wheelbase of 2702mm; the XC60 has a wheelbase of 2865mm. Engine: The Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine; the XC60 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine.
I was torn between the XC40 and XC60 last year and eventually chose the XC60. They look like siblings but are quite different. The XC40 is perfect for city commuting, measuring just 4.4 meters in length, making parking in malls a breeze; the XC60, at nearly 4.8 meters, offers more space for family outings. On the road, the XC40 handles like a hot hatch with its firm chassis and stable cornering, while the XC60 feels more like a boat on the highway, with much smoother ride comfort. In terms of features, the XC60 adds double-glazed windows, rear-seat climate control, and a trunk that can fit two 28-inch suitcases plus extra clutter. As for drawbacks, the XC60 runs on 95-octane fuel and starts at 10L/100km in the city, whereas the XC40's 1.5T engine sips around 8L/100km. If your budget allows, go for the XC60; for value, the XC40 is a solid pick.
As an experienced driver who has test-driven over a dozen SUVs, let me share the differences. The most obvious is the price gap of around 100,000 yuan – the entry-level XC60 can buy you a top-spec XC40. Sitting in the driver's seat, the most noticeable differences are: the XC60's steering wheel comes with full leather wrapping, while the XC40 is half-leather, half-plastic; the XC60 features a vertical 9-inch central touchscreen with physical knobs that don't leave fingerprints during operation. On the road, the XC60's Pilot Assist can recognize curves and steer automatically, whereas the XC40 only has lane keeping. Both models are generous with safety features, but the XC60 adds rear collision warning and will automatically brake when reversing if it detects crossing traffic. The XC40 has greater modification potential – I've seen young people fitting it with 20-inch wheels, while the XC60 is mostly used as a family car.
Focusing on space performance, the XC60 offers 30 cm of rear knee room, and with my height of 1.8 meters, there's still a fist's distance from my head to the roof when sitting upright. The XC40 feels cramped with three adults in the back, and the door panel storage can only fit a water bottle. The XC60's trunk has a standard capacity of 483L, and with the rear seats folded down, it can accommodate an IKEA 1.8-meter bed frame. In contrast, the XC40's trunk is almost full with just a stroller. The XC60 excels in storage details: the center console features a cooling function, and the sunglasses holder has a flocked lining. However, the XC40's hollowed-out central console design makes it more convenient for ladies to place their handbags. For family trips, the XC60 is the obvious choice, while the XC40 is perfectly sufficient for single individuals.
