VS
At a Glance
Power
179 kW
145 kW
Torque
239+e Nm
300 Nm
Fuel
5.0 combined l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.7 s
8.4 s
Engine
2494 cc
1969 cc
Choosing between the Lexus NX and the Volvo Xc40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus NX delivers 179 kW while the Volvo Xc40 produces 145 kW. On fuel, the NX returns 5.0 combined l/100km while the Xc40 uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 277 500 for the NX and R842 300 for the Xc40. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
179 kW
145 kW
Torque
239+e Nm
300 Nm
0-100 kph
7.7 s
8.4 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1969 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 combined l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
114 combined g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4660 mm
4425 mm
Width
1865 mm
1863-2034 mm
Height
1670 mm
1652 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
195 mm
211 mm
Kerb Weight
1790-1870 Kg
1615 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
452-893-1328 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
2100 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
5
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
100000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
Xc40
Practicality
Xc40
Pros & Cons
Lexus NX
More powerful engine (179 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Volvo Xc40
Lower starting price (R842 300)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (145 kW vs 179 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the NX or Xc40?
The NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km and the Xc40 uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the NX or Xc40?
The NX produces 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque while the Xc40 delivers 145 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The NX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the NX and Xc40?
The NX starts from R1 277 500 and the Xc40 from R842 300. The Xc40 is cheaper by R435 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the NX or Xc40?
The NX has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Xc40 can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the NX or the Xc40?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.