VS
At a Glance
Power
200 kW
300 kW
Torque
343 Nm
670 Nm
Fuel
17.5 kWh/100km l/100km
19.4 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1400 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.3 s
4.8 s
Engine
electric cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Volvo EX30 and the Volvo XC40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Volvo EX30 delivers 200 kW while the Volvo XC40 produces 300 kW. On fuel, the EX30 returns 17.5 kWh/100km l/100km while the XC40 uses 19.4 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R968 400 for the EX30 and R1 298 000 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
200 kW
300 kW
Torque
343 Nm
670 Nm
0-100 kph
5.3 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
electric cc
Fuel Type
electric
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.5 kWh/100km l/100km
19.4 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
69 kWh l
82 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4233 mm
4425 mm
Width
1837-2032 mm
1863-2034 mm
Height
1555 mm
1652 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
177 mm
176 mm
Kerb Weight
1850 Kg
2092 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
318-622-904 rear + 7 front l
460-893-1328 + 31 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
390 l
—
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
30000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
XC40
Fuel Economy
EX30
Value
EX30
Practicality
XC40
Pros & Cons
Volvo EX30
Better fuel economy (17.5 kWh/100km l/100km)
Lower starting price (R968 400)
Less power than rival (200 kW vs 300 kW)
Volvo XC40
More powerful engine (300 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (19.4 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the EX30 or XC40?
The EX30 uses 17.5 kWh/100km l/100km and the XC40 uses 19.4 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The EX30 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 EX30 or XC40?
The EX30 produces 200 kW and 343 Nm of torque while the XC40 delivers 300 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The XC40 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the EX30 and XC40?
The EX30 starts from R968 400 and the XC40 from R1 298 000. The EX30 is cheaper by R329 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the EX30 or XC40?
The EX30 has a braked towing capacity of 1400 Kg and the XC40 can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the EX30 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.