VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
247hp @ 5500
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
258lb-ft @ 1800
Fuel
22 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/120ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Volvo Xc40 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Volvo Xc40 produces 247hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Pilot returns 22 mpg est. while the Xc40 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $53,495 for the Pilot and $51,900 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.
Specification
Honda PilotElite AWD 2026 - From $53,495
Volvo Xc40B5 AWD Ultra Black Edition 2026 - From $51,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
247hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
258lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/120ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
14.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
174.8in
Width (in)
78.5in
75.2in
Height (in)
71in
65.2in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
106.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4678lbs
3967lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Xc40
Value
Xc40
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volvo Xc40
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($51,900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Xc40?
The Pilot gets 22 mpg est. and the Xc40 gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Xc40 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pilot or Xc40?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Xc40 delivers 247hp @ 5500 and 258lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Xc40?
The Pilot starts from $53,495 and the Xc40 from $51,900. The Xc40 is cheaper by $1,595 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Xc40?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Xc40 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the Xc40?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.