VS
At a Glance
Power
236hp @ 6000
247hp @ 5500
Torque
172lb-ft
258lb-ft @ 1800
Fuel
42 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/120ci
Choosing between the Toyota Rav4 and the Volvo Xc40 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Toyota Rav4 delivers 236hp @ 6000 while the Volvo Xc40 produces 247hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Rav4 returns 42 mpg est. while the Xc40 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,500 for the Rav4 and $51,250 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
Toyota Rav4XLE Premium AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $37,500
Volvo Xc40B5 AWD Ultra 2026 - From $51,250
Performance
Power Output (hp)
236hp @ 6000
247hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
172lb-ft
258lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/120ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
—
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
42 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
45 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
39 (Est)mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
14.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181in
174.8in
Width (in)
73in
75.2in
Height (in)
67in
65.2in
Wheelbase (in)
105.9in
106.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3770lbs
3966lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Rav4
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Xc40
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
Rav4
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Toyota Rav4
Better fuel economy (42 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Volvo Xc40
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rav4 or Xc40?
The Rav4 gets 42 mpg est. and the Xc40 gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rav4 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 Rav4 or Xc40?
The Rav4 produces 236hp @ 6000 and 172lb-ft of torque while the Xc40 delivers 247hp @ 5500 and 258lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. The Xc40 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rav4 and Xc40?
The Rav4 starts from $37,500 and the Xc40 from $51,250. The Rav4 is cheaper by $13,750 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rav4 or Xc40?
The Rav4 has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Xc40 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rav4 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.