2024 Volvo XC40 Pure Electric vs Volvo XC40

Since its debut in 2017, the Volvo XC40 has consistently held its position as a reliable option in the subcompact SUV category. After the introduction of a plug-in hybrid in 2019 and the XC40 Recharge electric vehicle (EV) in 2020, there are now many more opportunities to find the version that meets your needs. Given the increasing availability of EVs, this can make choosing between these vehicles more difficult than before, so here at Volvo Cars of Mission Viejo, we've put together this quick guide to help you make your own decision.

New in 2024

There have been a few changes for the XC40 for 2024: the front-wheel drive has been replaced with all-wheel drive (AWD) in all versions, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine supported by a 48-volt hybrid system. There are two new exterior colors, Cloud Blue and Vapour Grey Metallic, and there are a few little perks, such as the Bright Exterior theme on the entry-level core trim.

The same exterior choices remain for the 2024 XC40 Recharge, but there are new options between two different engines. The standard twin motor remains, but the single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version is an additional option available. Other than this, the new differences for 2024 are the same as those offered in the gasoline or hybrid versions.

XC40 Pure Electric vs. XC40: Trims and Specs

Three trims are available on the XC40: the Core, Plus, and Ultimate. The Core trim provides some nice touches, such as heated front seats, a rain sensor that adjusts performance according to weather, and a power tailgate. The Plus and Ultimate trims offer a choice of Bright or Dark Exterior themes, and with the Plus trim, you gain a 360-degree surround-view camera and a cabin air purifier, and the wheel size is increased to 19 inches. With the Ultimate trim, you get a 20-inch wheel size, adaptive cruise control, and automatic LED headlights.

The XC40 Recharge comes in the same three trims, but each offers a variant on the engine, with the Ultimate trim offering you automatic high beams and a Harman Kardon stereo. This means there aren't too many differences in trim levels between the different versions of the XC40, and the key distinctions lie in the power and engine performance.

The XC40 Recharge has an all-electric powertrain with 402 horsepower and a range of 293 miles. In 2024, the addition of a 248-horsepower single-motor RWD version will be available, giving you more driving range than the twin-motor AWD version.

The principal differences between these powertrains are in the engine and performance. The RWD versions use a 79 kWh pack, which gives you 293 miles of range compared to 254 miles for the twin motor. The 75 kWh dual-motor version gives you less strength, but the ranges are similar overall. The XC40 Recharge gives you 118 MPGe in the city and 95 MPGe on the highway for the single motor, falling to 106 MPGe in the city and 90 MPGe on the highway with the twin-motor version.

It's in the engine performance that you see the most differences. The XC40's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, supported by a 48-volt hybrid system, gives you 247 horsepower and allows you to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy is 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, and it has an excellent towing capacity for an SUV of 3,500 pounds.

Although the XC40 Recharge has a much greater accelerating capacity, going from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, it doesn't quite have as good a towing capacity, coming in at only 2,000 pounds. So, if you're planning to tow heavy loads on occasion, the XC40 is more adaptable, but if this isn't a consideration, you may prefer the XC40 Recharge. It's also worth bearing in mind the different maintenance expectations for EVs, with their maintenance costs being much lower than those of gasoline or hybrid cars.

Dimensions and Features

The interior design of both versions of the XC40 is smart and functional, with comfortable driving positions and spacious first- and second-row seating. A textured metallic trim, rectilinear vents, and attractive floating chrome adjusters give it a stylish look. The Ultimate models give you a driftwood trim and a crystal knob on the gear shift. Space is a particular perk on both models, with 36.1 inches of legroom, 39.1 inches of headroom, and 56.3 inches of shoulder room in the back seat. This makes it a comfortable ride for passengers, no matter the situation.

In terms of cargo capacity, there are 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space when both rows of seats are in use and 57.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. This means that the XC40 can fit 23 carry-on suitcases once the rear seats are folded. There are also some useful features, such as a hook that comes from the glovebox to hold the bags and a cargo-area divider to help manage storage.

Safety Tech and Driver Assistance

The XC40 9-inch infotainment center controls everything in the cabin. Safety technology includes emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot assistance, and cross-traffic alerts. In some trims, hands-free driving assistance is available. Adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode can also be added as an optional extra. Overall, the models demonstrate a strong focus on safety consciousness, with a range of safety features guaranteed to keep you safe.

Test-Drive Both at Volvo Cars Mission Viejo

Although there are significant differences between these models, the principal distinction lies in their performance. At Volvo Cars Mission Viejo, we're here to help you explore which vehicle best suits your driving preferences. If you're interested in either of these models, then check out our trade-in options. We also offer a range of financing possibilities to help you get the car of your dreams. Simply get in touch to book your test drive at Volvo Cars Mission Viejo today and see the potential of the new 2024 XC40 and the XC40 Recharge yourself.