2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2026 Volvo XC40 Review

Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,995 to $41,595
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Picture of the 2026 Volvo XC40

2026 Volvo
XC40

MSRP*: $39,900 to $51,900
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MPG - City 25 - 26 MPG 23 MPG
MPG - Hwy 28 - 33 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 69.1 - 74.4 ft3 57.5 ft3
Engine
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 194-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 247-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Continuously Variable Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 180 - 182 hp 194 - 247 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 - 3,000 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 182.7 - 183.3 in 174.8 in
Exterior Width 72.0 - 72.2 in 75.2 in
Leg Room Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Front 40.9 in
Rear 36.1 in
Head Room Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.6 - 39.6 in
Front 37.6 in
Rear 38.3 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Subaru Forester than in the Volvo XC40. The Subaru Forester will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Volvo XC40.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Clearly, the Subaru Forester is a better financial choice over the Volvo XC40, when considering MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Subaru Forester is much slimmer than the Volvo XC40, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Subaru Forester, which is slightly longer than the Volvo XC40.

Handling
The Subaru Forester has a smaller turning radius than the Volvo XC40, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Volvo XC40 is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. The Subaru Forester has a little less horsepower than the Volvo XC40.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Subaru Forester doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Volvo XC40.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Subaru Forester and the Volvo XC40. The Subaru Forester has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Volvo XC40.