Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y

The Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y: With a similar starting price, how do these two electric SUVs compare?
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
There’s more to electric SUVs than the
Tesla
. How does the Tesla Model compare to the handsome Volvo XC40 Recharge, and how do you choose when
buying a car
?
Jerry
, the
car ownership super app
, looks at the Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y.

Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y: Horsepower and range

The Volvo XC40 Recharge boasts quick all-electric acceleration with 402 hp and 223 miles of electric-only range. The boxy
SUV
is more attractive and thoughtfully designed than the Tesla, even if the Tesla has a better driving range.
According to
Car and Driver
, “All XC40 Recharge models will come with two electric motors, with one driving the front wheels and the second powering the rears, giving it full-time all-wheel drive.” The XC40 can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. 
The compliant ride features a 75.0-kWh battery pack and a range that can compete with the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron. Drivers can charge the Volvo with 240-volt chargers at home, or DC fast charging terminals. The XC40 Recharge has an EPA of 92 MPGe in the city and 79 MPGe on the highway. 
The Tesla Model Y doesn’t offer drivers a base model. You can either opt for the Performance or 330-mile Long-Range option. Both trims feature dual motors with all-wheel drive and a good amount of traction. 
The Performance trim can pump out 483 hp, while the Long-Range model cranks out 434 hp. With a top speed of 155 mph, the Performance can reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The Long-Range gets a top speed of 135 mph and can hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
While it’s a fast car, buyers may not find it as satisfying to drive as the best-selling Model 3. According to
Car and Driver
, “The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well.”
“The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 131 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 115 MPGe city and 106 MPGe highway,” Car and Driver notes.
MORE: Maserati Reveals Details About Its First All-Electric SUV
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Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y: A look inside

We love the Volvo XC40 for its clever storage cubbies, spacious first- and second-row seating, and comfortable driving position. 
“In the transition to an EV powertrain, the XC40 has lost none of its cargo space, so we expect the Recharge model to hold the same number of carry-on suitcases as the gasoline-powered version,” Car and Driver tells us. With the rear seats folded, that’s about 23 carry-on suitcases.
And since there’s no four-cylinder engine under the hood there’s more space in the front trunk. Perfect spot for storing charging cables. 
The Volvo XC40 Recharge offers drivers newly developed Google software, instead of the current Sensus Connect infotainment system. However, since the buttons on screen are small, they’re tricky to use when you’re driving.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard and allows drivers various options to customize. The system is compatible with Apple iPhone and Android devices, and a wireless smartphone charging pad is also available. 
While you won’t get Falcon Wing doors, the Tesla Model Y has a sleek, minimalist design and offers plenty of function. The hatchback SUV can seat up to seven people and features second-row seats that fold flat offering passengers plenty of storage. It’s too bad the third-row seats don’t offer much room, despite costing an extra $3,000. 
 The cabin feels spacious and airy, with a gorgeous all-glass tinted roof. If you’re looking for a snappy and intuitive infotainment system, you’ve come to the right place. The Tesla’s interior features a slim 15.4-inch touchscreen with minimal physical controls. 
“Everything from climate control to the speedometer is shown on this display, which takes some getting used to,” Car and Driver notes. Buyers will also receive similar perks as the Model 3, like the integration of Hulu, Netflix and YouTube. And of course, video games for passing the time at public charging stations. 

Price and warranty

The base price for the Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at just over $55,000. Driver-assist features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist come standard. 
The XC40 includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Drivers can also expect a limited warranty and powertrain warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles. 
The Tesla Model Y comes with various standard safety features such as lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode.
As far as warranties, the Model Y is good for four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, and for the battery and electric motors, you’ll be covered for eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors. The Long-Range model starts at around $54,000 and the Performance goes for about $62,000.
A lot of love went into creating the Volvo XC40 Recharge. With its enjoyable handling, well-insulated cabin, and practical SUV body style, it’s a great option for a small, quick SUV. And who doesn’t love infotainment designed by Google.
While Teslas are perfect for tech junkies and high-end finishes, they may not be the best bang for your buck. According to Car and Driver, “If you're simply looking for a Model 3 with a bigger trunk, look no further, but we think there are more compelling EV SUVs to consider that don't wear a Tesla logo.”
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