VS
At a Glance
Power
315 kW
175 kW
Torque
543 Nm
420 Nm
Fuel
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
18.3 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.7 s
7.3 s
Engine
electric cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Volvo EX30 and the Volvo XC40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Volvo EX30 delivers 315 kW while the Volvo XC40 produces 175 kW. On fuel, the EX30 returns 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km while the XC40 uses 18.3 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 165 000 for the EX30 and R1 108 000 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.
Performance
Power Output
315 kW
175 kW
Torque
543 Nm
420 Nm
0-100 kph
3.7 s
7.3 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
electric cc
Fuel Type
electric
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
18.3 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
69 kWh l
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4233 mm
4425 mm
Width
1850-2040 mm
1863-2034 mm
Height
1567 mm
1652 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
176 mm
Kerb Weight
1960 Kg
1959 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
400-1000 rear + 7 front l
460-893-1328 + 31 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
375 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
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
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
30000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
XC40
Value
XC40
Practicality
EX30
Pros & Cons
Volvo EX30
More powerful engine (315 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volvo XC40
Better fuel economy (18.3 kWh/100km l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 108 000)
Less power than rival (175 kW vs 315 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the EX30 or XC40?
The EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km and the XC40 uses 18.3 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The XC40 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the EX30 or XC40?
The EX30 produces 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque while the XC40 delivers 175 kW and 420 Nm of torque. The EX30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the EX30 and XC40?
The EX30 starts from R1 165 000 and the XC40 from R1 108 000. The XC40 is cheaper by R57 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the EX30 or XC40?
The EX30 has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the XC40 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the EX30 or the XC40?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - 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.