Hyundai Nexo vs Volvo XC40: Specs Compared

Also searched as Volvo XC40 vs Hyundai Nexo specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.

The Volvo XC40 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 106 mpg combined versus 68 mpg for the Hyundai Nexo, a 38 mpg advantage.

Across 3 measured categories, the Volvo XC40 leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2019–2026

Hyundai Nexo

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 16 configurations

68mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Nexo specs

2019–2026

Volvo XC40

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 19 configurations

106mpg combined (best)
All Volvo XC40 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricHyundai NexoVolvo XC40
Best combined MPG68 mpg106 mpg ✓
Best city MPG71 mpg118 mpg ✓
Best highway MPG64 mpg95 mpg ✓
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per yearNot available$700
Lowest CO2 outputNot available326 g/mi
Engines offeredPMSM, PEMSIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic (A1)Automatic (S8), Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesHydrogenPremium, Electricity, Regular
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2019–20262019–2026
Configurations on record1619

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Hyundai Nexo vs Volvo XC40 dimensions and size

The Hyundai Nexo is 9.4 inches longer than the Volvo XC40 on a wheelbase 3.5 inches longer, and 337.3 lbs heavier. Both clear the roughly 200 inches of usable length in a standard single garage bay.

Hyundai Nexo versus Volvo XC40 exterior dimensions
DimensionHyundai Nexo (2022)Volvo XC40 (2026)Difference
Length183.9 in174.4 in9.4 in
Width (excl. mirrors)73.2 in73.2 inidentical
Height64.6 in65 in0.4 in
Wheelbase109.8 in106.3 in3.5 in
Curb weight4,059 lbs3,721 lbs337 lbs

Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.

Hyundai Nexo vs Volvo XC40: what the numbers mean

City and highway economy: the Volvo XC40 leads in both cycles — 118 mpg city and 95 mpg highway against 71 and 64 mpg — so its fuel-efficiency advantage holds whether you commute in traffic or cover long highway miles.

Powertrain choice: the Hyundai Nexo is recorded with 2 distinct engine configurations (PMSM, PEM), the Volvo XC40 with 2 (SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI). Across 16 recorded Hyundai Nexo configurations and 19 for the Volvo XC40, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.

Drivetrain and class: the Hyundai Nexo is offered with Front-Wheel Drive, the Volvo XC40 with All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.

Nexo vs XC40: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Nexo or the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 106 mpg combined versus 68 mpg for the Hyundai Nexo, a 38 mpg advantage.

What engines do the Nexo and XC40 offer?

Hyundai Nexo: PMSM, PEM. Volvo XC40: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Hyundai Nexo as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Volvo XC40 as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Nexo comparisons

More XC40 comparisons

Comparison id: hyundai-nexo-vs-volvo-xc40