As electric vehicles continue their march into the mainstream, EV buyers find themselves spoiled for choice. Crossover SUVs make especially alluring electric models thanks to their versatility and ample passenger and cargo room. Two compelling options come from Nissan and Volvo – the 2023 Ariya and 2022 XC40 Recharge.
On paper, these battery-powered small SUVs share numerous similarities. Both manufacturers promise over 200 miles of range, AWD capability, and the latest in safety and infotainment tech. But peer beneath the surface, and key differences emerge that will steer some buyers toward one over the other.
This in-depth head-to-head analysis compares every facet of the Nissan Ariya and Volvo XC40 Recharge. Read on to see which electric crossover prevails.
Nissan Ariya Vs. Volvo XC40: At a Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview of how the two EVs stack up:
| Specification | Nissan Ariya | Volvo XC40 Recharge |
| Starting Price | $43,190 | $54,745 |
| Range (mi) | Up to 304 | Up to 223 |
| Power (hp) | 389 | 402 |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Cargo Capacity (cu ft) | 22.8 | 16 |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch |
As we analyze the Nissan and Volvo electric SUVs in greater detail across a variety of measures, clear distinctions surface…
Performance and Powertrain
Performance often ranks among car shoppers‘ top priorities. How quickly a vehicle accelerates and how far it can travel between charges carry real-world implications. By these metrics, the Ariya and XC40 Recharge deliver speed and range on par with gas-powered compacts.
Acceleration and Handling
On paper, acceleration appears nearly identical – the Ariya zips to 60 mph in a brisk 4.8 seconds. The XC40 Recharge shaves an imperceptible tenth of a second off that figure. Power outputs differ only slightly as well, with Volvo eking out a 13 hp advantage.
Real-world test drives reveal subtle differences. Reviewers praise the Ariya‘s linear power delivery and grippy handling. "The Nissan feels planted and poised when pushed hard into corners," writes Car and Driver. Though its steering lacks feel, the chassis stays composed over broken pavement.
The XC40 receives similar high marks for composure, with all-wheel torque vectoring helping rotate the SUV through turns. Its low-slung battery also contributes to flatter cornering. Test drivers characterize acceleration as immediate, if a bit one-dimensional. "The Volvo lacks the Ariya‘s building power, instead delivering its energy in one strong blur," sums up Automobile.
Range and Efficiency
EV range directly correlates to usability, dictating how far drivers can venture from home between charging stops. Here Ariya enjoys a decisive advantage, delivering up to 304 miles from its 87 kWh battery. That‘s over 30 percent farther than the XC40‘s 223-mile maximum. Credit Nissan‘s larger battery, lower weight and more aerodynamic shape.
Belying the numbers, Volvo‘s real-world range should satisfy most drivers. In mixed driving, reviewers averaged around 200 miles per charge. That still falls short of the Ariya‘s 275-mile averaged range, a difference that matters chiefly on road trips. For urban commuters who plug in nightly, the XC40 Recharge hardly leaves drivers stranded.
Owners wanting to preserve range can activate the vehicles‘ low-regenerative braking modes to coast longer distances. Activating their respective "Eco" driving modes also optimizes energy efficiency, at the expense of performance.
Charging
Today‘s EV owners do most charging at home, but fast public DC fast charging enables long trips. By this measure, Volvo‘s CCS-based charging system holds an edge. Its battery regains 80 percent capacity in around 37 minutes on appropriate DC hardware. The Nissan‘s CHAdeMO port is slower, needing 40 minutes to reach 80 percent.
On Level 2 stations, the difference narrows somewhat. The Ariya adds 20-plus miles range per hour, while the XC40 manages 25. Home Level 1 charging is feasible but tedious in both vehicles – expect a 30+ hour wait to fill from empty. Overall charging speed favors the Volvo, offsetting its lower driving range between plug-ins.
Design and Utility
As with any vehicle purchase, owners will interact with the Ariya and XC40 daily. That places a premium on interior design, passenger space, creature comforts and cargo versatility. By these measures, Nissan‘s EV prioritizes people-moving practicality, while Volvo sticks to its Scandinavian minimalist ethos.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The Ariya‘s lounge-like interior exudes comfort, providing stretch-out space akin to a larger SUV. Supportive Zero Gravity seats cosset occupants, while the flat floor makes room for five adults. Even rear passengers enjoy plenty of head and leg clearance.
That same packaging efficiency yields an SUV-leading 22.8 cubic feet of cargo area behind the second row. Fold the 60/40 split seats flat, and Ariya swallows 56.7 cubic feet of gear – ideal for home improvement hauls or camping trips. The frunk adds another 0.7 cubic feet up front.
The fashionably spare XC40 cabin makes no such roominess claims. Its cozy quarters adequately accommodate two adults or child seats, but taller riders will find margins tighter. The stylish cabin makes up in charm what it lacks in space efficiency, highlighted by sustainable open-pore wood accents and available leather-free upholstery.
Cargo room lags as well, measuring 16 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Maximum volume measures 45.6 cubic feet, still shy of the Ariya‘s reserves. The front trunk equals Nissan‘s at 0.7 cubic feet. Families and bulk-hauling shoppers should take note.
Technology and Connectivity
Today‘s vehicles compete as much on infotainment features as performance stats. On that score Nissan and Volvo deliver suitably tech-rich cabins brimming with digital displays and cloud-based apps. Family road-trippers will appreciate the thoughtful cabin amenities.
Each SUV furnishes a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface with crisp graphics and smartphone integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto afford access to navigation, streaming music, and more. Ariya adds Amazon Alexa voice functionality, while the XC40 supplies native Google mapping and search. Six USB ports liberally scatter the Volvo‘s cabin; Nissan fits four.
The Ariya‘s minimalist dash design drew styling inspiration from Japanese architecture. Its geo-patterned shifter and climate controls further enhance the living-room vibe. Volvo exhibits its usual Scandinavian restraint with an upright touchscreen and sustainable open-pore wood accents. Sophistication runs deeper than styling in both vehicles.
On road trips, families will appreciate Ariya‘s cavernous center console, which swallows purses or picnic provisions. Volvo fights back with clever storage cubbies secreted throughout the passenger compartment. With kids in carseats, the XC40‘s large door pockets and cupholders earn favor.
Safety Technology and Driver Assistance Features
Safety plays an outsized role for families, particularly regarding electric vehicles with their quiet powertrains. Whether traversing urban arterials or logging highway miles, cutting-edge driver assistance technology works to avoid collisions. By such measures, Nissan and Volvo rank today‘s premier safety standard bearers.
Crash Protection
Although neither Nissan nor Volvo have crash tested the Ariya or XC40 Recharge yet, their underlying architecture and safety structures carry over from gasoline-powered models. The Ariya derives components from the five-star Nissan Leaf Plus, while the XC40 Recharge shares engineering with the conventionally powered XC40 SUV.
Assuming equivalent crashworthiness, both EVs should perform admirably acrossfrontal, side and rollover tests. Each vehicle surrounds occupants with eight airbags and incorporates rear passenger side airbags. Whiplash-mitigating front head restraints provide additional protection.
The stout safety cages, reinforced door pillars and crumple zones on display should similarly translate over from their gas-fueled counterparts. Owners can reasonably expect top-tier injury metrics for all passengers.
Driver Assistance Features
Active safety plays an equally crucial role in collision prevention. Here again the Nissan Ariya and Volvo XC40 Recharge deliver comprehensively. Standard features span:
- Automatic front emergency braking
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane centering assist
Stepping up to higher trims adds luxury amenities like:
- Surround view parking camera
- Self parking system
- Head-up display
- Pilot Assist automated cruise control
Notably, the Ariya doubles down with available ProPilot 2.0 Assist. Nissan‘s hands-free highway driving system can automatically change lanes, navigate exits, and overtake slower traffic under supervision. Volvo has yet to introduce similar functionality.
Overall, few non-luxury vehicles match the Ariya and XC40‘s ADAS feature set. Coupled with confident handling and huge brakes, both SUVs inspire confidence across diverse driving scenarios.
Off-Road Performance
Hardcore rock crawling doesn‘t normally show up on electric vehicle bucket lists. But moderate all-roading ranks well within the Nissan and Volvo‘s capabilities. For light-duty adventures, their raised ride heights and available AWD give access to destinations beyond pavement‘s reach.
With 7.1 inches of ground clearance, the XC40 Recharge rates as the more capable two-track explorer. And while both EVs route torque appropriately to avoid getting stuck, Volvo‘s expertise in all-wheel drive lends it credibility off-road. The Ariya makes due with 6.3 inches of clearance.
Shared strengths should satisfy most owners in situations like deeply rutted dirt tracks, boat launches and snowy backroads. Standard 17-inch wheels wear all-season rubber well-suited to gravel and mud. Regenerative braking affords smooth descent control where applicable.
For most suburban SUV buyers, the nimble handling and foul weather traction hold greater appeal than extreme articulation or suspension articulation. By those measures both EVs handle moderately challenging terrain with ease.
Pricing and Availability
Premium electric SUVs don‘t come cheap, though attractive leasing terms help ease the sticker shock. Compared side-by-side, Nissan‘s Ariya holds a decisive price advantage despite offering similar features. Savvy shoppers can reap significant savings choosing this EV over Volvo‘s offering.
| Version | Nissan Ariya | Volvo XC40 Recharge |
| Starting MSRP | $43,190 | $54,745 |
| Top Trim MSRP | $58,950 | $59,845 |
| Destination Fee | $1,175 | $1,095 |
| Tax Credit Eligibility | Up to $7,500 | Up to $7,500 |
| Average Lease Payment | $545 / month | $775 / month |
After factoring potential federal tax incentives and state/local perks, the Ariya stretches buyers‘ EV budgets furthest. Even premium all-wheel drive models with 300+ mile range price thousands below equivalently equipped XC40 Recharges. Lease payments follow suit, saving Ariya lessees serious monthly cash.
Nissan also commits to loftier production targets, meaning interested buyers stand better chances finding their desired configuration. Still, order books filled quickly for early model years, so reserve yours soon!
The Verdict: Nissan Ariya vs Volvo XC40
This Nissan vs Volvo bout proves tightly contested across multiple categories. The Ariya claims victories in interior room, cargo versatility and outright affordability. Nissan‘s first dedicated electric SUV feels remarkably spacious despite its compact footprint. Value shoppers will further appreciate its lower lease payments.
Volvo strikes back with a more premium ambiance and driving dynamics. The XC40 Recharge leans on the brand‘s trademark safety credentials and smart storage solutions to court families. Quicker charging also offsets its lower total range for tense road trippers. And style mavens will delight in the hip color choices and Scandinavian decor.
Ultimately preferences and priorities will steer buyers toward one EV or the other. Urban apartment dwellers and suburban parents alike will appreciate Ariya‘s interior volume and seamless smartphone integration. For singles and couples seeking both style and utility, the XC40 Recharge warrants a test drive. Regardless, both electrics deliver the mountain-towning traction, zero-emissions motivation, and forward-looking technology today‘s plug-in SUV shoppers demand.
