Toyota Corolla vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?

Toyota Corolla

$29,990 - $46,990

2025 price

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Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2025 Toyota Corolla

2024 Volvo XC40

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

4.0L/100km (combined)

Electric range

485 km

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Fuel efficient
Fun to drive
Cheap to run

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Dislikes

Cabin not as practical as rivals
Tiny boot volume
Ageing interior

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

2025 Toyota Corolla Summary

Up until 2024 when its title was nabbed by the Tesla Model Y, the humble Toyota Corolla has been the world’s best-selling car for quite some time.

A reputation for reliability, affordability, efficiency and in its current guise, being fun to drive, the Corolla has seen off all comers to retain the title of the most popular small car on Earth.

The current twelfth-generation Corolla is now seven years into its life cycle having landed in mid-2018. In that time scores of buyers have moved across into small SUVs, and the Corolla’s competitor set has shrunk dramatically as car brands pull out of the small passenger car segment.

But as we gear up for the next-gen Corolla, is the existing one still worth considering against some newer rivals? And should you look at this instead of a small SUV?

I lived with the mid-range Corolla SX hatchback for a week to find out.

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2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Corolla 2024 Volvo XC40

Verdict

The final score for this review makes it look as though the Corolla is a middling effort. The scores for each individual section of the review are well considered and fair. The Corolla does lack the practicality of some of its rivals. A lack of an ANCAP rating isn’t great and the powertrain is just okay. But it remains one of the most fun-to-drive hatchbacks on the market today, even seven years into its life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Corolla to anyone looking for a small car. If you can forgive some of the quirks, it is a reliable, adorable, fun and efficient small car favourite.

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

Toyota Corolla vs Volvo XC40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Corolla vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?