Compare Volvo EX40 Vs. Tesla Model Y
If you've been considering an all-electric model for your next SUV, getting to know the Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y differences is well worth your time. These two big names in the electrified automotive world have excellent ranges and eight-year warranties on their EV batteries,1 but they ultimately address different preferences – and you'll notice that the Volvo EX40 caters to motorists who desire a safety-forward, luxurious vehicle with exquisite style. The team at Volvo Cars Palo Alto has put together this summary to simplify your comparison – learn more below.
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between the Volvo EX40 and Tesla Model Y begins with their powertrains. The Volvo model offers two powertrains, providing more performance customization, while the Tesla Model Y currently has one. From there, you'll find that the Volvo EX40 has a more safety- and elegance-minded design, whereas the Tesla Model Y prioritizes minimalism to its own detriment – even relegating many common cabin controls to a single touchscreen.
The Volvo EX40 is a compact SUV, while the Tesla Model Y is marketed as midsize. Although the Tesla Model Y is certainly longer, it's actually shorter and nearly identical in width to the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 is 174.8 inches long, 75.2 inches wide, and 65 inches tall. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y is roughly 188.6 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 64 inches tall.
The 2025 Volvo EX40 can produce 248 horsepower with its Single Motor Extended Range RWD powertrain or up to 402 horsepower with its Twin Motor AWD setup. For reasons unknown, Tesla automakers haven't publicized the Tesla Model Y horsepower at the time of writing, though its acceleration time is competitive with the Twin Motor AWD powertrain of the Volvo EX40. Still, the Volvo brand is up-front about performance specs.
Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y Overview
- The Volvo EX40 is a compact SUV, while the Tesla Model Y is marketed as a midsize vehicle.
- The Tesla Model Y only comes in AWD, while the Volvo EX40 gives you a choice between RWD and AWD.
- The Volvo EX40 exudes opulence while maintaining a heavy focus on occupant safety; the Tesla Model Y is known for having a minimalistic design and advanced technology, but it falls short of the premium amenities offered by the Volvo model.
- Both SUVs come with a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty,1 but new Volvo models also come with four years of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance,2 which the Tesla SUV lacks entirely.
Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y Specs & Performance
| 2025 Volvo EX40 Core | 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Long Range Dual Motor AWD |
| 82-kWh | Standard Battery | Not specified by OEM |
| Horsepower | Not specified by OEM |
| Torque | Not Specified by OEM |
| 4.6 sec | Fastest 0-60 Acceleration Time | 4.6 sec |
| Max. EPA-Est. Range (20-in Wheels) | 327 miles4 |
| 28 min5 | DC Fast-Charging Speed (10-80%) | ~20 min6 |
| 5 | Passenger Seating | 5 |
| 174.8 in | Length | 188.6 in |
| 75.2 in | Body Width | 75.6 in |
| 65 in | Height | 64 in |
| 4 years/50,000 miles1 | New Vehicle Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles1 |
| 4 years/40,000 miles2 | Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance | N/A |
As you can see, the Tesla brand isn't very forthcoming with some of the most common specs that all-electric-vehicle shoppers look for in their search – namely, battery capacity, horsepower, and torque. Given that the Tesla Model Y has the same 4.6-second 0-60 mph time as the Volvo EX40 with the Twin Motor powertrain, we expect that the Tesla SUV has similar output values, but we can't say for certain.
Additionally, although the Tesla Model Y has long been marketed as a midsize SUV, you can see that its dimensions aren't much different than the compact Volvo EX40. The Volvo SUV isn't quite as long, giving the Tesla Model Y more cargo space, but it comes at the sacrifice of maneuverability that many motorists are looking for in SUVs with dimensions like these models. Plus, the 57.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space in the 2025 Volvo EX40 is still plenty competitive for the compact segment.
Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y Range
The range of both vehicles in the Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y battle can depend on several factors. For instance, the new Volvo EX40 SUV has a Single Motor Extended Range RWD option that can travel up to 296 miles on a single charge with its 20-inch standard wheel.3 The Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive has a maximum range of 327 with its smallest wheel size of 19 inches but a shorter range of 303 miles when you opt for 20-inch wheels.4
Given the similarity of these stats, it's natural to wonder about both SUVs' charging speeds. The Volvo EX40 can go from 10% to 80% at a DC fast-charging station in 28 minutes for both RWD and AWD models.5 The Volvo EX40 now comes with an included NACS adapter, meaning they can utilize the Tesla Supercharging network without purchasing additional equipment. Tesla Model Y charging is slightly quicker – the brand doesn't list 10% to 80% speed, but they do tell us that it can regain 169 miles in about 15 minutes.6 We pulled out our calculator and found that it takes the Tesla Model Y about 20 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%,6 given those figures.
So yes, the Tesla automobile takes a few minutes less to charge, but there's an important distinction to consider. As we mentioned, the Volvo EX40 comes standard with an NACS adapter, but the Tesla brand prefers drivers to rely on their own Tesla Supercharging network. While you can buy an SAE adapter to charge a Tesla Model Y outside of the automaker's network, you won't get it as standard equipment.
Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y Interior & Exterior Design
While we've focused on a lot of numbers in this Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y SUV comparison so far, here's where matters get a bit more subjective. You'll notice from a distance that the Tesla Model Y looks almost sedan-like in its design, with a roof that tapers down toward the back and an exterior that screams "future," with a non-standard grille and almost too-shiny alloy. The Volvo EX40 looks more like a traditional SUV. As a result, the Tesla Model Y headroom gets lower toward the back end, while the headroom in the Volvo SUV increases from 37.6 inches to 38.3 inches.
Both automobiles prioritize a simplistic elegance, but the Tesla Model Y takes it to an extreme, streamlining things down to the point of almost bareness, while the Volvo SUV's Scandinavian design balances minimalist aesthetics with sophisticated appointments. For example, some drivers will prefer the traditionally styled 9-inch center display and 12.3-inch standard instrument panel that the Volvo EX40 comes with. The Tesla Model Y focuses its operations around a single 15-inch center touchscreen, taking your speed and other vehicle metrics out of your direct line of sight.
The single trim available for the Tesla Model Y – the Long Range All-Wheel Drive – limits you to a single synthetic leather upholstery in either Black or White. The Volvo EX40 and its three trims give you more choice, including the option for recycled materials, which showcases the Volvo brand's commitment to sustainability. See your options below:
- Charcoal City Textile
- Dawn Microtech/Textile
- Charcoal Fusion Microtech
- Charcoal Suede Textile
- Charcoal Suede/Fjord Blue Textile
Volvo EX40 vs. Tesla Model Y Technology & Safety
Tesla vehicles are known for their autonomous driving technology. The Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive relies heavily on its Supervised Self-Driving technology in terms of driver-assistance systems – it has a paltry list of safety features that don't utilize some form of autopilot. If you don't want to use Supervised Self-Driving, the Tesla Model Y comes with the bare minimum, like Lane Departure Avoidance, Active Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning.
In contrast, the Volvo EX40 comes with ample driver aids in its three trims while still offering semi-autonomous Pilot Assist. For instance, the entry-level Volvo EX40 Core comes standard with the following drive-support tech and safety features:
- Auto-Dim Rearview Mirrors
- BLISâ„¢ and Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Collision Mitigation Support
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Park Assist Camera
- Rain Sensor
- Road Sign Information
- Slippery Road Alert
- Whiplash Injury Protection
The Volvo EX40 Plus adds a 360-Degree Camera and fog lights while upgrading to Front, Rear, and Side Park Assist. Finally, the Volvo EX40 adds headlamp cleaners, Pilot Assist, and pixel technology headlights.
Whether you pick the Supervised Self-Driving technology in the Tesla vehicle or Pilot Assist in the Volvo SUV, you, as the driver, should stay alert and exert control over the vehicle when necessary. Contact us if you have any questions about the use of this intuitive Volvo driver-assistance technology or any of the other features mentioned here.
Visit Volvo Cars Palo Alto for an Electrifying Experience
We hope you've learned something from our Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo EX40 discussion. We think the refined appointments, distinct Scandinavian style, and robust driver-support technology in the Volvo EX40 position it ahead of the competition. However, this is only one matchup. We'd also be happy to help you compare the stats of these vehicles to something like the new Volvo EX30. Reach out to us to start that conversation today.
If you're ready to purchase the Volvo EX40 EV, check out our Volvo EX40 specials for current, compelling offers.
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1Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
2Volvo Cars Complementary Factory Scheduled Maintenance available only at participating Volvo Cars Authorized Retailers. Volvo recommends that you bring your vehicle in for service at least once a year regardless of mileage. In such cases Volvo will cover the recommended services at 1 every other year for the first 4 years. Please contact your local Volvo Cars Authorized Retailer or Volvo Cars Customer Service for more information.
3Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.
4Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.
5Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and car condition.
6Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.