Compare the2023 Volvo XC40 RechargeVS 2023 Audi e-tron

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC40 Recharge has a standard CTA Auto Brake that use rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The e-tron doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The XC40 Recharge’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The e-tron doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the XC40 Recharge and the e-tron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC40 Recharge for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the e-tron.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volvo XC40 Recharge is faster than the Audi e-tron (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the XC40 Recharge gets better mileage than the e-tron:

The XC40 Recharge can travel longer on a full charge than the e-tron on a full charge:

The XC40 Recharge stops much shorter than the e-tron:

The XC40 Recharge’s standard 255/45R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the e-tron’s standard 50 series tires. The XC40 Recharge’s optional 255/40R20 rear tires have a lower 40 series profile than the e-tron’s optional 45 series tires.

The XC40 Recharge handles at .84 G’s, while the e-tron Chronos Edition pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the XC40 Recharge’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the e-tron’s (37.4 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Volvo XC40 Recharge may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1350 pounds less than the Audi e-tron.

The XC40 Recharge is 1 foot, 6.2 inches shorter than the e-tron, making the XC40 Recharge easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The XC40 Recharge’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the e-tron’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC40 Recharge uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The e-tron doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The XC40 Recharge’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The e-tron’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC40 Recharge to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The e-tron doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC40 Recharge has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the e-tron only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XC40 Recharge Ultimate has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights. The XC40 Recharge Ultimate also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the XC40 Recharge second among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The e-tron isn’t in the top three.

The Volvo XC40 outsold the Audi e-tron by 19% during the 2022 model year.