Compare the2024 Porsche MacanVS 2024 Volvo XC40

The Porsche Macan has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The XC40 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the Macan and the XC40 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear 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, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The battery on the Macan is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Macan’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The XC40’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Macan’s reliability 17 points higher than the XC40.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in long-term dependability. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volvo is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 17 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (261 vs. 247) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 258) than the XC40’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 128 more horsepower (375 vs. 247) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 258) than the XC40’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 187 more horsepower (434 vs. 247) and 147 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 258) than the XC40’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche Macan turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Volvo XC40:

The Macan has 5.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC40 (19.8 vs. 14.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Macan offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The XC40 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The Macan’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The XC40 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Macan GTS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the XC40:

The Macan’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the XC40 are solid, not vented.

The Macan stops much shorter than the XC40:

For better traction, the Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XC40 (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 245/45R20).

The Macan’s standard 255/50R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC40’s standard 55 series tires. The Macan’s optional 265/40R21 front and 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the XC40’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Macan has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC40. The Macan’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the XC40.

The Macan has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The XC40’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Macan offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The XC40’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Macan has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Macan’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The XC40 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Macan’s wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer than on the XC40 (110.5 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

The Macan’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (55.7% to 44.3%) than the XC40’s (57.9% to 42.1%). This gives the Macan more stable handling and braking.

The Macan S handles at .93 G’s, while the XC40 B5 Ultimate pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XC40 (8.9 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the Macan uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The XC40 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Macan’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC40’s (4409 vs. 3500 pounds).

A Trailer Stability Management is standard on the Macan, using the Porsche Stability Management sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the XC40.

The Macan has a much higher standard payload capacity than the XC40 (1288 vs. 925 lbs.).

The Macan has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the XC40 (1383 vs. 925 lbs.).

The engine in the Macan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC40. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 25% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the XC40, the Macan offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Macan’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC40 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Macan to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XC40 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Macan keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The XC40 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Macan, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo XC40 isn't recommended.

The Macan was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 6 more times in the last 8 years. The XC40 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.