Compare the2024 Volvo XC40 RechargeVS 2024 Porsche Taycan

The XC40 Recharge has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Taycan doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The XC40 Recharge has standard Post-impact braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Taycan doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the XC40 Recharge’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Taycan doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The XC40 Recharge has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the XC40 Recharge’s standard Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and Braking Intervention automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

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 Taycan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the XC40 Recharge and the Taycan 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, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC40 Recharge the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 207 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Taycan has not been tested, yet.

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC40 Recharge for 2 years and 16000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the Taycan (4/40,000 vs. 2/24,000).

There are over 44 percent more Volvo dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the XC40 Recharge’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor electric motors is faster than the Porsche Taycan:

On the EPA test cycle the XC40 Recharge gets better mileage than the Taycan Cross Turismo:

The XC40 Recharge can travel longer on a full charge than the Taycan Cross Turismo on a full charge:

For better traction, the XC40 Recharge has larger front tires than the Taycan (235/50R19 vs. 225/55R19).

The XC40 Recharge’s standard 235/50R19 front tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Taycan’s standard 55 series front tires.

The XC40 Recharge is 1 foot, 9.6 inches shorter than the Taycan Cross Turismo, making the XC40 Recharge easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the XC40 Recharge has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The XC40 Recharge has 6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Taycan Cross Turismo (98 vs. 92).

The XC40 Recharge has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat folded (57.5 vs. 45.7 cubic feet).

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the XC40 Recharge’s optional rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Taycan doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

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 Taycan doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

If the windows are left open on the XC40 Recharge the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 Taycan’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 Taycan doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC40 Recharge has a standard rear wiper. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC40 Recharge offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Taycan doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Volvo XC40 outsold the Porsche Taycan by almost four to one during 2023.