2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2019 BMW X5

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 as 9 out of 10 for its standout styling and spacious interior. The XC40 comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. Its more SUV-based design provides a more upright driving position and plenty of head- and legroom.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 BMW X5 as 8 out of 10 for its focus on providing a sedan-like driving experience in a crossover. The X5 offers two turbocharged engines: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and a 4.4-liter V8, delivering consistent power and smooth performance. Its design emphasizes a smooth ride on the pavement, with optional upgrades for a sportier or off-road-focused driving experience.

The XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It features an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Dynamic, Eco, and Off-Road. The XC40 provides brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in, with fuel-economy estimates of 23 mpg city, 31 highway, 26 combined.

The X5 is powered by a buttery-smooth, turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It features an 8-speed automatic transmission with new software and wider gear ratios, providing consistent power and smooth changes. The X5's adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers offer a smooth yet sporty ride, with impressive handling and optional upgrades for off-road capability.

The XC40 offers a spacious and functional interior, with smart storage solutions, ample legroom, and a hands-free power liftgate for convenient access to the cargo area. Its upright layout provides plenty of front-seat head- and legroom, while the rear seats offer smart storage trays and easy-to-use toggles for folding down the seats. The XC40's cargo space of 57.5 cubic feet and clever storage features make it a practical choice for everyday use.

The X5 features an updated interior design with dual 12.3-inch screens and offers plenty of room front and back, along with easily accessible cargo space and a high towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds. Its air suspension provides adjustable ride height for easier cargo loading, while the available Luxury Seating package offers ventilation, massage, and ergonomically designed multi-contour front seats. The X5's cargo space of 33.9 cubic feet, expandable to 72.3 with the seats down, and advanced technology make it a versatile and functional choice.

The XC40 features a large touchscreen in the center of the dash with a portrait layout, offering seamless integration of vehicle controls, stereo, phone, climate control, and navigation. Its Sensus system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the available Multimedia Package enhances it with a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The X5's technology includes the iDrive infotainment interface, gesture control, customizable screens, and voice controls, with available options such as Parking Assistant Plus and a 3D camera. The X5's available Driving Assistance Plus package offers limited hands-off driving and adaptive cruise control, while the Harman Kardon stereo provides excellent sound quality.

The XC40 comes standard with a full array of safety features, including airbags, tire pressure monitoring, whiplash protection, road-sign information updates, rear-collision warning, and City Safe automatic braking system. Optional packages add blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alert, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, a 360-degree camera, and advanced headlights.

The X5 features a new brake-by-wire setup for semi-autonomous driving, with 4-star ratings in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Its available Driving Assistance Plus package offers hands-off driving, adaptive cruise control, automatic parallel parking, and a 3D camera, while other options include night vision and a rear-seat entertainment system.