2019 Subaru Forester vs 2019 Volvo XC40
Overview | |
MSRP$33,700 | MSRP$24,295 |
Listings143 | Listings826 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
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Cons
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2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews SummaryIf any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | |
2019 Subaru Forester Reviews SummaryConsumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms. But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades. In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze. The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment? | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Torque221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space20.7 cu ft | Cargo Space35.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3564 lbs | Curb Weight3449 lbs |
Height65.3 in | Height67.5 in |
Length174.2 in | Length182.1 in |
Width80.1 in | Width80.9 in |
Wheelbase106.4 in | Wheelbase105.1 in |
Maximum Payload1195 lbs | Maximum Payload1442 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $33,700 | $24,295 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms. But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades. In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze. The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment? |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 20.7 cu ft | 35.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3564 lbs | 3449 lbs |
Height | 65.3 in | 67.5 in |
Length | 174.2 in | 182.1 in |
Width | 80.1 in | 80.9 in |
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 105.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1195 lbs | 1442 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 1500 lbs |
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 as 9 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Forester as 7 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 boasts standout styling, with an upright appearance that provides plenty of head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features.
The 2019 Subaru Forester features a modern design with a focus on utility. It offers a range of trims, each with its own set of design touches and functional features.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Forester 6 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in.
The 2019 Subaru Forester comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It features standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, providing a smooth ride and efficient performance.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 9 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Forester 8 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 impresses with its smart use of space, offering ample front-seat and backseat legroom, along with innovative storage solutions and a hands-free power liftgate.
The 2019 Subaru Forester offers class-leading cargo space, excellent backseat room, and a tall greenhouse that provides a commanding driving position and great visibility.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 8 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Forester 9 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large touchscreen with a portrait layout, offering seamless integration of various vehicle controls, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The 2019 Subaru Forester comes with the Starlink infotainment system, providing responsive performance, high resolution, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also incorporates innovative driver-assistance features like Lead Vehicle Alert.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Forester 10 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including standard airbags, automatic braking, and optional driver-assistance systems like Pilot Assist. However, it has some safety pitfalls related to its design, such as significant blind spots.
The 2019 Subaru Forester comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance systems, providing forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping Assist, contributing to its excellent safety rating.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings and detailed comparison, the 2019 Subaru Forester emerges as the more compelling choice, scoring higher in performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and overall value make it a standout option in the compact SUV segment.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:
- You value spaciousness, utility, and advanced safety features.
- You are looking for a vehicle that offers great value at each price point.
- You prefer a compact SUV with a responsive infotainment system and intuitive technology features.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
- You prioritize standout styling and innovative design features.
- You seek a vehicle with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and seamless smartphone integration.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings and detailed comparison, the 2019 Subaru Forester emerges as the more compelling choice, scoring higher in performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and overall value make it a standout option in the compact SUV segment.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:
Shop Now- You value spaciousness, utility, and advanced safety features.
- You are looking for a vehicle that offers great value at each price point.
- You prefer a compact SUV with a responsive infotainment system and intuitive technology features.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize standout styling and innovative design features.
- You seek a vehicle with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and seamless smartphone integration.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.