2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Honda Pilot

2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Overall, the 2020 Honda Pilot emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a spacious and versatile interior, strong safety features, and competitive cost-effectiveness. However, the 2019 Volvo XC40 stands out for its unique styling, advanced technology, and performance-oriented driving experience.

Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$31,650

Average price

$24,371

Average price

$28,341

Listings

112

Listings

829
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews 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.

2020 Honda Pilot Reviews Summary

The Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

27
2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Overall, the 2020 Honda Pilot emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a spacious and versatile interior, strong safety features, and competitive cost-effectiveness. However, the 2019 Volvo XC40 stands out for its unique styling, advanced technology, and performance-oriented driving experience.

Overview
MSRP
$33,700
$31,650
Average price
$24,371
$28,341
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.4
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
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.

The Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
8
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
23
19
MPG Highway
33
27
Look and feel
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Honda Pilot is rated 8 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 boasts standout styling, offering an upright appearance and plenty of head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. The XC40's interior is well-equipped, featuring a large 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display and a range of luxurious options. The 2020 Honda Pilot shares the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with various trims providing different levels of luxury and convenience features.
Performance
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda Pilot 8 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, along with a range of drive modes for different driving experiences. The 2020 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It provides refined acceleration and a comfortable driving experience suitable for daily commutes and road trips.
Form and function
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
Both the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Honda Pilot are rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. The 2019 Volvo XC40 makes incredible use of its space, offering ample front-seat head- and legroom, as well as smart storage solutions and a spacious cargo area. The 2020 Honda Pilot provides a spacious 8-passenger cabin with versatile seating configurations and ample cargo space, making it ideal for family hauling.
Technology
2019 Volvo XC40
8/10
2020 Honda Pilot
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda Pilot 6 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large touchscreen infotainment system with a portrait layout, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In contrast, the 2020 Honda Pilot is equipped with Honda's Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system, providing various connectivity and entertainment features across different trims.
Safety
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
The 2020 Honda Pilot receives a higher safety rating compared to the 2019 Volvo XC40, with CarGurus experts rating it 9 out of 10 and the XC40 7 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 comes standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including airbags, automatic braking, and driver-assistance systems. However, it has some safety pitfalls related to its design, such as poor rearward visibility due to massive C-pillars. The 2020 Honda Pilot comes standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, earning top ratings in crash tests and crash prevention technology evaluations.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
The 2020 Honda Pilot is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2019 Volvo XC40 scores 7 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 offered a unique ownership model called Care by Volvo, providing a simplified subscription-based ownership experience. The 2020 Honda Pilot offered competitive fuel economy figures and a range of trims to suit different budget and feature preferences.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.