2026 Volvo XC40 Vs. 2026 BMW X1: Compact SUV Showdown

2026 Volvo XC40 vs. 2026 BMW X1 Price & Warranty

Price & Warranty

The Volvo XC40 has a lower starting MSRP than the BMW X1.1,2 It does not sacrifice features or performance in the name of affordability, arguably providing more value for your hard-earned dollar.

Volvo XC40 – The 2026 Volvo XC40 has a starting MSRP of $39,900.1 As we see further in our Bomnin Volvo Cars Dadeland comparison, this competitive price still allows you to access an incredible range of amenities and capabilities. The Volvo XC40 has a four-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.6

BMX X1 – The baseline MSRP of the 2026 BMW X1 comes in at $42,800.2 From our standpoint, this SUV does not offer additional or more impressive features to justify its higher price. The BMW X1 also sports a New Vehicle Warranty that runs for four years or 50,000 miles.6

Fuel Economy

Performance & Specs

The 2026 Volvo XC40 and 2026 BMW X1 have comparable performance specs and two engine options, though the X1's available unit is not as easily accessible. This category can be considered a tie.

Volvo XC40 – The B4 FWD powertrain is back for 2026 and standard equipment in the Core and Plus trims, rendering 194 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The available B5 AWD powertrain makes 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque; it is available in the Core and Plus and standard in the Ultra.

BMW X1 – The new BMW X1 relies on a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Its high-performance variant is exclusive to the M35i trim, and this SUV is AWD-only.

2026 Volvo XC40 vs. 2026 BMW X1 Size & Cargo

Fuel Economy

When comparing the 2026 BMW X1 vs. 2026 Volvo XC40, we find very similar fuel economy scores. The BMW X1 does have a slight edge, however.

Volvo XC40 – When you opt for this luxurious new Volvo SUV, you can enjoy up to an EPA-estimated 25/32/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).7 This competitive rating is sure to appeal to drivers in our community.

BMW X1 – The BMW X1 scores a maximum EPA-estimated 34 MPG (Highway);3 this is the only BMW-provided rating available at the time of this writing. It narrowly edges out the 2026 Volvo XC40.

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2026 Volvo XC40 Core2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i
2026 Volvo XC40 Core2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i
Starting MSRP$39,9001$42,8002
Engine
  • B4 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (standard)
  • B5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (available)
2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower
  • 194 (B4)
  • 247 (B5)
241
Torque
  • 221 lb-ft (B4)
  • 288 lb-ft (B5)
295 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic7-speed dual-clutch
DrivetrainFWD / AWDAWD
0-60 MPH
  • 8.1 sec (B4)
  • 6.1 sec (B5)
6.2 sec
Max EPA-Est. MPG (Hwy)327343
Fuel Tank Size14.2 gal14.3 gal
Length174.8 in177.2 in
Width73.7 in72.6 in
Height65 in64.6 in
Seating Capacity55
Max Cargo Capacity57.5 cu ft57.2 cu ft
Base Curb Weight3,674.2 lbs3,790 lbs8
Max Towing Capacity3,500 lbs9N/A
Standard & Available Interior Features
  • Comfort front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 2-zone climate control
  • Premium sound system
  • 12.3-in driver display
  • Heated front seats
  • Air quality system
  • Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink®
  • Sport front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 2-zone climate control
  • HiFi sound system
  • 10.25-in instrument cluster
  • Heated front seats
  • Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
Standard & Available Exterior Features
  • Roof rails
  • Tinted rear windows
  • Skid plate with hidden tailpipes
  • Automatic door locking
  • Running boards
  • Door handles with ground lighting
  • Panoramic roof
  • Power-operated tailgate
  • Roof rails
  • Comfort Access Keyless Entry
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Power tailgate
NHTSA Safety Rating5/5 stars4 (2025)4/5 stars4 (2025)
Factory Warranty4-yr/50,000-mi New Vehicle Limited Warranty64-yr/50,000-mi New Vehicle Warranty6
2026 Volvo XC40Used BMW X1
2026 Volvo XC40 vs. 2026 BMW X1 Interior & Comfort

Size & Dimensions

The Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 are neck and neck when it comes to dimensions, but the Volvo SUV comes out ahead in a few key areas. Reference the chart above for exterior measurements and below for interior specs.

Volvo XC40 – The front row of the 2026 Volvo XC40 for sale has 39 inches of headroom, 40.9 inches of legroom, and 56.7 inches of shoulder room. It boasts 57.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

BMX X1 – The front row of the 2026 BMW X1 renders up to 42.1 inches of headroom, 40.4 inches of legroom, and 56.1 inches of shoulder room.8 Its cargo area maxes out at 57.2 cubic feet.

2026 Volvo XC40 vs. 2026 BMW X1 Technology & Features

Interior & Features

The Volvo XC40 clinches this category because of the attention to detail present in its design. While some similarities are shared between the Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1, the Volvo SUV offers more impressive amenities overall.

Volvo XC40 – The Volvo XC40 is well-appointed. It comes standard with heated front seats, two-zone climate control with an air quality system and a humidity sensor, a 9-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch driver display.

BMW X1 – The BMW X1 keeps up to an extent, also outfitting standard heated front seats and two-zone climate control. It has a larger touchscreen at 10.7 inches, but its instrument cluster is smaller at 10.25 inches. It also lacks an air quality system and a humidity sensor.

2026 Volvo XC40 vs. 2026 BMW X1 Series Safety & Reliability

Safety & Reliability

The 2026 models have not been tested or rated at the time of this writing, but looking at 2025 data, the Volvo XC40 handily wins this section. It scores a higher NHTSA safety rating4 and a higher J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score.5

Volvo XC40 – The 2025 Volvo XC40 earns five out of five stars from the NHTSA.4 It also has an 11-point advantage over the BMW X1 in Quality and Reliability from J.D. Power.5

BMX X1 – Drivers interested in a safe vehicle should favor the Volvo XC40, as the 2025 BMW X1 only gets four out of five stars from the NHTSA.4 Since both models are largely carryovers, we expect to see the same ratings for the 2026 variants.

2026 Volvo XC40: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Competitive starting MSRP1
  • FWD and AWD availability
  • Ample cargo space and towing capacity9

Cons

  • Lower fuel economy
  • Smaller 9-in touchscreen

2026 BMW X1 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Better gas mileage
  • Larger 10.7-in touchscreen
  • Higher-output standard engine

Cons

  • AWD only
  • Higher starting MSRP2

Lease or Finance Your Way to Luxury at Bomnin Volvo Cars Dadeland

Conclusion

Visit us today to test-drive the sleek Volvo SUV, discuss our competitive Volvo XC40 lease deals, or learn more ways the Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 stack up.

Are you still in the research phase? Check out additional comparisons we have conducted below:

Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1: FAQ

Which has more cargo space: Volvo XC40 or BMW X1?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 has slightly more maximum cargo space than the 2026 BMW X1. This SUV boasts up to 57.5 cubic feet of storage volume, while the BMW X1 tops out at 57.2 cubic feet. Both models feature a standard split-folding rear seat and a power-operated tailgate, ensuring seamless configurability and access to the cargo area.

Which is more expensive: Volvo XC40 or BMW X1?

The entry-level 2026 BMW X1 is more expensive than the base 2026 Volvo XC40. The BMW X1 xDrive28i has a starting MSRP of $42,800,2 while the 2026 Volvo XC40 Core comes with a starting MSRP of $39,900.1 The luxurious new Volvo SUV offers a more compelling lineup of standard equipment than the BMW model, arguably providing enhanced value.

Which can tow more: Volvo XC40 or BMW X1?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, regardless of which engine you choose. Official towing specs for the 2026 BMW X1 have not been revealed, but it can be optioned with a trailer hitch. The Volvo XC40 comes with a Trailer Light Check. For more details regarding Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 towing or general performance capabilities, contact us today.


See What Drivers Think Of The Volvo XC40


1Prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.

2Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration. Starting MSRP may vary as a result of equipment capacity restrictions.

3Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.

4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov.

5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/.

6Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

7EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD) or 25 MPG city/32 MPG highway/27 MPG combined (B4 FWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

8This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.kbb.com/bmw/x1/2026/specs/.

9When properly equipped.

- Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)