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Lexus NX vs Volvo XC40

2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Volvo XC40 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus NX

2026 Lexus NX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 2Lexus NX wins 4 of 6 categories
Volvo XC40

2026 Volvo XC40

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Lexus NX is more fuel-efficient: 40 vs 27 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $1,000 a year less in fuel for the Lexus NX (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus NX is the bigger car, about 9 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Volvo XC40 has had fewer recall campaigns (14 vs 18).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus NX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,880 lb (350 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 174 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,721 lb.

Buying used? The 2021 NX and the 2020 XC40 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2024 NX and the 2021 XC40.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

40 MPG
Best combined MPG
27 MPG
42 city
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
$2,050
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,050

Performance & space

275 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
194 hp
5
Seats (most)
5
183.5 in
Length
174.4 in
73.6 in
Width
73.2 in
65.7 in
Height
65 in
3,880 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,721 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
0
18
Recalls, all years since 2005
14
6
Owner complaints (latest year)
1

Interest

10,857
Wikipedia views, 30 days
7,658

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2020
2024
Year to avoid
2021

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus NX if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (40 vs 27 MPG)
  • You want more power (up to 275 vs 194 hp)
  • You want more room (9 in longer)

Choose the Volvo XC40 if…

  • You want something easier to park (9 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus NX

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Volvo XC40

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 194 hp, versus about 312 hp for similar 2026 models.

Full 2026 Lexus NX specs →Full 2026 Volvo XC40 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →