2025 Honda CR-V EX vs 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core

On paper, the 2025 Honda CR-V EX wins on $6,050 less, 10.0″ longer, AWD. The 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $6,050 price gap, 190 vs 194 hp, 28 vs 27 MPG.

The short answer

The CR-V EX leads on $6,050 less, 10.0″ longer. The XC40 B4 Core leads on 42 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.

$6,050
Price Gap
4 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Honda CR-V EX
Starts at $33,850
VS
Higher price
2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core
Starts at $39,900

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I4 Turbo
vs
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower
190 hp
vs
194 hp
Torque
179 lb-ft
vs
221 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
vs
FWD
Fuel Economy
28 MPG combined
vs
27 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.

MSRP
$33,850CR-V EX
$39,900XC40 B4 Core
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboCR-V EX
2.0L I4 mild-hybrid TurboXC40 B4 Core
Horsepower
190 hpCR-V EX
194 hpXC40 B4 Core
Torque
179 lb-ftCR-V EX
221 lb-ftXC40 B4 Core
Transmission
continuously variable-speed automaticCR-V EX
8-speed shiftable automaticXC40 B4 Core
Drivetrain
AWDCR-V EX
FWDXC40 B4 Core
City MPG
26CR-V EX
25XC40 B4 Core
Highway MPG
31CR-V EX
32XC40 B4 Core
Combined MPG
28CR-V EX
27XC40 B4 Core
Fuel Tank
14.0 galCR-V EX
14.2 galXC40 B4 Core
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,550/yrCR-V EX
$2,150/yrXC40 B4 Core
Curb Weight
3,616 lbsCR-V EX
3,667 lbsXC40 B4 Core
Wheelbase
106.3"CR-V EX
106.4"XC40 B4 Core
Length
184.8"CR-V EX
174.8"XC40 B4 Core
Width
73.5"CR-V EX
76.3"XC40 B4 Core
Height
66.5"CR-V EX
65.2"XC40 B4 Core
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kCR-V EX
4yr/50kXC40 B4 Core
Powertrain
5yr/60kCR-V EX
4yr/50kXC40 B4 Core
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedCR-V EX
12yr/unlimitedXC40 B4 Core
Roadside Assistance
3yr/36kCR-V EX
4yr/unlimitedXC40 B4 Core

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Honda CR-V EX2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core
Pricing
MSRP$33,850$39,900
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo
Horsepower190 hp194 hp
Torque179 lb-ft221 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2625
Highway MPG3132
Combined MPG2827
Fuel Tank14.0 gal14.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,550/yr$2,150/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,616 lbs3,667 lbs
Wheelbase106.3"106.4"
Length184.8"174.8"
Width73.5"76.3"
Height66.5"65.2"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited12yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k4yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Honda CR-V EX and 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX starts at $33,850, $6,050 less than the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core at $39,900. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $107/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Honda CR-V EX?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,050 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $56/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Who should choose the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core is the stronger pick when you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Honda CR-V EX or 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX rates 28 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Honda CR-V EX or 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core produces 194 hp, 4 more than the 2025 Honda CR-V EX at 190 hp. The 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda CR-V EX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Honda CR-V EX, FWD on the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core.

Is the 2025 Honda CR-V EX bigger than the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core?

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is 10.0″ longer at 184.8″ vs 174.8″. The 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core has a 0.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2025 Honda CR-V EX and 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2025 Honda CR-V EX comes with AWD, while the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

The Honda CR-V comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volvo XC40 offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Honda trims, Honda CR-V trims, Volvo trims, Volvo XC40 trims

Official sources

CR-V vs XC40: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX and 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $6,050 gap adds up to $107/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Under the Hood

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 4 hp difference (194 vs 190) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core adds 42 more lb-ft of torque (221 vs 179), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Honda CR-V EX comes with AWD; the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

Running Costs: CR-V vs XC40

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX saves roughly $56/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $280.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is 10.0″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2025 Honda CR-V EX when you want to keep $6,050 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core when you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver. At $107/month more, the 2026 Volvo XC40 B4 Core needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or Volvo or any dealership.

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