Head-to-head
Tesla Model Y vs Volvo EX40
Just $2,000 separates the Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX40 on starting price, but the Volvo EX40 goes 66 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
Tesla Model Y
Australia's best-selling EV by a wide margin, the Model Y combines crossover practicality with the Tesla software and Supercharger ecosystem. The 'Juniper' refresh addresses many of the original's ride and cabin gripes.
- From
- $71,990
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 62.5 kWh
Option B · SUV
Volvo EX40
The rebadged XC40 Recharge — Volvo dropped the petrol versions for this generation and reframed the EV as the EX40. RWD single-motor for the long-range variant; AWD twin-motor for performance.
- From
- $69,990
- Range
- 532 km
- Battery
- 82 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX40, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 goes 66 km further on a charge (532 vs 466 km WLTP).
- 2
Boot · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y swallows 402 L more cargo with the rear seats up (854 vs 452 L).
- 3
Battery · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 carries a 19.5 kWh larger battery (82 vs 62.5 kWh).
- 4
DC charging · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 accepts 35 kW more DC peak charging (205 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 5
Power · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y puts down 45 kW more (220 vs 175 kW).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model Y wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 7.3s)
- ▸ Longer warranty (4 years)
Where the Volvo EX40 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $2,000
- ▸ 66 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (205 kW vs 170 kW)
Tesla Model Y
What we like
- ✓ Huge boot and frunk for family use
- ✓ Supercharger network access
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ Firm ride on 19-inch wheels
- ✕ Minimalist cabin polarises buyers
- ✕ No Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Volvo EX40
What we like
- ✓ 532 km WLTP range in single-motor RWD form
- ✓ Premium Volvo cabin and safety reputation
- ✓ Fast 205 kW DC charging peak
What we don't
- ✕ Three-year vehicle warranty is short for the price
- ✕ Battery warranty distance only 100,000 km
- ✕ Cabin styling unchanged from earlier XC40 Recharge
Frequently asked: Tesla Model Y vs Volvo EX40
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model Y or the Volvo EX40?
- The Volvo EX40 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $69,990 versus $71,990 for the Tesla Model Y, a $2,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Volvo EX40 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 532 km, 66 km further than the Tesla Model Y's 466 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Volvo EX40 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 205 kW versus 170 kW for the Tesla Model Y. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model Y does 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds — 1.4 s quicker than the Volvo EX40's 7.3 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The Tesla Model Y is covered by a 4-year vehicle warranty, versus 3 years for the Volvo EX40. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model Y
if…
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (402 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: families
Choose the
Volvo EX40
if…
- ✓ you want to save $2,000 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (66 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: premium-brand buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.