It’s a good time for electric vehicle fans as there are more options than ever, including in the compact SUV segment. Perhaps the best-known of the group, the 2024 Tesla Model Y, enjoys a significant advantage over many of its competitors. Tesla brought the EV to the mainstream, forcing the rest of the automotive world to catch up. However, there is plenty of competition now, such as the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Good looks and performance are a few reasons to consider each of these vehicles, but let’s take a closer look to see which EV might best suit your needs.
2024 Tesla Model Y
The 2024 Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in the U.S. — and the world. It’s not just the world’s best-selling EV; it’s the top-selling vehicle, period. In other words, Tesla’s sorted this vehicle out.
The Model Y is a nice place to be, with a simple exterior and an uncluttered, clean interior. It also features a slew of safety and convenience technologies such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, so any trip in a Model Y is an exciting proposition.
Perhaps the best part of Tesla Model Y ownership is the access to the company’s Supercharger network. With nearly 2,000 stations in the U.S. and more than 21,850 charging ports, ensuring you have a reliable place to charge is a virtual certainty. Prices start at $46,630, including a destination charge.
Tesla Model Y Highlights
Supercharging: With nearly 22,000 Superchargers across the U.S., range anxiety isn’t an issue. If you forget to plug your Tesla Model Y in at home one night, finding a place to charge quickly — you can add 175 miles of range in about 15 minutes — isn’t a problem.
Semi-autonomous driving: Autopilot bundles automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Autopilot adds Navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane-changing, automated parking, and Smart Summon. Finally, Full Self-Driving Capability adds Autosteer on city streets and automatic stop-and-go at traffic lights and stop signs.
Lots of space: The Tesla Model Y can be had with a third-row seat. It’s not going to get used much, but if you need to transport a couple of extra little humans, you’ll be up to the task.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Model Y sedans near you.
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Volvo’s long been known for the safety of its vehicles, but now it’s leading the charge for renewable luxury. The Volvo XC40 Recharge offers vegan leather and other green materials inside. On its Ultimate trim vehicles, Volvo offers tailored wool blend upholstery for those who would rather not have leather.
This SUV is motivated by a single electric motor that produces 248 horsepower; however, buyers can upgrade to a dual-motor setup that produces 402 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The XC40 offers ample room inside, although our test driver noted the rear legroom is a bit tight. Overall, the look and feel of the XC40 Recharge are pure Volvo: simple, clean, and uncluttered. Prices start at $53,745, including destination charges.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Highlights
Google help: Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system enjoys full access to the Googleverse, starting with using Google Maps for its navigation system. Others in the vehicle can access the Google Play store to keep entertained. The only downside? No Apple CarPlay is available. However, the Tesla Model Y has neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay.
Going and going: The XC40 in single motor mode provides plenty of range to get around town and home again. In fact, it’ll travel an estimated 293 miles on a single charge. However, if you’re traveling farther than that, you can charge from 10% to 80% in just less than 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.
Super safe: The XC40 Recharge has received a Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Volvo XC40 Recharge models near you.
Similarities
With simple but appealing exteriors and comfortable, minimalist interiors, the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Recharge offer an upscale driving experience. Of course, they’re also both electric.
Conclusion
The Volvo XC40 Recharge tugs at one’s Ikea-influenced heartstrings, but the Tesla Model Y is cheaper, faster, bigger, and has a longer warranty. This is a logical choice if you buy the Tesla Model Y.
| 2024 Tesla Model Y | 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge | |
| Starting Price | $46,630 | $53,745 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Electric motor | Electric motor |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 7,000 rpm | 248 hp |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive/RWD |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | 118 city/95 hwy/106 combined MPGe |
| Also Available | Dual-motor/AWD | Dual-motor/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5/7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 106.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.0 inches | 174.8 inches |
| Width | 75.6 inches | 75.2 inches |
| Height | 64.0 inches | 65.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.8 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.8 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.5 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.4 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.0 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 30.2 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
