Volvo
V40
Volvo
V60
Volvo V40 vs Volvo V60: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Volvo V60 comes out ahead of the Volvo V40 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
V40
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain. For the first-generation V40 (1996-2004), owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, describing these older models as "hell of a car," "solid," and reliable high-mileage vehicles that offer excellent value when well-maintained. For the second-generation V40 (2012-2019), sentiment is mixed to negative.
Best version to buy
For the second-generation (2012-2019), the consensus favors models equipped with the 5-cylinder diesel (D4) or petrol engines, noted for their superior sound and reliability compared to the 4-cylinder units. The 2.0L diesel engines are preferred over the 1.6L diesel.
Known issues
- ⚠**Second Generation (2012-2019):** * **Engine Reliability & Oil Consumption:** Piston ring issues in early VEA 4-cylinder engines (petrol and diesel) causing excessive oil consumption.
- ⚠**First Generation (1996-2004):** * **Timing Belt Interval:** Critical service item requiring replacement at specified mileage/age (e.g., 80,000 miles/8 years for petrol). Failure to do so is a major risk. Frequency: very frequent.
V60
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of the first-generation P3 platform (approximately 2014-2018) report significant reliability concerns, particularly with engine oil consumption and hybrid system failures, leading to descriptions of the car as a "money pit." In contrast, feedback on the second-generation SPA platform (approximately 2019 onward) is more positive, praising its comfort, luxury, and driving experience, though it is marred by widespread and recurrent complaints about software glitches, infotainment failures, and some build quality issues. The vehicle is consistently appreciated for its stylish wagon design, comfortable seats, and safety features.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (P3), the 2016 V60 Polestar with the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six is highlighted as a desirable performance variant. For the second generation (SPA), the T6 Recharge plug-in hybrid (455 bhp) is mentioned as a powerful and desirable option, though with noted reliability risks.
Known issues
- ⚠**Engine oil consumption (P3 platform, 2015-2016 4-cylinder gasoline engines)**: Severe oil burning requiring piston ring replacement, potentially recurring even after repair. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**Hybrid system failures (Early T6/T8 Recharge, D6 Twin Engine)**: ERAD (electric rear axle drive) unit failures, with repair costs around €6,000 ($6,500 USD); turbo failures in diesel hybrids. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠**Infotainment/software glitches (SPA platform)**: System freezes, failure to reboot, unresponsive screens, blank dashboard displays, buggy features (road sign recognition, interior lights, audio source switching).
The verdict
The Volvo V60 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Volvo V40, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Volvo V40 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Volvo V40 or the Volvo V60?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Volvo V40 and the Volvo V60. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Volvo V40 or the Volvo V60?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Volvo V40 is classed as a Crossover, the Volvo V60 as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Volvo V40 or the Volvo V60?
The Volvo V60 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.9-2.1 L/100km combined versus 8.3 L/100km for the Volvo V40, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Volvo V40 or the Volvo V60?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Volvo V40 than the Volvo V60. See the known issues comparison above.