Lexus UX vs Volvo EC40
Verdict
At RM250,688, the Lexus UX is RM1,800 dearer than the RM248,888 Volvo EC40, so the money is effectively level. What separates them is hardware: the UX is a petrol C-segment SUV with a 169 hp/205 Nm 2.0 litre engine and CVT, while the EC40 is an electric SUV with a 235 hp/420 Nm motor, 70 kWh battery and 488 km EV range. For a Malaysian buyer, the Volvo is quicker, roomier and better equipped for parking; the Lexus is lighter, has a spare tyre and stays with petrol convenience.
Pick the Lexus UX if you want a petrol SUV with a space-saver spare, 1,540 kg kerb weight and a slightly higher 190 km/h top speed.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want EV performance, a 488 km range, 413 litres of boot space and more driver-assist kit for almost the same money.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus UX RM250,688; Volvo EC40 RM248,888
- Powertrain output: Lexus UX 169 hp/205 Nm petrol; Volvo EC40 235 hp/420 Nm electric motor
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus UX 9.2 seconds; Volvo EC40 7.3 seconds
- Boot space: Lexus UX 228 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres
- Kerb weight: Lexus UX 1,540 kg; Volvo EC40 2,185 kg
- Road tax: Lexus UX RM435/year; Volvo EC40 RM220/year
UX
- Petrol powertrain avoids charging planning
- Space-saver spare tyre instead of a tyre repair kit
- Lighter by 645 kg
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 9.2 seconds versus 7.3 seconds
- Much smaller boot: 228 litres versus 413 litres
- No blind spot monitor, 360-degree camera or automatic parking listed
EC40
- 235 hp and 420 Nm make it the stronger car here
- 488 km EV range with 200 kW DC charging
- Fixed glass roof, 360-degree camera and automatic parking are listed
- Tyre repair kit only; the Lexus gets a space-saver spare
- Heavier at 2,185 kg versus 1,540 kg
- Lower top speed: 180 km/h versus 190 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,688 | RM 248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,987 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | — |
| Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 488 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 10-Speed Direct Shift | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Volvo |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 228 litres | 413 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Trailing Wishbone | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 19" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Lumbar Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Boot | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 7" Lexus Premium Audio Remote Touch Controller with 8 Speakers, Android Auto Apple CarPlay | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 435 | RM 220✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
UX vs EC40 FAQ
Is the Lexus UX or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger all-rounder on paper: it is cheaper by RM1,800, quicker to 100 km/h, has a larger boot and gets more parking assistance. The Lexus UX suits buyers who prefer petrol refuelling and a spare tyre.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus UX costs RM250,688, while the Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888. That makes the Volvo RM1,800 cheaper.
Which has more boot space?
The Volvo EC40 has the bigger boot at 413 litres. The Lexus UX has 228 litres, so the Volvo gives you an extra 185 litres for luggage.