Lexus UX vs Volvo XC40
Verdict
The Lexus UX costs RM250,688 against the Volvo XC40’s RM268,888, so the RM18,200 gap buys the Volvo a much stronger 263 hp/390 Nm petrol-hybrid setup, all-wheel drive, a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a 460-litre boot. The UX is lighter at 1,540 kg, slightly longer and has a higher 190 km/h top speed, but its 169 hp, front-drive layout and 228-litre boot make it the gentler, less practical choice here.
Pick the Lexus UX if you want the cheaper, lighter CBU Japan SUV and can live with less performance and boot space.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want the quicker, roomier and better-equipped SUV, and the RM18,200 premium is acceptable.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus UX RM250,688; Volvo XC40 RM268,888
- Power and torque: Lexus UX 169 hp/205 Nm; Volvo XC40 263 hp/390 Nm
- Driveline and 0-100 km/h: Lexus UX front-wheel drive, 9.2 seconds; Volvo XC40 all-wheel drive, 6.4 seconds
- Boot space: Lexus UX 228 litres; Volvo XC40 460 litres
- Size: Lexus UX 4,495 mm long/1,520 mm tall; Volvo XC40 4,425 mm long/1,658 mm tall
- Parking aids: Lexus UX 4 front and 4 rear sensors; Volvo XC40 6 front and 6 rear sensors plus auto parking
UX
- Lower purchase price
- Lighter kerb weight at 1,540 kg versus 1,875 kg
- Higher listed top speed, 190 km/h versus 180 km/h
- Much slower to 100 km/h, 9.2 seconds versus 6.4 seconds
- Boot is far smaller, 228 litres versus 460 litres
- Lacks blind spot info, auto wipers, paddle shifters and auto parking
XC40
- Far stronger output at 263 hp and 390 Nm
- All-wheel drive and quicker 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 460-litre boot and longer 2,702 mm wheelbase
- Costs RM18,200 more
- Heavier at 1,875 kg versus 1,540 kg
- Lower listed top speed, 180 km/h versus 190 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,688✓ | RM 268,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,987 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 263 hp✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 390 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 10-Speed Direct Shift | Geartronic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 50 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,875 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 49 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 228 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Michelin e-Primacy |
| 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" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| 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 | — | Sport Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 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 | Power safety lock for rear door |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| 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 Reflectors |
| 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 with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Boot | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| 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 Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and 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 Push button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 hybrid battery warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 435 | RM 428✓ |
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 XC40 FAQ
Is the Lexus UX or Volvo XC40 better?
The Volvo XC40 is the stronger all-rounder on these numbers: it is quicker, more powerful, has all-wheel drive, a much bigger boot and more driver aids. The Lexus UX mainly answers back with a lower price and lighter weight.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC40 costs RM18,200 more than the Lexus UX. That premium buys more power, all-wheel drive, faster acceleration, a bigger boot and extra features such as blind spot info, auto wipers and auto parking.
Which one is more practical for family use?
The Volvo XC40 is more practical. It has 460 litres of boot space versus 228 litres in the Lexus UX, a longer 2,702 mm wheelbase versus 2,640 mm, and rear air vents like the Lexus.