Volvo Mild-Hybrid Vs. Electric Vehicles Comparison
In recent years, Volvo Cars has been working toward a more sustainable future, distilling its lineup to mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric models; in this guide, we'll take a look at two ends of the spectrum, comparing Volvo mild-hybrid vehicles vs. EVs, so you can make an informed decision when visiting the Volvo Cars Marin showroom in San Rafael, CA. The goal here is to give you an overview, but you are always invited to contact us for a deeper dive into Volvo mild-hybrid cars vs. EVs.
Engines, Batteries & Motors: The Premium Volvo Mild-Hybrid Selection
When it comes to the Volvo mild-hybrid cars vs. electric vehicles, the first thing you should know is that the former has an internal combustion engine and cannot be manually recharged. The latter, on the other hand, runs solely on battery-and-motor power and requires charging to drive.
Without further ado, we will now present some popular mild-hybrid Volvo models and the qualities that set them apart from the rest of the MHEV family.
Volvo XC40
The new Volvo XC40 sticks out as the smallest MHEV in the lineup, built atop the Compact Modular Architecture that classifies it as a small SUV. If you choose to test-drive it here in San Rafael, CA, you'll be amazed at its roomy and comfortable cabin, especially after admiring its compact exterior.
The mild-hybrid Volvo models tend to share more similarities than differences, like regenerative braking, a 48-volt battery, and an anchor 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Volvo XC60
As a midsize SUV, the new Volvo XC60 is a touch larger than the Volvo XC40 but still seats up to five people across two rows. Its cargo capacity is 21.6 cubic feet or 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, which is actually less than the maximum of 57.5 cubic feet offered by the Volvo XC40.
Horsepower remains at 247 for both SUVs, but the midsize model boasts 266 pound-feet of torque compared to either 221 or 288 pound-feet for the XC40, as the smaller SUV has two powertrain options.
Volvo XC90
At the top of the Volvo SUV "food chain," the Volvo XC90 is a powerful three-row model. Unlike the two previous mild hybrids we covered, it has an available B6 AWD 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Its minimum acceleration from zero to 60 mph is 6.5 seconds, which is impressive for a three-row sport utility vehicle. Choose the new Volvo XC90 if you're seeking an MHEV that seats between six and seven people.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
When choosing between our Volvo mild-hybrid vehicles vs. electric vehicles, keep in mind that there are no all-electric wagons. You'll have to go with a mild hybrid if you're interested in a new Volvo V90 Cross Country. Bold and stylish, this model stands out as having the only available supercharged engine in the lineup, the B6 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder powertrain – which you can test-drive today in San Rafael, CA. As a wagon, it is more than 4 inches shorter than even the small Volvo XC40 SUV but delivers a highly convenient maximum cargo capacity of 69 cubic feet.
Volvo V60 Cross Country
This midsize mild-hybrid luxury wagon is almost 7 inches shorter than the Volvo V90 Cross Country. That might seem like a tiny discrepancy, but seeing the wagons side by side near San Francisco, CA, tells a different story. A new Volvo V60 Cross Country is for people who need a slim model that doesn't skimp on spaciousness or luxurious comfort – urban drivers, for example.
Batteries, Motors & No Fuel in Sight: The Volvo Fully Electric Models
Unlike the MHEVs, the all-electric vehicles do not take gasoline and must be charged, either at home or at a public charging station.
Volvo EX30
The new Volvo EX30 is the smallest SUV currently created by Volvo Cars. At 166.7 inches long, it has surprisingly excellent front-row legroom (41.9 inches) and a cargo capacity of up to 27.8 cubic feet. When comparing Volvo mild-hybrid vehicles to Volvo EVs, the Volvo EX30 stands out as a completely new addition to the lineup, featuring unique sustainable materials and a sleek, futuristic exterior appearance. It also comes in Moss Yellow, which is not available for the Volvo EX40 or Volvo EX90.
Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 is bigger than the Volvo EX30 and has a longer available range of 296 miles.1 We recommend the new Volvo EX40 to those who need more interior room for people and possessions or want to claim its standard rear-wheel drivetrain or higher available torque of 494 pound-feet. We invite you to see the size difference between the Volvo EX30 and the Volvo EX40 for yourself by visiting our inventory near San Francisco, CA.
Volvo EX90
As we near the end of our Volvo mild-hybrid vehicles vs. EVs guide, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the Volvo EX90. As the flagship fully electric three-row SUV, the all-new Volvo EX90 is impossible to miss. It is 198.3 inches long and 68.8 inches tall, and its elegant outer dimensions lead to an inviting front-row headroom of 44.2 inches and 41.6 inches in the second row.
Volvo Mild-Hybrid vs. EV Specs Comparison
| Volvo XC40 | Volvo XC60 | Volvo XC90 | Volvo V90 Cross Country | Volvo V60 Cross Country | Volvo EX30 | Volvo EX40 | Volvo EX90 | |
| Available Engine | B5 AWD 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | B5 AWD 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | B6 AWD 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | B6 AWD 2.0L turbo & super 4-cyl | B6 AWD 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | Twin Motor | Twin Motor | Twin Motor Performance |
| Maximum Horsepower | 247 | 247 | 295 | 295 | 247 | 422 | 402 | 510 |
| Maximum Torque | 258 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 494 lb-ft | 671 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain Options | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD or RWD | AWD |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (Combined) | 262 | 262 | 262 | 253 | 264 | – | – | – |
| Max EPA-Est. MPGe (Combined) | – | – | – | – | – | 1095 | 941 | 846 |
| Battery | 48-volt | 48-volt | 48-volt | 48-volt | 48-volt | 69 kWh | 82 kWh | 111 kWh |
| All-Electric Range | – | – | – | – | – | 253 miles5 | 296 miles1 | 310 miles6 |
| Quickest 0–60 Acceleration | 6.1 s | 6.5 s | 6.4 s | 6.1 s | 6.6 s | 3.4 s | 4.6 s | 4.7 s |
Volvo Mild-Hybrid vs. EV Size Comparison
| Volvo XC40 | Volvo XC60 | Volvo XC90 | Volvo V90 Cross Country | Volvo V60 Cross Country | Volvo EX30 | Volvo EX40 | Volvo EX90 | |
| Length | 174.8 in | 185.4 in | 195 in | 195.2 in | 188.5 in | 166.7 in | 174.8 in | 198.3 in |
| Width | 73.7 in | 78.7 in | 79.1 in | 75.9 in | 75.4 in | 72.4 in | 75.2 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 65 in | 65.4 in | 69.9 in | 60.7 in | 59.2 in | 61.2 in | 65 in | 68.8 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 6 or 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 or 7 |
| Headroom 1st / 2nd | 39 / 39.1 in | 39.7 / 38 in | 38.9 / 38.5 in | 38.7 / 38 in | 37.4 / 38.1 in | 41.7 / 38.3 in | 37.6 / 38.3 in | 44.2 / 41.6 in |
| Legroom 1st / 2nd | 40.9 / 36.1 in | 41.5 / 38 in | 40.9 / 37 in | 42.2 / 35.9 in | 42.3 / 35.2 in | 41.9 / 32.3 in | 40.9 / 36.1 in | 40.9 / 36.5 in |
| 1st Row Cargo Capacity | 57.5 cu ft | 49.8 cu ft | 85.7 cu ft | 69 cu ft | 60.5 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft | 57.5 cu ft | 75.4 cu ft |
| 2nd Row Cargo Capacity | 20.1 cu ft | 21.6 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft | 25.2 cu ft | 18.3 cu ft | 12.4 cu ft | 16 cu ft | 37.3 cu ft |
| 3rd Row Cargo Capacity | – | – | 10.6 cu ft | – | – | – | – | 13.6 cu ft |
Experience Volvo Mild-Hybrid Vehicles vs. Volvo EVs at Volvo Cars Marin
In conclusion, Volvo EVs vs. Volvo mild-hybrid models offer starkly different driving lifestyles. Driving an electric vehicle means no more trips to the gas station but requires remembering to plug your model in. Mild-hybrid vehicles are much closer to your standard pure-gasoline experience but still boast excellent fuel efficiency, thanks to regenerative braking and their battery-supplemented powertrains.
Regardless of your selection, you'll need a dependable service center near San Francisco, CA, for maintaining it over time. Volvo Cars Marin has a certified shop and a team well-versed in MHEVs and EVs. We can also show you our Volvo EV specials or MHEV incentives, depending on your preferences. We have your best interests at heart and will work hard to pair you with your automotive "soulmate."
What Our Loyal Customers Say About Our Volvo Vehicles:
Martin Shell
07-08-2025
I have purchased a number of cars from dealerships across the U.S. ranging from the West Coast, to the Mid Atlantic and to the Southern heartland. My experience with Marin Volvo was extraordinary and best in class! They made this purchase truly a pleasure, not to mention the incredible product made by Volvo! Kudos and thanks to Thayer and Elyes! They were exemplary -- responsive, considerate, attentive and very client focused. This purchase actually was fun! A five-star shout-out to Thayer, Elyes and the entire Volvo Cars of Marin team!
Noah Mackenzie
07-25-2025
The folks at Volvo Cars Marin are courteous, professional, and friendly. No funny business, just selling high-quality vehicles. Thanks to Dara Sok for helping me find the perfect car for my needs, and special kudos to Dan for taking the time to show me how to operate all of the bells and whistles that come with these modern luxury vehicles.
Gary Beckman
04-08-2025
I strongly recommend Volvo Cars Marin. After visiting 4 local Volvo dealerships, my wife and I drove 50 miles in the rain to Volvo Cars Marin to get our new Volvo. They had a selection of cars that pleased my wife; the terms discussed on the phone were very competitive; and, the Sales Manager, Elyes Chebbi, was familiar to us, as he had been the Sales Manager at the local Volvo dealership when we purchased our prior Volvo. When we arrived at Volvo Cars Marin the sales staff was very patient and helpful, especially Mauricio Aviles, as my wife wanted to see a few different models. The final paperwork turned out to cost less than Elyes had initially described, and Mauricio was extremely patient and generous with his time helping us to program the Volvo software to connect our cellphones and to program all of our driving preferences. We intend to revisit Volvo Cars Marin when it's time for our next Volvo.
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1Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.
2EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
3EPA estimated range is 22 MPG city/29 MPG highway/25 MPG combined (B6 AWD 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
4EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/31 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B6 AWD 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
5Twin Motor Performance models equipped with 19-inch wheels have an EPA-certified electric driving range of up to 253 miles (MPGe: 116 city/ 100 highway/ 109 combined), when the battery is fully charged and under ideal driving conditions. Your range and MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. Visit https://fueleconomy.gov for further information, but please note information on the Twin Motor Performance models may not be published yet.
6Models equipped with 21-inch wheels have an EPA-certified electric driving range of up to 310 miles (MPGe: 86 city/ 82 highway/ 84 combined), while models equipped with 20-inch or 22-inch wheels feature an electric range of up to 300 miles (MPGe: 83 city/ 78 highway/ 81 combined) when the battery is fully charged and under ideal driving conditions. Use for comparison purposes only. Your range and MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.