The Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E represent a new breed of SUV — the electric sport utility vehicle. One offers a performance lineup, while the other brings its brand’s focus on safety to the comparison.

The XC40 Recharge follows a more familiar subcompact SUV blueprint. It’s hard to spot this electrified version from its gas-powered sibling, the XC40. The visual giveaway is the blanked-off front grille. EVs don’t require the same airflow to cool their engines (they don’t have engines).

Some muscle car purists fume that Ford used the Mustang name for an electric vehicle (EV) and an SUV, though driving one of the powerful upper vehicles proves that the spirit of the original Mustang lives on in the EV.

Let’s explore the XC40 Recharge and Mustang Mach-E highlights to see how they compare.

2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge

The XC40 Recharge is an excellent choice for someone who wants an EV but doesn’t want to shout from the hills that they’re driving one. The XC40 is subtle, though still very handsome. 

The XC40 Recharge comes standard with a single electric motor that sends 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. At 254 to 293 miles, the range is similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E range. Pricing starts at $53,745, including a $1,295 destination fee, for the base Core model.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Highlights 

Elegant interior: The XC40 Recharge cabin is attractive and airy. Incredibly supportive front seats are great for long drives. 

Strong safety scores: Safety is a top priority for Volvo. Standard driver aids include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, and more. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the XC40 Recharge its highest rating of Top Safety Pick+. 

Google-based infotainment system: A Google-based infotainment system with over-the-air updates, natural voice commands, highly accurate Google Maps-based navigation, and control via a 9-inch touchscreen is standard on all trim levels. 

Acceleration with dual-motor model: The dual-motor powertrain offers 402 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the XC40 Recharge models near you.

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Ford Mustang Mach-E with its single electric motor is sporty, comfortable, and practical. Starting at $41,890, including delivery fees, the entry-level price is several thousand dollars lower than for the 2023 model year.   

Higher trims with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive (AWD), including the Premium, GT, and Rally, have 325 to 480 hp. They have sharp reflexes, silent rides, and exhilarating acceleration.  

Ford Mustang Mach-E Highlights

Mach-E Rally model: The Rally trim is new for 2024. This package has off-road attitude built in with a 0.8-inch suspension lift, underbody skid plates, chunky tires, a large rear spoiler, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Rally is an electrified take on a road-going rally car. 

Expansive infotainment screen: The dashboard’s center is dominated by a vertically mounted 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. With quick response times and large icons, it was easy to use while driving. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and navigation are standard equipment.

Solid driving range: Depending on the trim and powertrain, the Mustang Mach-E’s range is from 230 to 320 miles per charge, competitive with rivals like the XC40 Recharge. DC fast charging lets a Ford Mustang Mach-E go from 10% to 80% charge in about 33 minutes.

Drainable front trunk: The 4.7-cubic foot front trunk (or “frunk”) has removable drain plugs if you’d like it to serve as a cooler for tailgating. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mustang Mach-E models near you.

Similarities

You’ll notice a lot of overlap between the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volvo XC40 Recharge in range, performance, and comfortable, quiet rides. 

Conclusion

The Ford is more practical and value-conscious, while the Volvo is more fashionable and luxurious. But which is a better fit for your EV needs?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a flashier design and roomier rear seats, not to mention a larger cargo area behind the second row. However, its charging speed is starting to trail that of some rivals. 

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is an under-the-radar EV, not to mention one with an excellent safety record. Downsides include that taller adults will feel the squeeze in the second row, and cargo space is small for even a subcompact SUV. Still, we give it the edge in this comparison.