Compare the2026 Subaru UnchartedVS 2026 Volvo EX40

The Subaru Uncharted has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The EX40 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Subaru Uncharted’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Volvo EX40 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Uncharted and the EX40 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Uncharted 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the EX40. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the EX40 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 2 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Volvo dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Uncharted’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 71 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Volvo With 30 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Volvo.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Volvo is ranked 15th.

The Uncharted Sport/GT’s standard electric motors produces 90 more horsepower (338 vs. 248) than the EX40 Single Motor’s standard electric motor.

The Uncharted can travel longer on a full charge than the EX40 on a full charge:

The Uncharted’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the EX40 are solid, not vented.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Uncharted’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the EX40 (108.3 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Uncharted’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the EX40’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Uncharted has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the EX40 (8.2 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Uncharted to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Subaru Uncharted may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 250 pounds less than the Volvo EX40.

The front grille of the Uncharted uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The EX40 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Uncharted has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom and 1.3 inches more front shoulder room than the EX40.

The Uncharted has a much larger cargo volume than the EX40 with its rear seat up (25.4 vs. 18.9 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 36% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 23rd.

The Uncharted’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The EX40 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Uncharted has standard extendable sun visors. The EX40 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Uncharted GT keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The EX40 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Subaru Uncharted stands out above the Volvo EX40 by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and one of them provide more flexibility.

The Uncharted has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The EX40 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.