Compare the2026 Subaru TrailseekerVS 2026 Volvo EX40

The Subaru Trailseeker 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 Trailseeker has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The EX40 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Trailseeker. But it costs extra on the EX40.

The Subaru Trailseeker’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 Trailseeker 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, 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 Trailseeker 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 Trailseeker’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 Trailseeker’s electric motors produces 127 more horsepower (375 vs. 248) than the EX40 Single Motor’s standard electric motor.

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

The Trailseeker’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 Trailseeker’s wheelbase is 5.8 inches longer than on the EX40 (112.2 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Trailseeker’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the EX40’s (36.7 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Trailseeker has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the EX40 (8.5 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Trailseeker to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Trailseeker’s rear seats recline. The EX40’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Trailseeker has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the EX40 with its rear seat up (31.3 vs. 18.9 cubic feet). The Trailseeker has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the EX40 with its rear seat folded (74 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Trailseeker easier. The Trailseeker’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28 inches, while the EX40’s liftover is 29.7 inches.

The Trailseeker’s cargo area is larger than the EX40’s in almost every dimension:

The Trailseeker’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EX40’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds).

is standard on the Trailseeker, using the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the EX40.

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 Trailseeker’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 Trailseeker has standard extendable sun visors. The EX40 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Trailseeker Touring 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 Trailseeker 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 Trailseeker Limited/Touring 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.

The Trailseeker Limited/Touring’s Advanced Park can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The EX40 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.