BMW vs. Volvo

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from BMW and Volvo contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both BMW and Volvo cars.

When comparing the BMW brand to the Volvo brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, towing capacity, reliability, safety, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volvo has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, depreciation, horsepower, fuel efficiency, overall quality and retained value.

BMW versus Volvo: Pricing and Value: Analyzing BMW versus Volvo pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Volvo in 9 out of 13 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, BMW has lower used vehicle starting prices in 5 out of 9 vehicle comparisons. Volvo models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 10 out of 13 comparisons.

BMW versus Volvo: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Volvo vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 8 out of 13 model comparisons, with BMW offering more horsepower in 5 comparisons. Volvo offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 6 out of 11 comparisons. BMW vehicles have higher MPG in 4 comparisons, and both BMW and Volvo vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. BMW offers a greater towing capacity in 4 out of 5 comparisons. In 1 comparisons, BMW and Volvo have the same towing capacity.

BMW versus Volvo: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of BMW versus Volvo overall quality ratings shows Volvo with higher quality ratings in 3 out of 6 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, BMW has the advantage in 4 out of 6 comparisons. BMW has better safety ratings in 2 out of 4 comparisons while Volvo has better safety ratings in 1 out of 4 comparisons. BMW and Volvo tie for safety in 1 comparisons. Volvo shows higher ratings for retained value in 10 out of 13 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: BMW and Volvo each have better car rankings in 8 categories. BMW ranks better in the following cases: BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Small SUVs, BMW X3 in Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs, BMW 3 Series in Best Luxury Compact Cars, BMW X3 in Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, BMW 5 Series in Best Luxury Midsize Cars, BMW 3 Series in Best Luxury Small Cars, BMW X3 in Best Luxury Small SUVs, and BMW 3 Series (wagon) in Best Luxury Wagons. Volvo ranks better in the following cases: Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Compact Cars, Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Crossover SUVs, Volvo S90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Midsize Cars, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Small Cars, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), and Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV).

Most Reliable Car Rankings: BMW has better car rankings in 6 categories: BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid SUVs, BMW 5 Series in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars, BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV), BMW 3 Series in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars, BMW X3 in Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs, and BMW 3 Series (wagon) in Most Reliable Luxury Wagons. Volvo has better car rankings in 3 categories: Volvo XC90 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid Cars, and Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV).

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Volvo has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volvo S60 in Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money and Volvo XC60 in Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Volvo offers 7 SUVs, 3 wagons, and 4 sedans.

Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 23 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Volvo offers 7 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 2 electric vehicles.

BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 15 rear-wheel-drive models. Volvo offers 14 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.