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

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 11 vehicle comparisons. Volvo also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 7 out of 8 comparisons. Volvo models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 7 out of 13 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Volvo, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Volvo the overall advantage over BMW.

BMW versus Volvo: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Volvo vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 7 out of 13 model comparisons, with BMW offering more horsepower in 6 comparisons. Volvo offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 3 out of 5 comparisons. BMW vehicles have higher MPG in 1 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 1 out of 3 model comparisons. BMW has higher quality ratings in 1 out of 3 comparisons, and both BMW and Volvo are tied for overall quality in 1 comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Volvo has the advantage in 3 out of 3 comparisons. BMW has better safety ratings in 3 out of 5 comparisons while Volvo has better safety ratings in 1 out of 5 comparisons. BMW and Volvo tie for safety in 1 comparisons. Volvo shows higher ratings for retained value in 5 out of 13 comparisons. BMW shows higher retained value ratings in 4 out of 13 comparisons, and BMW and Volvo tie over 4 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: BMW has better car rankings in 5 categories: BMW X3 in Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs, BMW 2 Series in Best Luxury Compact Cars, BMW X3 in Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, BMW 2 Series (coupe) in Best Luxury Small Cars, and BMW X3 in Best Luxury Small SUVs. Volvo has better car rankings in 8 categories: Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Compact Cars, Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Crossover SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Small Cars, Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Small SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), and Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV).

Most Reliable Car Rankings: BMW has the better car ranking in 1 category: 2 Series (coupe) in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars. Volvo has better car rankings in 6 categories: Volvo XC60 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid Cars, Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), Volvo XC60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV), and Volvo XC60 in Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: BMW and Volvo each have better car rankings in 1 category. The 2 Series (coupe) from BMW ranks better in Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money and the XC60 from Volvo ranks better in Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 1 wagon, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Volvo offers 12 SUVs, 4 wagons, and 6 sedans.

Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 22 gasoline vehicles, 6 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Volvo offers 7 gasoline vehicles, 10 plug-in hybrids, and 5 electric vehicles.

BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 14 rear-wheel-drive models. Volvo offers 18 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 4 rear-wheel-drive models.