Looking for a luxury compact SUV that stands out from the crowd? Isringhausen Imports has two of the latest additions to the category: the BMW X2 and the Volvo XC40. Both are stylish, brimming with the technology and fun to drive, but there are some differences. Here’s a head-to-head comparison.

Performance and Fuel Economy
The BMW X2 is available in front-wheel drive (X2 sDrive28i) or all-wheel drive (X2 xDrive28i). Both models are equipped with a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine (228 hp/258 lb-ft). The X2 has a 16.1 gallon fuel tank and averages 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

The Volvo XC40 is available in all-wheel drive only, but in two different trim levels (T5 AWD Momentum and T5 AWD R-Design). Like the X2, the XC40 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. The XC40 makes 20 more hp than the X2, while torque remains equal. The XC60 has a 14.2 gallon fuel tank and averages 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

Space and Comfort
The exterior/interior dimensions of the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40 are nearly identical. The XC40 somehow manages slightly more cargo capacity (57.5 cu ft) than the X2 (50.1 cu ft).

Safety Features
The BMW X2’s optional Driving Assistance package includes lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automated emergency braking. You also get the added peace of mind of run-flat all-season tires, which come standard.

Volvo’s City Safety package is standard in the XC40 and includes automatic emergency braking along with sensors to detect other vehicles, bicyclists, and large animals in the vehicle’s path. The optional Vision Package adds blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.

Technology
Heavy cell phone users will appreciate the X2’s optional inductive wireless charging and WiFi hotspot. An optional head-up display projects navigation guidance, collision warnings and speed directly on the windshield.

The XC40 has a 9-inch tablet-like screen with Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). It also has a 12.3-inch Digital Driver Display above the steering wheel that puts such info as navigation directions and phone call stats front and center.

Value
The BMW X2 starts at $36,400 for the front-wheel drive sDrive28i and $38,400 for the all-wheel drive xDrive28i. Like the Volvo XC40, the BMW X2 comes with a 50,000 mile/48-month factory warranty. Buyers also get a four-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.

The Volvo XC40 starts at $35,200 for the T5 AWD Momentum and $37,700 for the T5 AWD R-Design. Both models come with a 50,000 mile/48-month factory warranty. Buyers also get a four-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.

What People Are Saying
“Boldly styled on the outside, the X2 shares its underpinnings with the already excellent X1.” – Car and Driver

“…The X2 is an enjoyable steer, with plenty of power and excellent composure through turns.” – Road Show by CNET
“The new Volvo XC40 is a handsome-looking small SUV that is the right size for many buyers and features a lot of standard safety equipment.” – Consumer Reports

“The XC40 will win you over with its Scandanavian aesthetic and many standard features.” -- Edmunds

“This plucky little Volvo SUV is stuffed with style, smart packaging, technology and robust driving manners, all at a stellar value. If you’re considering a small-luxury SUV, the Volvo XC40 has been worth the wait.” – Kelley Blue Book

“Even at a time when new smallish premium crossovers are cascading onto the market, [the BMW X2] makes a case for itself. It’s refined, as good to drive as any of them ... – Top Gear