Volkswagen vs. Volvo: Which Is More Reliable?
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Understanding the Volkswagen vs. Volvo reliability debate is essential for anyone in the market for a new vehicle. We know how daunting it can be to navigate through countless comparisons and reviews to pinpoint the ideal choice for your needs.
Imagine having a reliable guide to lead you through the plethora of choices—that's exactly what our expert editors have created for you.
While Volvo may surpass Volkswagen in safety, Volkswagen offers more budget-friendly repair and maintenance options. The truth is, Volkswagens are just as reliable as Volvos.
Here's everything you need to know about Volkswagen and Volvo’s reliability to determine which brand suits you best.
Table of Contents
Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
| Features | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Design | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Safety | ||
| Durability | ||
| Engine and Performance | ||
| Technology |
Volkswagen Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordability and Value: Volkswagen is known for offering high-quality vehicles at a more accessible price point compared to luxury brands, providing good value for money.
- Fuel Efficiency: Volkswagen vehicles are designed for high fuel efficiency, helping owners save on gas costs.
- Low Repair Costs: Volkswagen has relatively affordable maintenance and repair costs, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Cons
- Common Engine Issues: Volkswagen has faced issues with engine reliability, including the check engine light due to faulty sensors.
- Interior Quality: While Volkswagen offers quality interiors, they may not match the luxury or premium feel of high-end brands like Volvo.
- Safety Ratings: While Volkswagen vehicles are safe, some models may have slightly lower safety ratings compared to Volvo's consistently high standards.
Volvo Pros and Cons
Pros
- Safety Innovations: Volvo is renowned for its commitment to safety, with vehicles featuring some of the best safety technologies and highest safety ratings.
- Luxurious Interiors: Volvo offers truly luxurious and comfortable interiors, standing out in terms of comfort and design.
- Build Quality and Durability: Volvo cars are built to last, with a strong reputation for durability and longevity.
Cons
- Higher Repair and Maintenance Costs: Volvo's repair costs are higher than average, reflecting its status as a luxury brand.
- Fuel Efficiency: While still competitive, some Volvo models may not achieve the fuel efficiency levels of Volkswagen's optimized vehicles.
- Reliability Concerns: Despite its strengths, Volvo has faced reliability issues with certain models, as highlighted by consumer reports.
Reliability Comparison From JD Power and Consumer Reports
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| Volvo | ||
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Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: Which Is Better?
Comparing the reliability of Volvo and Volkswagen isn’t an easy task. Even though Volvo is one of the safest cars in the world, it isn't a guarantee that they are extremely reliable.
Both brands are constantly improving their vehicles, upgrading their features to offer users premium satisfaction. That’s why we've come to the conclusion that Volvos are just as good as Volkswagens.
To get the best from these cars, you must decide what your immediate needs are, and what you prioritize in a vehicle.
According to RepairPal, Volvo has a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0, ranking 17th out of 32 car brands. Volkswagen assumes the 12th position, with a 3.5/5.0 reliability rating.
However, it's an entirely different case on the consumer reports 2022 reliability survey where Volvo outranks Volkswagen. Volvo is the 14th most reliable car brand while Volkswagen takes the 22nd position. On the 2022 JD Power Dependability survey, Volkswagen outranks Volvo.
Don’t let the different ratings confuse you. Reliability doesn't start and end with ratings. A thorough study of the features, strengths, and weaknesses of these brands gives you a better insight into overall reliability.
If there's one area that you can always rely on Volvo, it is safety. However, this comes at a cost; higher repair and maintenance costs. Volvo is a premium brand, unlike Volkswagen. So, many parts are more expensive to replace.
Buying a Volvo over a Volkswagen may boil down to your budget. If you can afford it, go for a Volvo. The interiors are amazing. It offers an amazing drive experience and improved aerodynamics that enhance your fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen is not a luxury brand, but this doesn't mean that their designs are trash. They also have quality interiors, great designs, and durable frames. However, the entire concept of Volkswagen cars is to build cars that everyone can afford.
Volvo and Volkswagen offer a 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and powertrain warranty. Although there are offers for an extended warranty, the differences aren't much for both brands. In terms of gas mileage, you're pretty much getting the same thing from both brands, depending on which model you choose.
| Basic Warranty | ||
| Powertrain Warranty | ||
| Corrosion Warranty | ||
| Roadside Assistance |
Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: Design
We cannot conclude the reliability of a car brand without considering the designs. The design comparison doesn't solely focus on how beautiful cars from these brands are. It’s about the space, the interior quality, usability, and durability of designs.
Volkswagen vehicles are known for their sporty and modern designs, with a focus on performance and style. For example, the Volkswagen Golf GTI features a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, with a bold front grille and sharp lines.
Volvo vehicles, on the other hand, are known for their elegant and minimalist designs, with a focus on safety and comfort. The Volvo XC60, for example, features a simple yet stylish exterior, with clean lines and a refined look.
Winner: Both
Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: Engine and Performance
Whether you're going for a Volvo or a Volkswagen, you can expect good engines with impressive performance. Both brands offer a wide range of engines that capture different driving needs.
However, Volkswagen tends to offer more reliable systems on its electric models. This can vary in some models.
For instance; the Volvo XC40 Recharge delivers up to 223 miles of range, but the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro equipped with a standard single motor delivers 280 miles of range.
While the Volkswagen alternative delivers more in driving range, the Volvo XC40 Recharge beats it by achieving 402 HP on all of its engine configurations. Compare this to the Volkswagen which has a max engine output of 295 horsepower.
With close comparisons of Volvo and Volkswagen engines, there isn't any evidence that Volvo has better engines than Volkswagen.
It's true that durability is relative and there are a lot of factors that affect how long your car's engines can last. Nevertheless, the level of performance you'll get from either of these brands depends on the model that you choose.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has dual engine options that deliver 235 hp and 276 hp, respectively. The 2023 Volvo XC40 also has two engines, but the performance is pegged at 194 hp and 247 hp.
While the Volkswagen Atlas returns better engine power than the Volvo XC40, the 2022 Volvo XC60, and 2023 Volvo XC40 return more horsepower and torque than the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
Winner: Both
Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: Gas Mileage
You also get relatively the same level of fuel efficiency from Volvo and Volkswagen. Of course, the specific model impacts gas mileage.
Both Volkswagen and Volvo offer relatively fuel-efficient vehicles. Volkswagen's Jetta sedan gets an estimated 30 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. The Volkswagen Passat gets an estimated 24 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway.
Volvo's XC40 SUV gets an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The Volvo S60 sedan gets an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
Overall, both brands offer fuel-efficient vehicles that help you save money on gas.
Winner:Both
Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: Safety and Technology
Both Volkswagen and Volvo are known for their advanced safety features and technology.
Volkswagen vehicles come equipped with a range of safety features. They include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Volvo vehicles also offer similar features, like lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, and across-traffic traffic alert.
Both brands also offer advanced infotainment systems with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration, making it easy to stay connected while on the road.
Winner: Volvo
Volkswagen vs. Volvo Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Costs
It's a clear win for Volkswagen against Volvo in terms of repair and maintenance costs. Volkswagens are relatively more affordable to maintain and repair compared to Volvos.
According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for a Volkswagen is $676, while the average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769. The probability of major and minor repairs is also higher on Volvo than on Volkswagen.
Below, we’ve given you an idea of how much the average 10-year maintenance costs are for sedans and SUVs.
| Arteon | |||
| Atlas | |||
| Tiguan |
Winner: Volkswagen
Conclusion
The beauty of the Volvo vs Volkswagen reliability comparison is that whether you choose to go for a Volvo or a Volkswagen, you'll get a generally reliable vehicle.
However, before choosing any vehicle from these brands, you must compare their features. Volvo cars come at a higher price, but you must decide if the extra cash is worth it.
