Trunk comparison: Audi A3 Sportback vs Volvo XC40

Key Differences and Impact on Usability

In terms of available cargo space, the Volvo XC40 is significantly longer: with the seats folded down, the advantage is +7.5 in (13%), and with the front row upright +5.5 in (18%).

This makes the XC40 clearly more practical for long or flat items (e.g., furniture parts, skis, long boxes) and for loading scenarios where usable interior length matters.

The Audi A3 Sportback, on the other hand, scores with trunk depth: the measurement from the loading edge to the trunk floor is +6.3 in (about 1500%) larger in the Audi.

Practically, this means the Audi has a significantly deeper loading area behind the loading edge — more “vertical space” or a deeper compartment. This allows for storing bulky or tall items further back in the vehicle and can help with stacking, but makes placing and removing lower-lying cargo somewhat less intuitive.

Another relevant difference: the loading edge of the Volvo is +3.1 in (12%) higher above the road than the Audi. This directly affects handling: with the Volvo, items must be lifted higher, making loading heavy loads more strenuous; with the Audi, loading is ergonomically easier because the loading edge is lower.

Smaller differences (under 10%) — such as a 1.6 in higher trunk opening on the Audi or a 3.5 in wider opening width on the Volvo — exist but have less practical impact. The slightly wider opening of the Volvo can help when loading wider items but does not replace the longer interior length.

Conclusion: For frequent transport of long or flat items, the Volvo XC40 is the better choice due to its greater interior length.

For frequent, ergonomic loading of heavy loads and when a deeper storage space is needed (e.g., to conceal or stack cargo), the Audi A3 Sportback is more favorable — especially because of the lower loading edge and significantly greater trunk depth.