The appeal of Chinese automobiles lies in availability, while European models attract with their familiar feel. Imagine a crossover that blends Chinese engineering with European sensibilities—indeed, such a vehicle exists. This is Geely Tugella, built on the Sino-Swedish CMA platform that underpins both brands. What connects the Chinese crossover to the Volvo XC40, and where does speculation end and fact begin? A respected automotive publication in Russia, Behind the Wheel, examined the similarities, focusing on three key areas to determine how close the twins really are. The analysis draws on a wide range of practical benchmarks to help readers understand where these two premium crossovers stand relative to one another. This overview reflects a synthesis of insights from a detailed article by Alexander Vinogradov, published in the February issue of Behind the Wheel, and rewritten here with updated context for today’s readers. [citation]
engines
The Tugella is equipped with the 4G20TDB engine delivering 238 horsepower, while the Volvo XC40 uses the B4204T engine offering 190 to 249 horsepower depending on configuration. In practice, the hardware appears nearly identical across units, with differences restricted mainly to calibration software. All core components and consumables—cylinders, belts, filters, spark plugs—are interchangeable. In real-world terms, Tugella owners may enjoy lower consumable costs without sacrificing compatibility. For example, an air filter for the Tugella tends to be priced around 970 rubles, whereas the Volvo’s equivalent can be markedly higher at about 3900 rubles. Oil filters show a similar gap, with Geely parts around 700 rubles compared to Volvo’s roughly 2500 rubles. The takeaway is clear: the engines themselves are essentially the same under the hood, with price sensitivity favoring the Chinese crossover on routine wear parts.
Those same parallels extend to lubricants, spark components, and other maintenance items, reinforcing the view that Tugella and XC40 share not just a platform but a broad parts ecosystem. This translates into meaningful cost advantages for Tugella owners while preserving the performance profile customers expect from a premium crossover.
transfer
Both models rely on the same eight-speed automatic transmission, the TG-81SC built by Aisin, which keeps gear-shifting behavior closely aligned. The Behind the Wheel assessment found no meaningful distinction in the all-wheel-drive setup either; the mechanical architectures converge enough that the test vehicles felt the same on the hoist and during road runs. The traditional BorgWarner Haldex coupling, a staple in Volvo’s AWD lineup, appears to be installed on Tugella as well, further cementing mechanical parity.
That cross-application of driveline hardware means that the Tugella and XC40 deliver similar ride-and-handling characteristics, with any perceived variance likely arising from tuning rather than fundamental hardware differences. In short, the two premium crossovers share a drivetrain DNA that makes ownership and service easier for those who value interoperability and predictable performance.
delay
The parts interchangeability extends to most suspension and chassis components, including levers, bushings, stabilizers, dampers, and subframes. The crucial exception lies in price differentiation based on market positioning; for instance, a front stabilizer strut may be priced around 5200 rubles for Volvo, while a similar unit from Geely could be as low as 1500 rubles. The implication is straightforward: Tugella can provide similar mechanical performance at a lower total cost of ownership, which translates into money saved over the life of the vehicle. For XC40 enthusiasts, this cost delta can be mitigated by engaging Geely’s dealer network for parts and service, potentially reducing the financial gap without compromising quality.
Overall, the comparison suggests that the Tugella and XC40 are two premium crossovers with very close mechanical DNA. Tugella shows a more favorable balance between performance and ownership cost, while XC40 maintains a strong premium branding advantage. The practical conclusion is that both models share a substantial amount of engineering and parts, making routine maintenance and repairs more straightforward for owners who value accessibility and value.
You can learn more about the characteristics of the Geely Tugella and Volvo XC40 in the February issue of Behind the Wheel magazine, which is already on sale. [citation]
The material summarized here is based on a detailed analysis of a comparative piece originally published in a 2023 issue of Behind the Wheel, and updated to reflect current market conditions and pricing trends for readers seeking a current snapshot of the two crossovers. [citation]