Overview The EX30 is a small electric SUV that expands Volvo’s EV offerings into a lower price range. Though a single-motor model remains in the cards, only the dual motor version is currently available in the states. On the upside, the 422-hp all-wheel-drive dual motor EX30 is Volvo’s quickest-accelerating vehicle to date. A 64-kWh battery pack promises between 250 and 261 miles of driving per charge, but our real-world range results were considerably lower than that. The EX30 sports cool LED lighting elements and Volvo’s justly lauded comfy bucket seats, but its simplistic cabin makes sustainability a side dish to its style. Volvo has chosen recycled materials for the SUV’s upholstery and partnered with carbon-neutral suppliers to give the EX30 an edge in environmental friendliness. The EX30 fits into the Volvo lineup below the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge duo and creates a new entry-level place in the brand’s hierarchy. As one of our favorites in its segment, the Volvo EX30 has earned a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025. What’s New for 2025?The EX30 is a new nameplate for Volvo, using the EX prefix the company is reserving for its EVs. While the EX30 was originally supposed to go on sale in summer 2024, Volvo delayed the SUV’s arrival and is now only delivering the Twin Motor model; the arrival of the single motor version is still pending.Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2025 Volvo EX30 starts at $46,195 and goes up to $47,895 depending on the trim and options.Plus Twin Motor$46,195Ultra Twin Motor$47,895While we’re a bit disappointed that the lower-priced single motor EX30 is running late, the 422-horsepower dual-motor version brings plenty of speed with only a tiny range penalty. With the single-motor price leader out of the equation for the time being, we suggest going for the Plus trim, as it’s reasonably well-equipped with a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, and a Harman Kardon stereo system.Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and PerformanceThe Single Motor Extended Range model, which isn’t yet available in the U.S., is powered by a 268-hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle. We drove this version in Europe and found its acceleration to be decent. But it’s the 442-hp Twin Motor Performance model that offers thrill seekers the EV punch they’re looking for. This version has crazy-quick acceleration and brakes that are plenty strong for scrubbing all that speed. The handling isn’t as exciting as you’d expect given the EX30’s quick acceleration, but the cabin is quiet for cruising. A Cross Country model will join the lineup later, offering more ground clearance and a more rugged look.0–60-MPH TimesWhen we tested the Twin Motor model, it launched to 60 mph in a scant 3.3 seconds, making it the quickest-acceleration Volvo ever. With the single-motor setup, Volvo says accelerating to 60 mph should take roughly 5.1 seconds. More on the EX30 SUVRange, Charging, and Battery Life All versions of the EX30 come with a 64-kWh battery pack, which the EPA estimates will provide up to 261 miles of driving per charge in rear-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive models carry an EPA-estimated 253 miles per charge, and Volvo says both can be charged on a DC fast-charging connection at a peak charging rate of 153 kW. Volvo claims the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in under half an hour on such a connection. In our real-world testing, the EX30 fell short of both claims. In our 75-mph highway range test, the Twin Motor model only achieved 160 miles. When we charged the EX30 at a fast-charger, we were able to get from 10 to 90 percent in 39 minutes, with an average charging rate of 83 kW.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGeEPA fuel-economy estimates for the Single Motor model EX30 come in at 127 MPGe highway and 104 MPGe city with the 19- and 20-inch wheels, or 124- and 103 MPGe with the 18-inch wheels, numbers competitive with other small electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. EPA estimates for the Twin Motor EX30 are as high as 118 MPGe city and 99 MPGe highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the EX30 Twin Motor achieved 83 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the EX30’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe EX30’s interior uses recycled materials throughout for a greener footprint. One upholstery option, for example, uses waste from the denim recycling process, while other options include an interior sewn from flax and a wool alternative made from recycled polyester. The interior is quite minimalist, which aligns with Volvo’s Scandinavian design strategy, but with some new twists. There are very few physical buttons, and nearly everything is controlled through the touchscreen. The EX30’s glovebox is also relocated to the center of the dashboard under the infotainment screen, making it easier for the driver to reach. The SUV’s cupholders also fold up when not in use to free up space. The cargo area fit 7 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats up in our testing, and 18 suitcases with the rear seats folded.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityTaking a page from Tesla’s playbook, the EX30 features a single vertically oriented display screen that serves as both infotainment and gauge display. The 12.3-inch screen uses an updated version of Volvo’s Google-based interface and features Google Maps for navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay. The EX30’s stereo system is unique in that Volvo elected to install a sound bar across the base of the dashboard rather than individual speakers throughout the vehicle.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance Features Like other Volvos, the EX30 will come standard with a suite of driver-assistance features to help avoid accidents. For more information about the EX30’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans three years or 36,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $47,895/$48,395
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 154 hp, 148 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 268 hp, 253 lb-ft
Combined Power: 422 hp
Combined Torque: 400 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 64 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 153 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.7-in vented disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy All Season
245/45R-19 M+S POL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 166.7 in
Width: 72.3 in
Height: 61.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/37 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 32/14 ft3
Curb Weight: 4189 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.3 sec
100 mph: 8.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.8sec @ 112 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.0 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 331 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 83 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 160 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 83 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 39 min
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 109/116/100 MPGe
Range: 253 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
