2025 / 2026 Volvo EX30
Quick and unconventional, the Volvo EX30 is a minimalist’s dream. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Electric range varies from between 402 and 420 km, depending on the powertrain. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
The interior is clean and particularly uncluttered, with very few buttons or knobs. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Most features and functions are controlled via the impressive 12.3-inch centre touch screen. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
The large, fixed panoramic glass roof lets in plenty of light. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Quick and unconventional, the Volvo EX30 is a minimalist’s dream. The interior is clean and particularly uncluttered, with very few buttons or knobs. Most features and functions are controlled via the impressive 12.3-inch centre touch screen, which also displays critical data like speed and range, thereby eliminating the need for the instrument cluster that normally resides right in front of the driver.
Volvo has relegated almost all controls to that single touch screen. Even something as straightforward as adjusting the angle of the rearview mirrors is only possible with controls located within the menu structure of the touch screen, which makes the driver’s door panel as clutter-free as the dashboard.
Inviting interior
The interior is very airy and bright. There’s room for five, but taller passengers will find the rears seats lacking for legroom. The large, fixed panoramic glass roof (not available on the base model) lets in plenty of light, but since there’s no way to close it or dim it, some drivers might find the interior a bit too bright, especially on sunny days.
The unconventional interior design features a squarish steering wheel and seats made of what Volvo calls, “studio-inspired textile in 100% recycled polyester” and “Nordico – a smooth, bio-attributed material partly made from pine oil sourced from Finland and Sweden and with recycled PET in the backing.” Leather is not an option.
Creature comforts like a heated steering wheel, power heated seats and power four-way lumbar support for the driver are all standard equipment.
Powertrain options
The EX30 is available in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations. Models equipped with a single motor and rear-wheel drive are rated at 268 hp and boast a 0-100 km/hr time of 5.3 seconds. All-wheel drive model with twin motors make 422 hp, and can sprint to 100 km/hr in an impressive 3.6 seconds.
We had the pleasure of driving the twin-motor model and were delighted with how nimble the EX30 can be. Acceleration is effortless, and the EX30 is easy to maneuver, easy to park, and a pleasure to spend time in.
Electric range varies from between 402 and 420 km, depending on the powertrain, and the EX30 can charge to 80% in less than half an hour, if it’s connected to a DC fast charger with enough power.
Standard equipment
All trims come well equipped with a long list of tech and safety features including Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Over-the-air software updates enable remote updating of car features and functions via the cloud, and the Volvo Cars app allows the driver to use a mobile device to remotely heat or cool the interior of the EX30, check car status, see its location, control charging, lock or unlock the doors, schedule over-the-air updates and much more. All trims (except the base) get wireless phone charging, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety is standard
True to their heritage, Volvo has packed the EX30 with a very long list of standard safety features. Although the number of both passive and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features is too long to list here, some of the more notable technologies include whiplash injury protection, side impact protection; pedestrian, cyclist and scooter steering avoidance; and oncoming lane mitigation, which prevents collisions with oncoming vehicles when the driver unintentionally leaves the lane.
2026 model year
As the EX30 enters the 2026 model year, Volvo is adding a Cross Country trim. Besides a few styling upgrades, the Cross Country model features a tweaked suspension and a slightly higher ride height (19 mm).
The EX30 Cross Country comes with twin motors, all-wheel drive, 422 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. However, unlike other trims that boast over 400 km of range, the Cross Country tops out at 365 km.
Nimble and athletic, the EX30 is Volvo’s smallest and most affordable all-electric compact SUV. If you don’t mind the unconventional design, and if you appreciate a vehicle that’s packed with advanced tech and safety features, then consider adding it to your short list.
Price and Specifications
Year Make Model Trim
2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor
Base Price
$62,100
Notable Options
20-inch five-spoke Aero wheels - $1,500
Price as Tested (before taxes, freight, PDI)
$63,600
Powertrain
Dual Electric Motors - All-Wheel Drive - 69 kWh Battery
Transmission
One-speed automatic
Horsepower
422 hp
Torque
400 lb-ft
Range
402 km
