2025 Volvo EX30: A Compact Electric SUV Redefining Urban Mobility
Price $44,900 - $46,600
2025 Volvo EX30 Expert Review
The 2025 Volvo EX30 marks a significant step in Volvo’s electrification journey, presenting a compact SUV that blends Scandinavian design, sustainable materials, and advanced technology. As Volvo’s smallest SUV to date, the EX30 aims to offer an accessible entry point into the premium electric vehicle (EV) market without compromising on performance or safety.
Design and Sustainability
The EX30 embodies Volvo’s minimalist design philosophy, featuring clean lines, a distinctive front fascia with “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, and a two-tone color scheme. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for urban environments, yet it maintains a spacious and functional interior.
Inside, the EX30 utilizes recycled and renewable materials, including waste from denim production, flax, and plastic bottles. Approximately 25% of the aluminum and 17% of the steel and plastic used in the vehicle are recycled. Volvo estimates that the EX30 will have the smallest carbon footprint of any vehicle it has produced, aiming for less than 30 tons of CO₂ emissions over 200,000 kilometers of driving.
What’s New
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a brand new vehicle. Here are the highlights:
- Choice of two electric powertrains
- Large central screen with Google built-in
- Fastest-accelerating Volvo ever from 0-60 mph
- Semi-autonomous parking capability
- Cross Country model available in calendar-year 2024
Performance and Powertrains
The 2025 EX30 offers multiple powertrain options to cater to diverse driving preferences:
- Single Motor (Standard Range): Rear-wheel drive, 268 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, estimated range of 200 miles.
- Single Motor Extended Range: Rear-wheel drive, 268 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, estimated range of 275 miles.
- Twin Motor Performance: All-wheel drive, 422 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, estimated range of 265 miles.
All variants are equipped with a 64.0-kWh lithium-ion battery and support DC fast charging up to 153 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 26.5 minutes.
2025 Volvo EX30: 0–60-MPH Times
Volvo says accelerating to 60 mph should take roughly 5.1 seconds with the single-motor setup. Volvo says the Twin Motor model can launch to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. That seems an accurate estimate from our experience during a brief test drive in Barcelona. We also sampled the rear-wheel-drive Single Motor model, which isn’t as rapid but still proved fairly punchy for the urban setting we drove in.
Interior and Technology
The EX30’s interior showcases Volvo’s commitment to simplicity and functionality. A 12.3-inch vertically oriented touchscreen serves as the central hub for infotainment and vehicle controls, integrating Google Assistant, Google Maps, and various entertainment apps. Notably, the EX30 introduces wireless Apple CarPlay, a first for Volvo vehicles.
Innovative design choices, such as a Harman Kardon soundbar integrated into the dashboard and hidden cupholders, enhance the cabin’s spaciousness. The EX30 offers four distinct interior themes, each utilizing unique recycled materials to create a personalized and eco-friendly environment.
Safety Features
Safety remains a cornerstone of Volvo’s brand identity, and the EX30 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies:
- Forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
- Driver attention monitoring system
- Intersection auto brake and door open alert features
Higher trims, such as the Ultra, include Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, offering advanced lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control functionalities.
Pricing and Availability
The EX30’s pricing strategy positions it as an accessible option in the premium EV segment:
United States:
- Single Motor Core: Starting at $34,950
- Single Motor Plus: Starting at $38,900
- Single Motor Ultra: Starting at $40,600
- Twin Motor Plus: Starting at $44,900
- Twin Motor Ultra: Starting at $46,600
Note: Prices exclude destination charges.
Europe:
- Single Motor Standard Range: Starting at €36,590
- Single Motor Extended Range: Starting at €38,545
- Twin Motor Performance: Starting at €40,995
Note: European models may feature a smaller 51.0-kWh battery with reduced range compared to U.S. versions.
United Kingdom:
- Single Motor Standard Range: Starting at £33,795
- Single Motor Extended Range: Starting at £38,545
- Twin Motor Performance: Starting at £40,995
Note: Pricing may vary based on selected options and regional taxes.
2025 Volvo EX30 Specifications
| Specification | Single Motor (Standard Range) | Single Motor Extended Range | Twin Motor Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 422 hp |
| Torque | 253 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 5.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| Battery Capacity | 69 kWh | 69 kWh | 69 kWh |
| Estimated Range (EPA) | 200 miles | 275 miles | 265 miles |
| Charging Time (10-80%) | ~26 minutes (DC Fast Charging) | ~26 minutes (DC Fast Charging) | ~26 minutes (DC Fast Charging) |
| MPGe (City/Highway/Combined) | 124 / 103 / 114 MPGe | 127 / 104 / 116 MPGe | 116 / 100 / 109 MPGe |
| Curb Weight | 3,858 lbs | 3,858 lbs | 4,140 lbs |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 166.7″ x 80″ x 61.2″ | 166.7″ x 80″ x 61.2″ | 166.7″ x 80″ x 61.2″ |
| Cargo Volume | 31.9 cu ft | 31.9 cu ft | 11.2 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Infotainment Display | 12.3-inch Touchscreen | 12.3-inch Touchscreen | 12.3-inch Touchscreen |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon Premium Sound | Harman Kardon Premium Sound | Harman Kardon Premium Sound |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Assistance Features | Standard | Enhanced | Advanced |
| Starting MSRP (USA) | $34,950 | $38,900 | $44,900 |
| Starting Price (Europe) | €36,590 | €38,545 | €40,995 |
| Starting Price (UK) | £33,795 | £38,545 | £40,995 |
This table provides a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the differences between each trim level and powertrain option of the 2025 Volvo EX30. Whether you prioritize range, performance, or features, this compact electric SUV offers a configuration to suit various preferences.
Driving Experience
The EX30 delivers a dynamic driving experience, particularly in the Twin Motor Performance variant, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Despite its compact size, the EX30 offers a composed and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and strong braking performance.
However, some reviewers have noted that the regenerative braking system is less aggressive than in other EVs, requiring more frequent use of the brake pedal. Additionally, the reliance on touchscreen controls for various functions may detract from the overall user experience for some drivers.
The U.S. is getting a better deal on the EX30 than Europe
Over in Europe, the EX30 is going to start at €36,590, which is right around $39,400 at today’s exchange rate. But the Euro-spec cars get less battery capacity—a 51.0-kWh unit using lower-cost lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) that delivers significantly less range. While the WLTP estimates used in Europe don’t translate to U.S. EPA estimates, we’re estimating 180 to 200 miles with the Euro market’s smaller battery. It also charges slower, with a max rate of 134 kW, as opposed to 153 kW for the 69.0-kWh battery we’re getting in the U.S. (Don’t worry, Eurofolks, the bigger battery will be optional.) We haven’t seen the full range of European pricing, but in the U.K., the short-range single-motor EX30 costs £33,795 (about $42,275), the extended-range car we’ll get in the U.S. lists for £38,545 (about $48,200), and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version—which is coming here, but for which U.S. pricing has not been announced—is priced at £40,995 (about $51,300).
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Volvo EX30 stands out as a compelling option in the compact electric SUV market, offering a blend of sustainable design, advanced technology, and engaging performance. Its competitive pricing and commitment to safety make it an attractive choice for urban drivers seeking an eco-friendly vehicle without sacrificing luxury or functionality.
2025 Volvo EX30 Videos