Volvo EX30 Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Phil Hall
Quick overview
Pros
- Reasonably affordable EV
- Compact and clever design
- Dependable range
Cons
- Rear space is a little limited
- Touchscreen-centric controls
- Budget quality is evident in places
Overall verdict on the Volvo EX30
"If you're looking for a compact family EV with a more than respectable range, quality interior and stylish looks, then the Volvo EX30 gets the formula just about right, with just a few minor niggles leaving the EX30 as a very good buy rather than a brilliant one."
The Volvo XC40 broadened the appeal of the Swedish brand when it launched back in 2018, and the new Volvo EX30 electric SUV looks set attract a whole new set of potential buyers, especially with a starting price of just £33,795. We'll explain why in our Volvo EX30 review.
The EX30 is Volvo's smallest SUV to date and is based around parent company Geely's dedicated SEA platform, with the Smart #1, Polestar 4 and also the currently left-hand drive only Zeekr X using the same underpinnings and tech. But you'd be wrong to see the EX30 as simply a generic EV with a Volvo badge tacked on the bonnet, as the brand's spent a lot of time to make it feel like Volvo.
And that starts with the design. The EX30 still looks unashamedly like a Volvo, with those distinctive 'Thor's hammer' lights that have become a trademark of modern Volvos, a confident stance and a defined crease along the side of the body. Just like the electric C40 Recharge (now known as the EC40), XC40 Recharge (again, also getting a name change to EX40) and 7-seat EX90, there's no grille on the EX30, but you're left it no doubt it's a Volvo with it's badge and diagonal stripe adorning the front of the car. The Volvo EX30 is a good-looking car.
Viewed from the outside then and the Volvo EX30 could almost be mistaken for the larger Volvo XC40, but once you get up close to it you realise this is a much smaller car. It’s 4.23 metres long, 2.03 metres (with mirrors) wide and 1.55 metres high. The XC40 in comparison is 20cm longer and 10 cm taller, though it's pretty much the same width.
There's a choice of three battery drivetrain options with the Volvo EX30 and it starts out with the standard Single Motor model. Rear-wheel drive, it features a 51kWh battery, 275PS and an official range of 214 miles. This is followed by a Single Motor Extended Range version with a larger 69kWh battery and a range up to 298 miles. If you're looking for a bit of a 'sleeper' car that goes under the radar and will trouble some of the quickest cars around, then the Twin Motor Performance model is for you. Using the larger battery and motors driving both the front and rear wheels and 434PS available, it'll hit 62mph in as little as 3.6 seconds. Range doesn't take too much of a hit either, with an official figure of 280 miles.
Inside the EX30 and it's perhaps the biggest departure yet from larger Volvos like the the XC60 or XC90. There's no instrument display for starters, with everything relayed via the portrait-oriented central 12.3-inch touchscreen display. This also acts as your gateway to pretty much every setting of the EX30, which certainly keeps everything looking pretty minimal inside, but does come at the expense of some functionality. Some controls are buried a little too deeply to get to quickly for our liking - such as the rear window demister.
There are four interior trims that Volvo has coined as 'rooms' to choose from, with generous amounts of recycled and sustainable materials being used. It’s got some clever stuff going on too and the attention to detail leaves a very positive impression. Rear legroom could be better though, while the boot isn't the largest available.
Despite these niggles, for anyone who’s always hankered after a Volvo but hasn’t had the available budget, the EX30 could be an affordable way to enjoy the Swedish brand for the first time.
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Is the Volvo EX30 right for you?
What's the best Volvo EX30 model/engine to choose?
What other cars are similar to the Volvo EX30?
Comfort and design: Volvo EX30 interior
"If you’re in the mood for Scandinavian minimalism combined with some innovative features the interior of the Volvo EX30 will hit the note."
In fact, the cabin of the Volvo EX30 is a definite highlight, irrespective of the trim choice. Volvo has elected to follow a ‘rooms’ train of thought with the interiors of the Volvo EX30, meaning the four internal trim options come with cool monikers including Breeze, Indigo, Mist and Pine.
These feature a combination of recycled and renewable materials including woven flax, upcycled denim fibres from old jeans, ground up plastic windows and recycled polyester. Even the carpets of the Volvo EX30 have been fashioned from 100% recycled PET bottles and combined with the other internals the feel is slightly quirky but undefinably clever too. We found the seats to be really comfy as well, providing just the right amount of support.
The smart thinking continues with the way the Volvo EX30's interior has been laid out. There’s a great use of storage space options, although a dashboard glove compartment is absent save for a small drop-down central cubby hole that is, curiously, opened and closed using a button on the touchscreen rather than a conventional push button or clasp mechanism.
There are decent levels of storage in the central console area of the Volvo EX30, with innovative cup holders, phone storage and space for wireless charging in selected models. Continuing the practical theme, Volvo designers have also added a ‘Will it fit’ visual guide etched into the lining of the tailgate, allowing you to easily figure out whether your pushchair, case or standard lamp will make it into the boot area.
Volvo, like many other carmakers, has also added five different ambient lighting themes to the interior, all of which come with the Scandinavian landscape as their motivation. Therefore, expect cool, calm and collected vibes when you’re inside, especially after dark when the cabin takes on an even more welcoming ambience.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Volvo EX30
Space and practicality: Volvo EX30 boot space
Handling and ride quality: What is the Volvo EX30 like to drive?
"All three model variants of the Volvo EX30 are good to drive, but it’s the Single Motor Extended Range Volvo EX30 car that stands out."
We've driven both the Twin Motor Performance and Single Motor Extended Range versions of the Volvo EX30 and it's the later that would be our choice.
The Twin Motor Performance EX30 is rapid, but feels overkill in a car like this. The Single Motor Extended Range gets the balance just right and feels at home in a range of driving situations. The steering is pretty light and works a treat when navigating tight city streets, while the composed handling gives you confidence when trying to hustle it along country roads.
Volvo's got the suspension nicely sorted with the EX30 as well - it's firm enough to not let the car wallow through corners, but never feels too harsh on uneven or poorly surfaced roads. It's nice and comfy on a long journey, too, while at motorway speeds we didn't notice any distracting wind noise of any note.
Speaking of motorway driving, Volvo's One Pilot Assist works pretty well. Pull down the drive stalk on the column and this engages driver assistance (including adaptive cruise control). You can set you speed and the EX30 will automatically slow and accelerate to maintain this speed depending on the surrounding traffic, while it will also assist with steering inputs to keep you in your lane (though does require you to hold the steering wheel at all times).
Thick pillars at the back of the Volvo EX30 make reversing less easy than it might be, but there's a rear camera as standard, along with front and rear parking sensors. Get the EX30 in Ultra trim and there's also a 360-degree camera and 3D view offered up on the infotainment screen.
What motors and batteries are available in the Volvo EX30?
Volvo EX30 range: How far can you travel on a charge?
Refinement and noise levels
Safety equipment: How safe is the Volvo EX30?
Volvo EX30 charging times: How much does it cost to charge?
"In terms of driving efficiency and energy usage, Volvo’s figures suggest 3.7 miles per kWh for the single motor models and 3.6kWh for the twin motor performance edition."
Overnight charging the Volvo EX30 on a 7kW home charger should be in the region of 11.5 hours for the larger 69kW battery and around 9.5 hours for the smaller 51kW battery pack.
Fast charging is available too though with 134kW DC charging taking 26 minutes from 10% to 80% for the Single Motor EX30. The Single Motor Extended Range EX30 can take DC charging up to 153kW nad can be charged from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes, while you can expect the same time with the Twin Motor Performance variant.
In tune with its own philosophy, the Volvo EX30 has been designed to be as green as possible. Volvo claims it has the smallest lifecycle CO2 footprint of any of its cars to date. There’s also a big focus on sustainability with the EX30 containing 25% recycles aluminium, 17% recycled steel and 17% recycled plastic. Much of this work is self-evident when you look at the interior, with a clever use of recycled plastics for the trim components, including the dashboard and door cards.
Volvo EX30 reliabilty and warranty
Volvo EX30 insurance groups and costs
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Volvo EX30?
Volvo EX30 price
"The Volvo EX30 is relatively new to the market, but pricing is straightforward and, thankfully, easy to understand."
The Single Motor Core starts at £32,850 and the Single Motor Extended is £4,200 more at £37,050. EX30 Plus models start at £34,399, and as well as both the Single Motor and Single Motor Extended powertain options, the Plus is also available as a Twin Motor Performance configuration at £41,599.
The top of the range Volvo EX30 Ultimate starts at £42,347 with the Single Motor Extended powertrain, while the Twin Motor Performance model will set you back £44,846 before options.
There’s also a rugged version of the EX30 called the Volvo EX30 Cross Country destined for some markets (not the UK, currently) during 2024. It will feature a raised ride height, front and rear skid plates and several other features that give it an almost off-road persona.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
What is the electric range of the Volvo EX30?
Is the Volvo EX30 a replacement to the Volvo XC40?
How does the new Volvo EX30 cost?
Volvo EX30 cars for sale on heycar
Volvo EX30315kW Twin Motor Performance Plus 69kWh 5dr Auto
20245 milesElectric£506 mo£33,937
Volvo EX30200kW SM Extended Range Plus 69kWh 5dr Auto
20245 milesElectric£489 mo£31,755
Volvo EX30315kW Twin Motor Performance Ultra 69kWh 5dr Auto
20245 milesElectric£544 mo£36,637
Volvo EX30315kW Twin Motor Performance Ultra 69kWh 5dr Auto
202410,500 milesElectric£456 mo£33,900
Volvo EX30200kW SM Extended Range Ultra 69kWh 5dr Auto
20244,916 milesElectric£31,900
Volvo EX30 Alternatives
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