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Jul 12, 2023

2025 Volvo EX30 Is a Small SUV That Exemplifies the EV Ethos

Sure, it's more hatchback than SUV, but the EX30 is the small, affordable, stylish EV that America needs more of. Chevy called the Bolt EV an SUV when most people with two working eyes saw it as a

Sure, it's more hatchback than SUV, but the EX30 is the small, affordable, stylish EV that America needs more of.

Chevy called the Bolt EV an SUV when most people with two working eyes saw it as a high-riding hatchback. However, the Bolt will be six feet under after this year, and there aren't many small, affordable electric hatches—er—SUVs for Americans to choose from. That's why the 2025 Volvo EX30 is so refreshing.

The EX30, which measures 166.7 inches long and 61.1 inches tall, is a few inches longer and a couple inches shorter than the regular Bolt. The Volvo is almost 3 inches wider, though, at 72.3 inches. The EX30 is also smaller and less expensive than the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, which both occupy the subcompact end of the SUV spectrum. Riding on a short 104.3-inch wheelbase, the EX30 has 6.5 inches of ground clearance. It's also rated to tow 2000 pounds (same as the Recharge twins).

The Swedish automaker can market its smallest model however it likes, because the EX30 exemplifies the EV ethos better than many other electric models currently sold on our shores. It's the exact opposite of four-ton-plus behemoths such as the GMC Hummer EV SUV and the growing number of electric pickup trucks. A smaller vehicle obviously needs fewer materials to make, but Volvo took extra measures to make the EX30 sustainable.

Along with using more recyclable and renewable materials, Volvo says it has streamlined the manufacturing process by increasing the number of stamped body parts. The company also partners with suppliers who share its climate-neutral mission, with a majority of them said to have committed to using 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. Volvo also uses blockchain technology to trace critical raw materials used to make its batteries.

The EX30 will begin production in China, in a factory that's said to be primarily powered by climate-neutral energy, but a company spokesperson declined to say whether it would eventually be built in Volvo's South Carolina plant, as is the plan for the larger, three-row EX90. As a result, it remains to be seen whether or not the EX30 will ever become eligible for federal EV tax credits under the new guidelines.

Inside the EX30 is where people can see how Volvo simplified things for the sake of sustainability. Instead of scattering stereo speakers in both the doors and dashboard like most cars, the EX30 comes standard with a full-width sound bar mounted at the base of the windshield. Containing seven speakers, it clears room for more storage space in the door panels and reduces the amount of wiring. Of course, the sound system can be further upgraded with optional Harman/Kardon equipment.

Minimalist doesn't mean plain, boring, and questionably screwed together in the EX30 like it does in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Instead, it channels Volvo's chic cabins, with attractive upholstery options, from wool-blend fabrics to recycled denim. It also has interesting trim pieces on the dash and doors that are accented by adjustable ambient lighting.

The center console has loads of storage space, and it features retractable cupholders and other versatile bins for front- and rear-seat passengers. There's also a glovebox mounted below the center stack with tons of room thanks to the flat load floor. For bulky items, the EX30 offers 14 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and 32 cubes with that row stowed.

Like the Teslas, the EX30 has a single center-mounted display where all critical driving information as well as other vehicle settings and infotainment options are controlled. The vertically oriented 12.3-inch touchscreen runs the latest version of Google's Android operating system. The big news is that it finally includes wireless Apple CarPlay. A Volvo spokesperson says wireless Android Auto isn't included since the native system serves that function.

The EX30 is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric platform that was developed by Geely, Volvo's Chinese parent company. The little ute is offered with two powertrains. There's a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration that generates 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant delivers a combined 422 horses and 400 pound-feet. Volvo claims that's enough punch to launch the EX30 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Every EX30 features a 64.0-kWh battery pack. Volvo estimates a full charge will send the single-motor model 275 miles, while the extra motor is expected to shave 10 miles off that figure. Neither range rating has yet been certified by the EPA. With a peak charging rate of 153 kW, Volvo claims it takes about 27 minutes to charge the EX30's battery from 10 to 80 percent when plugged into a DC fast charger.

On the road, the EX30 continues to promote Volvo's safety-minded image. It comes with all manner of common driver-assistance tech, but it also features an alert to help prevent opening a door into oncoming cyclists and such. There's a new driver-attention monitor too, which is said to be better at recognizing if a driver is drowsy or distracted. For those who struggle with parking, the EX30 also marks the debut of Volvo's latest-generation automated Park Pilot Assist feature. It's basically able to identify and execute more parking scenarios, such as curved and diagonal fishbone-style spots.

Volvo will finally offer an EV with its outdoorsy Cross Country treatment. While production isn't slated to start until sometime later in 2024, the EX30 Cross Country will have the hallmarks of its predecessors. That includes higher ground clearance and rugged-looking exterior bits. Black panels on the front bumper and tailgate as well as a Swedish flag on the hood will be other telltale details.

Along with black 19-inch wheels, a set of 18-inchers—likely with chunkier tread—will also be available. Unfortunately, the aggressive BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires on the model shown above won't make it to production, according to a Volvo spokesperson. However, the EX30 Cross Country will offer the optional roof rack.

The U.S. version of the 2025 Volvo EX30 is currently available to pre-order. Prices start at $36,145 for the entry-level Core trim with the single motor. While the company has confirmed that a mid-level Plus and a loaded Ultimate will complete the lineup, it isn't releasing pricing yet. That will happen sometime before U.S. models start reaching dealerships next summer.

Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.

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