2026 Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is an all-electric SUV like no other and something of a master of contrasts. It’s the smallest and least expensive battery-powered SUV from the Swedish luxury brand, yet also the fastest and arguably most stylish. This little meatball can blast from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, doing so with charming looks that make it appear a coy toy for youthful drivers who prioritize safety and sensibility.

The EX30’s potency comes thanks to a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup and an almost-obscene 422 horsepower. And all of this is had at an appealing price that slides below $50,000. Buyers with a more adventurous spirit will be drawn to the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country variant.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of electric SUVs, including the Volvo EX30.

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country model follows the introduction of the Volvo EX30 last year. This marks the first time Volvo’s Cross Country designation has been used on an all-electric vehicle and the first time it’s been applied to an SUV. The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country has slightly more ground clearance, a revised suspension setup, rugged aesthetics, and available all-terrain tires for mild off-roading.

2026 Volvo EX30 on-sale date

The 2026 Volvo EX30 and EX30 Cross Country are slated to arrive later in 2025.

When Volvo debuted the EX30, the brand boasted the SUV would have a starting price of around $35,000. But that figure was tied to a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model we’ve yet to see in the U.S. So far, all EX30 models for the U.S. come with the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, and that means a price over $46,000. Still, even that higher figure is more in line with mainstream electric SUVs like the (albeit larger) Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and is substantially less than the high-performance versions of those models. This price also puts the EX30 near that of the best-selling Tesla Model Y.

Closer in size to the EX30 is the Hyundai Kona Electric, starting in the mid-$30,000 range, which is also where the Chevrolet Equinox EV falls, and likely near where the all-new Nissan Leaf will land, too. For something a bit larger, the Volvo EX40 is closer to $54,000.

The standard EX30 is available in two trims — Plus and Ultra — while the new EX30 Cross Country will initially arrive in just the top Ultra trim.

Before buying a new Volvo EX30, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The Volvo EX30 resale average is about average for the segment. The higher the resale of a vehicle, the more money you can get when selling or trading-in, which can lower the payment of your next car.

We won’t bemoan the fact that, at present, the EX30 is only sold in the U.S. in the dual-motor configuration. That’s because it’s furiously fast and unexpectedly fun. Zero to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds used to be the stuff of supercars, and here we have it on a sensible Volvo subcompact SUV. In fact, the EX30’s 3.4-second blast to 60 mph mirrors that of the high-performance Kia EV6 GT, which is nearly $20,000 more and has a significantly tauter ride quality.

And that’s one of the great things about the EX30: Once you’re done with the stoplight speed-away shenanigans, this Volvo’s ride quality is comfortable and serene. It won’t carve corners like a dedicated high-performance EV SUV like the EV6 GT or Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but we’re happy trading everyday comfort for those brief moments of canyon carving. If you are, too, then we suspect you’ll be pleased with the EX30’s overall driving manners.

Interestingly, the EX30 defaults to rear-wheel drive in the name of efficiency, but it’s always ready to engage the front motor and wheels when extra traction is needed. Or, you can engage all-wheel drive manually with the touch of an icon on the screen.

The EX30’s regenerative braking is also adept, and features one-pedal driving for those so inclined. In addition to the high regen mode, there is also a low or off mode. In our testing we found the “low” mode more of a “mid.”

The new EX30 Cross Country sits a hair higher and has a slightly softer suspension than the standard EX30, but drives much the same. This is a soft-roader at best, and that will be fine for most buyers. We think the ability to excel driving in the city and highway alike — with a bit of ability to venture off pavement — will suit Volvo drivers.

Range and Charging

The dual-motor EX30 is EPA-rated for 253 miles of range when equipped with 19-inch wheels and 250 when rolling on 20s. Those numbers are below the 318 max of an Ioniq 5, and closer to the Kona Electric’s range of 261 miles. We haven’t seen stats for the EX30 Cross Country, especially one fitted with 18-inch all-terrain tires, but we imagine it will take a small hit. Volvo says the EX30 is capable of charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in about 27 minutes on a Level 3 public DC fast charger, which is on the fast side. Charging from 0% to 100% using a Level 2 home charger can be accomplished in about eight hours. An NACS adaptor grants the EX30 access to Tesla’s wide-ranging network of Supercharger stations.

The most important thing to know about the interior of the EX30 is that there’s very little legroom for rear-seat passengers. Volvo claims 32.3 inches of legroom in back, which is less than just about every other subcompact SUV and about four meaningful inches shy of the segment average. The EX30 is best for a one- or two-person household that doesn’t need to transport even smaller humans in the backseat on a regular basis or very far.

With that caveat covered, we’re fans of the Volvo EX30’s cabin overall. In contrast with the rear seat accommodations, the EX30 feels like an even larger vehicle in front. Indeed, the key front-row dimensions are all above the segment average. We also found good spots for our drinks and phones, plus a sliding, centrally located storage bin and extra-roomy door pockets (but we wish they included a dedicated bottle holder).

The 5-passenger cabin has a minimalist feel in general, especially up front, where a vertically oriented 12.3-inch screen does double duty for both an instrument cluster and infotainment screen. We advise familiarizing yourself with the controls and settings before launching onto the highway; most controls depend on your finger touching the screen and/or steering wheel, even to do something as simple as adjust the mirrors.

The EX30 also comes with a glass panoramic roof. It doesn’t open but does do a good job of blocking out the sun. If you find our closest star’s rays still too intense, a screen is available for further blockage.

Also note that, as of this writing, only the Apple CarPlay is available in the EX30. Volvo reps tell us that Android Auto will manifest itself via a future update. And if you’re a fan of AM radio, that’s out of the picture altogether, as with other Volvo vehicles.

At just around 12 cubic feet, the EX30 is short on cargo room compared to the competition, but drop the split-folding seatbacks and lower the two-tier load floor and there’s room enough to accommodate the spoils of a trip to your favorite warehouse store — 27.8 cubic feet’s worth, when including the subfloor compartment. Up front, the Volvo EX30 has a small frunk (front trunk), that’s just large enough to hold the charging cord or a small duffel bag.

Measuring eight inches shorter than Volvo’s own XC40 and 10 inches shorter than the diminutive Lexus UX, the 2026 Volvo EX30 is among the smallest SUVs on the market. But it doesn’t look it. It’s sharply styled and well-proportioned, giving it a real-world presence that belies its dimensions. The clean, modern, and enduring design features sheetmetal that looks like it’s still wet as it flows smoothly over the SUV’s somewhat muscular bones. We think Volvo’s designers nailed it.

The new EX30 Cross Country injects this model with a touch of ruggedness. It sits higher, but not by much — 19 mm or .74 inches, to be exact. There are also bits of black exterior cladding around the wheel arches and skid plates to add to the adventurous appeal. For drivers more serious about venturing off pavement, 18-inch all-terrain tires are available for added grip.

Pilot Assist
We’ve logged hundreds of reduced-effort highway miles using Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, cruising comfortably with our feet off the pedals and a ready hand on the wheel. We found the speed, distance, and steering assist system easy to use in the EX30 — just press down on the stalk-mounted transmission selector — but it doesn’t work as well as some others in stop-and-go traffic.

Park Pilot Assist
The only way the extra-subcompact EX30 could be any easier to park is if it could park itself — which it can do. Very well.

Helpful Home Screen
Volvo’s latest infotainment system features a robust and smartly organized home screen, offering a wealth of relevant information and easy, intuitive access to functions. Important, since so much is controlled via this screen, including adjustment of the outside mirrors.

Robust Google Integration
In addition to a smart interface, the EX30’s infotainment system features seamless integration of Google Maps, Google Assistant, and related apps and services. By considering both your destination and charge level, for instance, Google Maps can make it easy to find efficient routes and chargers. Google built-in is especially useful if you own an Android phone or are an otherwise heavy user of Google’s ecosystem. But don’t worry, iPhone devotees, the EX30 also offers wireless Apple CarPlay integration.

Over-the-Air Updates
Like your mobile phone, the EX30 will get better with time as Volvo releases software updates that can happen while you sleep.

Cross Country version
We admit to being excited about this new version of the EX30 ever since it was teased at the debut of the standard EX30. It’s just rugged enough to appear outdoorsy without going overboard. It isn’t meant for the Rubicon, but with a bit more ground clearance, skid plates, and those optional all-terrain tires, it will handle dirt roads and snow suitably.

The 2026 Volvo EX30’s battery features 69 kWh of total storage and 64 kWh of usable capacity. It can charge at up to 153 kW on a DC fast charger, and up to 11 kW on a Level 2 home charger.

Warranty

The 2026 Volvo EX30 is covered by the automaker’s new-vehicle warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, with the battery and related components covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. This level of coverage is typical among European automakers. Volvo also provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Safety

The Volvo EX30 has yet to be crash-tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While awaiting results, know that Volvo has staked its reputation on safety, and the EX30 comes with a wealth of active features to prevent EX30 drivers from running into, backing into, or turning into something — or someone — whether inching out of the driveway or cruising down the highway.