2026 Volvo EX40: What We Know So Far

Car and Driver

16 hours ago

Overview
Volvo has a knack for making boxy look chic, and the EX40 is a prime example. The brand's electric compact SUV is drenched in Scandinavian style from bumper to bumper, inside and out. Entry-level models are motivated by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 248 horsepower, while a 402-hp all-wheel drive arrangement in the dual-motor variant makes the EX40 a mighty quick cube. With an estimated driving range of up to 293 miles on a full charge, the EX40 may provoke range anxiety more so than in competitors such as the Tesla Model Y and Cadillac Optiq, but the Volvo's appeal lies in its impressive cargo capacity and buttoned-up Swedish mien.
What's New for 2026?
After last year's updates brought an optional Performance software upgrade and a Black Edition appearance package to the EX40, the 2026 model carries on unchanged.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Volvo EX40 is expected to start around $54,000 and go up to $63,000 depending on the trim and options.
Single Motor Core
$54,000 (est)
Twin Motor Core
$56,000 (est)
Single Motor Plus
$57,000 (est)
Twin Motor Plus
$59,000 (est)
Single Motor Ultra
$61,000 (est)
Twin Motor Ultra
$63,000 (est)
It's our feeling that the Ultra is the best choice of the bunch, as it adds unique 20-inch wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous driving mode for not a lot of money. We'll leave the decision between the single and dual-motor powertrains to you since each offers different range and power outputs to suit specific needs.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Entry-level EX40 models are powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor with 248 horsepower. Twin Motor models come with two electric motors, one at each axle, giving it full-time all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive powertrain puts out a stout 402 horsepower. During our test drive, we noted a compliant ride, a hushed cabin, and a refined cruising demeanor; aggressive drivers may find the Polestar 2 a better fit. Regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is a desirable and convenient EV feature that we appreciate.
0–60-MPH Times
In our testing, a dual-motor EX40 got to 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds. We haven't yet tested the single-motor version, but when we tested that configuration previously in a comparable XC40 Recharge, it got to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
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Michael Simari
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Car and Driver
Towing and Payload Capacity
While Volvo's little electric SUV isn't the vehicle to choose if you foresee boat-hauling in your future, it still has the ability to tow up to 2000 pounds.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EX40 uses a 79-kWh battery pack that Volvo says is good for up to 293 miles of driving per charge in the Single Motor and 260 miles in the Twin Motor variant. Those range estimates put the XC40 Recharge at a disadvantage against the many SUVs in this segment that are capable of more than 300 miles per charge. The EX40 is capable of charging at DC fast-charging terminals as well as at-home chargers via a 240-volt outlet. In our testing at a fast-charger, the EX40 got from a 10 percent to a 90 percent charge in 46 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 EX40 yet, but last year's single-motor model returned results of 118 MPGe city and 94 MPGe highway. The Twin Motor model's fuel economy estimates were lower at 103 MPGe city and 85 MPGe highway. The last time we tested an XC40 Single Motor, it returned 69 MPGe, and the driving range on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test was a disappointing 190 miles. Without any significant changes since then, the newest model should deliver similar results, but we'll update this section when we get our hands on a new EX40. For more information about the XC40's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cabin of the EX40 offers everything we love about the gas-powered XC40, including thoughtful cubby storage, a comfortable driving position, and spacious first- and second-row seating. In the transition to an EV powertrain, the EX40 has lost none of its cargo space, so we expect it to hold the same number of carry-on suitcases as the XC40. In our testing, the XC40 held 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. In addition, the lack of a four-cylinder engine under the hood frees up space for a front trunk (frunk), which is the ideal space to store the EX40's charging cables.
View Interior Photos
Michael Simari
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
All EX40s come with Volvo's latest infotainment software developed in conjunction with Google's Android Automotive. The EX40's corporate cousin, the Polestar 2, also offers such an infotainment system, which we found to be intuitive and snappy in its functionality, but the Volvo version suffers from small onscreen buttons that are difficult to actuate while driving. A standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides several options for customization. Despite the collaboration with Google, the new infotainment system provides connectivity options for both Android and Apple iPhone devices; a wireless smartphone charging pad is also offered.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Volvo offers a host of high-tech driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the EX40's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans four years or 40,000 miles.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 4 years or 40,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $62,045/$62,045
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction AC, 147 hp, 184 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 255 hp, 310 lb-ft
Combined Power: 402 hp
Combined Torque: 494 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 79.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 205 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero Elect
235/45R-20 100H M+S VOL
255/40R-20 101H M+S VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.4 in
Length: 174.8 in
Width: 73.3 in
Height: 65.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 50/45 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 58/22 ft3
Curb Weight: 4755 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 11.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 106 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 340 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 93 MPGe
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 86 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 46 min
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 94/103/85 MPGe
Range: 260 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs