Latest news with #VolvoEX30
Motor Trend
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Volvo EX30 Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
The 2026 Volvo EX30 is a small, all-electric crossover that combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology. With its versatile features and impressive acceleration, the EX30 is perfect for those seeking eco-friendly luxury without compromising performance or style. Electric luxury compact SUV rivals include the Tesla Model Y and Lexus RZ. What's New Arriving for 2025, the EX30 returns this year with more levels of regenerative braking, namely 'off' for coasting and an aggressive 'high' setting. Volvo also expands the lineup with a trail-ready Cross Country model. This version features protective black cladding on the nose, fender flares, and bumper trim. The trim also gains an additional 0.8 inch of ground clearance thanks to model-specific springs and larger tires. Standard Cross Country equipment includes 19-inch wheels with street tires, though buyers have the option to upgrade to 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. This upgrade can be selected as a standalone option or as part of a package that includes mudflaps and a roof rack. What We Think The EX30 is a stylish electric SUV that's packed with tech and surprisingly fun to drive. Its electric vehicle performance could be better, though, and its size makes it more suited for city driving. Although Volvo doesn't market it as a sporty car, the EX30 comes with over 400 horsepower and quick acceleration. Plus, the crossover's passive damper suspension ensures a smooth ride and solid body control around corners. Meanwhile, the interior remains quiet in the city, with minimal wind noise at high speeds. The Cross Country variant, with its softer springs and sway bars, feels even more refined on the road. Like the rest of the EX30 lineup, the trail version is quick, well balanced, and quiet, though off-road tires may affect its performance. Despite its compact cabin, the Volvo EX30 stands out in the entry-level electric vehicle segment with its impressive features and driving experience. That said, a competitor like the Tesla Model Y offers more space, better range, and quicker charging. Top-Ranked Competitors: Tesla Model Y Lexus RZ Audi Q4 E-Tron Performance All 2026 EX30s are equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Volvo pegs output at 422 horsepower, which is kind of a lot for such a small SUV. We expect it should be able to accelerate to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds. The Model Y Long Range AWD produces 384 hp and can reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. In Performance trim, the Tesla makes 456 hp and can hustle to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It's worth noting that both Model Ys are about 300 pounds heavier than the EX30. EV Range and Charging The 2026 EX30 Twin Motor Performance is equipped with a 69-kWh battery and rated to deliver 253 miles of range with 19-inch wheels. With heavier 20-inch wheels, range drops slightly to 250 miles. Volvo says the battery can recover from 10 to 80 percent in about 27 minutes of Level 3 charging, with a somewhat modest charging capacity of 153 kW. All Tesla Model Y variants feature a 75-kWh battery pack, capable of charging at speeds up to 250 kW on Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. The Long Range AWD model offers a range of up to 311 miles, and the Performance version provides up to 277 miles. Safety Features Automatic emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping Road sign monitor Rain-sensing wipers Cargo Space and Interior Room The EX30 is tiny, but Volvo does a lot with good packaging. The rear seats fold flat, and raising the multi-position cargo floor to its higher setting aligns it with the folded seat backs to create a large, flat area. Due to the EX30's low rear-seat height, most adult passengers in the back will find their knees positioned higher than their hips. Technology Infotainment A vertically oriented 12.3-inch center touchscreen is standard and replaces most of the dash's physical controls. The interface's Google-based operating system can accommodate wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger and front and rear USB-C outlets are also included. Sound System All models feature a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that includes a five-speaker front soundbar. Available Upgrades Apart from autonomous parking and a 360 camera, most add-ons are cosmetic. A contrasting roof is available as an exterior upgrade, while inside higher-end textile upholstery is on offer. Value Standard Features Quirky and surprisingly athletic, the EX30 is small in size but big on personality. Highlights include its quick takeoffs, excellent handling, and well-packaged, unusual cabin. Recommended Trim Compared to the Cross Country model, the EX30 Plus and Ultra trims are kind of vanilla—get the Cross Country.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo models retailed by Ray Chapman Motors Bradford win awards
A Bradford car retailer is celebrating double award success. Two of the models retailed by Canal Road-based Ray Chapman Motors Bradford have been recognised with awards this year. They are the Volvo XC60, named Best Car for Towing at the 2025 Autotrader Drivers' Choice Awards; and the Volvo EX30, named Small Premium SUV of the Year at the 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards. Duncan Chapman at Ray Chapman Motors Bradford said: "It's fantastic to see the Volvo XC60 and EX30 models receive much-valued seals of approval after rigorous judging processes in their respective categories and awards. "Like Volvo's other award-winning models, this string of accolades for the XC60 and EX30 reflects the importance Volvo places on making its cars practical to own and use, as well as desirable, luxurious, safe, and sustainable." More information about Ray Chapman Motors Bradford is available at or via telephone on 01274 802999.
Motor 1
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Volvo EX30 Is Maddening
I've never yelled at a car more than this one—and I mean outwardly, openly expressing frustration at an inanimate object. A two-mile trip down the road to the grocery store should be entirely uneventful. But for some reason, the Volvo EX30 won't stop beeping at me. My crime? Taking too long to adjust the fan speed. "Keep your eyes on the road," it warns me. But this is a problem you, the vehicle, created . To keep the EX30 cheap—starting at just $46,195 in the US—Volvo went heavy on cost-cutting. There are virtually no hard buttons in the entire cabin, save for two window switches in the center console. The door panels have no electronics within them, either; the speakers sit ahead of the driver and passenger on the dash, while the door locks are touch-capacitive controls in the center console. Even most of the materials in the cabin are recycled. But recycling isn't the problem here—it's the lack of physical controls. In order to adjust the fan speed or temperature in the EX30, it forces you to crane your neck downward to the bottom of the 12.3-inch touchscreen just to access the on-screen controls, which are then buried two presses within a separate menu. In doing so, there's no other choice but to take your eyes off the road, which causes Volvo's Big Brother driver monitoring system to react quickly, reminding you to keep your eyes straight ahead at all times. Yawn for too long? Take a break. Manually change the radio station? Not on Volvo's watch. Linger on the horizon for a moment as you long for existence beyond the walls of this confounded machine? Don't even think about it, pal. Photo by: Volvo This disease has spread like a plague among automakers, not just Volvo. Everything lives on the touchscreen now. But even other notoriously guilty parties like Mercedes-Benz and Lucid offer some reprieve in the form of physical controls for basic functions. In the EX30, the company begs—nay, pleads with you to use its native Google Assistant voice control system. Admittedly, it's better than most, responding quickly to things like changing the temperature or adjusting the fan speed. But it's still more annoying than simply twisting a knob or pressing a toggle. To be fair to Volvo, some traditional controls have moved to the steering wheel, like volume rockers and menu options. Fine. But even then, it's essentially a single piece of black plastic on either side of the wheel with small divots separating individual options. The click function is lousy, and the lack of separation between those buttons makes it easy to accidentally hit the wrong thing. Photo by: Volvo A two-mile trip down the road to the grocery store should be entirely uneventful. But for some reason, the Volvo EX30 won't stop beeping at me. And it's not just the lack of physical controls that makes the EX30 such a ridiculously overthought machine. There's no instrument cluster or head-up display. The speed, range, trip, and safety systems are all crammed onto a little space at the top of the center screen, forcing you— again —to look just off the road to make sure you're not over the speed limit or out of battery. Those fixed menus also mean that your smartphone projection doesn't take up the entirety of the otherwise pretty center touchscreen; Apple CarPlay is bordered top and bottom by Volvo's native software. It's certainly not this car's worst offense, but it adds to the laundry list of annoyances. And if you're an Android user—sorry. Even though Volvo's operating system is a Google Built-In interface, it doesn't have Android Auto connectivity. It's almost hard to believe. The EX30 also doesn't have a key fob. Instead, Volvo mimics Tesla with a key card. It's an interesting idea in theory; a credit card-sized accessory you scan on the driver's side door to unlock the vehicle, then slide into your wallet. But Volvo must have forgotten that house keys exist. Photo by: Volvo To actually drive the vehicle, you have to put the key card in a charging slot near the floorboard, beneath the touchscreen. And if anything other than the key card—say, a key chain or house key—comes in contact with the charging slot, a warning on the screen tells you to remove any of those accessories. Who thought this was a good idea? Better yet, the key card is hit and miss when unlocking the door—especially when it's raining. Nothing better than standing in the pouring rain while slapping a key card onto the side of the Volvo's door multiple times while a puddle seeps into your sneakers. It's a shame, because the EX30 is an otherwise solid vehicle. It looks great, it's comfortable, it's quiet, and it's nice to drive when it isn't beeping at you. There are also a handful of clever storage solutions up front, including a magnetized shelf and adjustable cup holders. Photo by: Volvo The 253 miles of standard range in the US isn't great, admittedly, but this car does charge very quickly, getting from 10 to 80 percent in just 27 minutes at a 153-kilowatt DC fast charger. The 422 horsepower makes for impressive acceleration, too—more than you actually need in a car like this. But I can't get over the technological foibles; it makes the EX30 an absolute non-starter in my book. For a company so synonymous with safety, Volvo's decision to complicate the EX30's fussy UI is a massive misstep. Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor Trend
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country First Drive: Hey There, Off-Road-Lookin'
Volvo sure knows how to make lemonade out of lemons. The current trade environment scuttled the Swedish automaker's plans to spearhead the new EX30 lineup in America with a single-motor, surprisingly affordable model, forcing it to adopt higher pricing. You now can only buy the EX30 now in Twin Motor spec, and only in higher-level Plus and Ultra trims. But like cocaine is to Rick James, power is a helluva drug. The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country offers off-road styling and a powerful, 422-hp Twin Motor setup, starting under $50,000. It features a lifted ride, larger tires, and improved suspension, delivering charm and a ton of performance for its size. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next The EX30's higher-than-promised pricing starting at $44,195 is almost entirely smoothed over by the Twin Motor's 422 hp—a ridiculous figure for a vehicle this small. If that weren't enough to make buyers forget the cheaper, $36,000-ish single-motor EX30 that never materialized, Volvo has put yet another appealing spin on its entry-level EV: the new Cross Country variant. Combining the same muscular Twin Motor drivetrain with off-road styling touches and some hardware upgrades, the 2026 EX30 Cross Country doesn't promise much extra capability in the dirt, but it overdelivers on charm. As a bonus, even though it'll only be sold in top-tier Ultra trim, prices are expected to sneak in under fifty grand—just $2,000 or so more than the normal EX30 Ultra. The Look Is the Hook If you think the regular EX30 is cute, the Cross Country and its exclusive black-plastic-covered snoot (complete with a topographical rendition of a mountain peak), fender flares, and bumper trim is pugnaciously adorable, like a toddler puffing their chest and clenching their tiny fists. Volvo backs up the visual toughening with a 0.8-inch lift, half of which comes from unique springs (softer than the normal EX30's, as are the anti-roll bars) and half from larger-diameter tires. A set of 19-inch wheels with street tires are standard, but buyers can upgrade to a smaller set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, either as a standalone option or as part of an option group that also includes teeny mudflaps and a roof rack. Almost No (Fresh) Compromises Final range figures are forthcoming, but the EX30 Cross Country isn't expected to suffer a huge driving range hit from its marginally taller height. The all-terrain tires are likely to have the biggest effect, but Volvo hasn't provided estimates for what that impact looks like. Both the 19-inch street tires and the all-terrains are narrow, so it's possible the Cross Country's range works out to whatever a regular EX30 with the largest wheel option delivers. Standard EX30 Twin Motors are EPA-estimated to deliver up to 253 miles, with the big-wheel versions dropping that by only 3 miles. On the road, where the entire EX30 Cross Country drive took place, it's clear there's little airspace separating its ride and handling from the regular EX30's. You can tell the suspension is a hair softer, as the ride quality is even better than in the already good non–Cross Country models. Stomping on the accelerator pedal results in the CC squatting onto its rear tires somewhat, but that's the only other giveaway that this EX30 sits higher off the ground and on squishier springs. The EX30 Cross Country otherwise exhibits the same tight handling and excellent body control as other EX30s. One highlight that carries over? The stubby and substantial EX30's surprising lack of fore-aft pitching over speed bumps and other abrupt road impacts. Typically, vehicles this small and tall have a tendency to rock back and forth—not the EX30, nor the Cross Country. One asterisk? We haven't yet sampled the EX30 on those all-terrain tires, which could introduce squirminess to the handling as well as elevated noise inside the otherwise hushed cabin; we just won't know until we drive an EX30 with them. We will note that the tires—Cooper Discoverer ATTs sized 235/55R18 on a display-only Cross Country we poked around—look awesome and should help the EX30 hump farther down a muddy two track or snowy driveway than the normal rubber. Strapping 422 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque worth of electric motors to a 4,200-pound small SUV makes it supremely quick. The Cross Country might be a hair slower than your everyday EX30, depending on its tires, but expect a mid-3-second 0–60-mph time. Does a small EV SUV need to keep up with Porsche 911 Carreras? No. Is it fun? Yes. As on other EX30s, drivers can unlock a hint of extra immediacy from the Twin Motor setup by selecting the Performance All-Wheel Drive mode. This keeps the front motor engaged all the time—it also, curiously, locks you out of full one-pedal driving—at least provided the battery is above 80 percent charge. Below that, or with Performance All-Wheel Drive turned off, the front motor engages as needed, a process with a barely detectable hesitation. There is no 'sport' mode, nor are there any other drive modes in the traditional sense, making this button and the stability control defeat button the two biggest personality changers onboard. The rest of the Cross Country experience—good and bad—matches that of other EX30s. The minimalist cabin is rife with clever cost-reducing moves, from the speakerless front door panels (most audio comes from a TV-style sound bar at the base of the windshield) to the pair of centralized window switches that pull double duty controlling the rear windows (a nearby button changes which bank of glass the switches operate). The built-to-price thing is mostly glossed over by the interior's attractive design and high-end touchpoints such as the metal door handles and classy air vents, although the cost-saving cleverness feels less justified now that the cheapest EX30s cost about 10 grand more than the headline-grabbing initial price. And some interior materials (many of which are recycled) could be read as either cool or cheap depending on which of your senses is used to interact with them. The woven flax encased in resin trimming the dash and doors looks like burlap frozen in carbonite yet feels like a laminate kitchen countertop. The textured hard plastics covering the lower half of the dashboard and doors have an interesting texture like a pickup truck's bedliner—an appropriately durable-seeming choice for areas near occupants' shoes. There's no getting around the EX30's size. It's tiny. But the packaging makes the most of the space allowed. The back seat has decent legroom and plenty of headroom, even if it accomplishes both by positioning the cushion close to the floor. Most adults will sit with their knees higher than their butts, and there isn't much toe space under the front seats for taller riders. Kids will do fine, though. Same goes for the cargo area, which has plenty of useful cubbies and a reconfigurable cargo floor that can hide belongings in a large, shallow space below. The rear seats fold flat, and raising the cargo floor to its higher position lines it up with the folded seat backs to form a large, flat area. A 0.2-cubic-foot bin under the hood (frunk!) is big enough to hold the mobile charging cable and little more. Need more cargo space? Order the natty roof rack and basket accessory. Ushering in Improvements for All EX30s Volvo has already improved some EX30 aspects since launching the SUV earlier this year, and they make their first appearance on the Cross Country before going out to other EX30s by way of over-the-air updates. Most notable among them is a third regenerative braking setting—off, for coasting—as well as a more aggressive 'high' setting (there's also a 'low' option). The new high regen makes for easy one-pedal driving, though its slowing effect when lifting one's foot off the accelerator pedal is a little abrupt. The low mode is smoother, though it doesn't slow the EX30 as rapidly, so you'll ultimately end up using the brake pedal, especially in dense traffic. Owners can expect further updates to connected systems, including the vertically oriented central touchscreen. That display runs Volvo's newest software and boasts a clean layout, Google Built-in navigation and assistant, and snappy response thanks to its Snapdragon chipset. Much like in entry-level Teslas, the screen is a loner—there are no others inside, meaning there's no traditional gauge cluster ahead of the driver. Speed and driver assistance animations live in the top section of the screen; nav can either take up the entire bottom section or the middle bit, leaving audio and phone widgets as shortcuts to those menus. Climate controls stay visible across the bottom. While some dislike condensing virtually every control into the touchscreen—there are no physical buttons on the dash—others will quickly get used to it. Leaning on an old name and the off-road aspirations it represents, Volvo has pulled yet another rabbit out of the EX30's hat here. The Cross Country faithfully hews to the lifted ride height, additional body cladding, and generally Subaru-y vibes defined by the original Cross Country model, a V70 station wagon variant, and survived today by the V60 and V90 Cross Country wagons. It's the first Volvo SUV to wear the Cross Country branding—rather than have XC lettering in its name—and the first EV to do so, as well. While hardly transformative, the EX30's Cross Country makeover gives it a distinct personality that's mostly vibes but distinct and fun, nonetheless. The upgrades are similar to what Hyundai bundles in the XRT trim level added to the Ioniq 5 this year. Although that EV is similarly priced and larger, it can't match the Volvo's big-time power or its Lilliputian lure. If the EX30 Cross Country fits you, or rather you fit it, it goes on sale later this year.
AU Financial Review
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- AU Financial Review
This small but perfectly formed SUV is the perfect entry-level EV
What is it? The EV3 is the entry-level electric car from Kia. It's a boldly styled small SUV with an overall length of 4300 millimetres, placing it almost exactly between the Volvo EX30 and BYD Atto 3. What does it cost? The EV3's four-car range starts at $47,600 plus on-road costs. The top version, the GT-Line Long Range (as sampled here), is priced from $63,950 plus on-road costs. All carry a seven-year warranty.
