Overview

Should you buy one?

Only if you’re sold on its punchy performance and stylish, minimalist interior – even if some of the material choices are a little curious. But its pursuit of simplicity has gone too far, with basic tasks like turning on the headlights buried in screen menus. Apple CarPlay is included, but there’s no Android Auto, which feels like a misstep for a tech-focused model.

Sadly, the driving experience is another weak spot. The suspension feels undeveloped, with an unsettled ride, overly light steering, and electronics that work overtime to maintain control. The lack of a proper driver display makes it harder to keep track of essential information, leaving it surprisingly distracting to drive – not what you expect from Volvo’s safety-first image.

In a market where the EX30’s once-temopting price advantage has eroded, it’s a small Volvo that struggles to stand out for the right reasons.

What’s new?

Volvo did intend to become an electric-only manufacturer by 2030. But that ambitious objective has been forced one side for the moment, as it became clear that buyers aren’t so married with the concept of a zero emissions future. Despite this, Volvo has several new electric models on the way – with the EX30, its baby SUV, leading the charge.

When we say baby, we mean it. The EX30 is the smallest SUV ever produced by Volvo. Its body is 27mm narrower than the XC40 Recharge, while 206mm shorter in length and 93mm in height. The EX30 is far closer in size to the Smart #1, with which it shares the same chassis, battery and motor tech.

But the #1 is just one rival in a highly competitive class. Volvo’s fresh-faced baby SUV is already up against it, with highly qualified contenders like the BMW iX1 and Mini Countryman E. The EX30 is smaller than those cars but, it’s considerably cheaper, too, despite the premium badge it wears. To understand more about how we’ve reached our conclusions, check out how we test cars here at Parkers.

The EX30 is available with three power units: two Single Motor variants that produce 272hp and 343Nm of torque – one is an extended range version – and a twin motor configuration with a combined horsepower output of 428hp and 542Nm of torque. We’ve tried them all in the UK, including the super-fast Twin Motor, and this review shares the team’s collaborative findings.

The EX30 is available in two trim levels, Plus and Ultra, with a handful of colour and material combinations to choose from for each. All come with climate control, adaptive cruise control, full LED lights, a reversing camera 18-inch wheels, wireless phone charging and a Harman Kardon soundbar. The Ultra adds a fixed panoramic sunroof, 20-inch five-spoke wheels and further interior design options.

As for the distance between plugging in, the Single Motor EX30 has a quoted WLTP range of 214 miles while the Single Motor Extended Range version has a range of 296 miles.

On paper, the EX30 is an alluring package for electric mini SUV buyers. It’s compact with enough power to shift its weight, plus it’s loaded with tech as standard and very competitively priced. But have corners been cut in the fit and finish to permit such a low price tag or might the smaller dimensions hold the EX30 back?

To find out, keep reading for our full review of the Volvo EX30. We rate the car’s practicality, interior, running costs and dynamics before serving up our definitive hands-on verdict.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to watch our verdict rather than read it, scroll down for our video review of the EX30 in which we compare it to two of its biggest rivals – the Fiat 600e and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Watch our Volvo EX30 video review