2025 Volvo EX30 Review: Fun, Fast, and a Bit Pricey

Volvo EX30: A Compact Electric SUV

• 📌 The 2025 Volvo EX30 is Volvo's smallest electric SUV and the entry point to their lineup, finally arriving in the US after some delays.
• ⚡ In the US, it's exclusively available in a dual-motor configuration boasting 422 horsepower, making it the quickest Volvo currently offered.
• 🚀 With a 69 kWh battery, it achieves an estimated 253 miles of range and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Performance and Driving Experience

• 🛣️ The EX30 offers a planted ride due to its battery weight distribution and suspension tuning, with three steering modes (soft, medium, firm), with firm being preferred for better control.
• 🚦 It provides options for either coasting when lifting off the accelerator or a one-pedal driving mode, which feels like a high regen level and can bring the car to a gradual stop.
• 🔄 A software update is expected later this year to introduce an updated regen program with a stronger, true one-pedal mode, similar to what was tested in the Cross Country version in Sweden.

Driver Assistance and Safety

• ⚠️ While adaptive cruise control is standard, the Ultra spec includes Volvo's Pilot Assist system for enhanced lane-keeping and centering on highways.
• 🚨 A minor issue noted is the tendency for the Forward Collision Alert system to trigger false positives on neighborhood streets with parked cars, leading to annoyance.

Interior and Technology

• 🛋️ The cabin features a minimalist design with a focus on recycled materials and lacks door-mounted speakers, instead incorporating a soundbar across the windshield base.
• 📱 A large central display powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in serves as the primary interface, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store.
• 🔌 While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, their integration within the Google built-in interface can sometimes feel awkward, potentially leading to running duplicate navigation apps.

Pricing and Value Proposition

• 💰 The US market only receives the dual-motor configuration, with prices starting at $46,194 before destination for the base model and $47,895 for the Ultra spec.
• 🤔 This pricing is higher than initially anticipated for an entry-level subcompact SUV, making it less of an affordable option and more of a premium choice for those prioritizing minimalist style and performance.