2025 Volvo EX30 assessment: Small however very engaging

A few decade in the past, in North America, Ford used the “small however mighty” slogan to advertise the Fiesta. The small automobile was in a position to obtain the targets of its world viewers, albeit with important and important concessions to the typical American client.

In the present day, the 2025 Volvo EX30 is taking the same advertising and marketing tack, however making certain patrons do not must compromise. From its small however roomy cabin to its eager-to-hit-the-road powertrain that no last-generation Fiesta proprietor may think about, the EX30 is a win.

The compact, battery-electric SUV options inside and exterior design straight from Volvo’s wheelhouse. There isn’t a doubt that it’s a mannequin from another model. Shoppers win as a result of it means the small, budget-friendly crossover is trendy and complicated in ways in which a $35,000 SUV (to not point out a $55,000 electrical SUV) from one of many Large Three automakers can solely dream of.

It is available in two energy choices, a single-motor model that delivers as much as 275 EPA-estimated miles on a full cost, or a dual-motor model that gives an EPA-estimated 265 miles of vary. It is a a lot smaller than standard hole between variants, and is some extent Volvo rightly celebrates.

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The 422-hp, twin-motor model offers homeowners all-wheel drive and the flexibility to go from zero to 60 mph in a fast 3.4 seconds. Off the road, the EX30 seems like a touch-and-go rocket ship, exceeding expectations with a single pull, with out the necessity for electrical automobiles with sudden energy distribution just like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

This slight slip of energy is one thing that’s skilled on highways, nation roads and metropolis streets. It does not look particular, nor does it have to. It feels extremely environment friendly.

Regardless of the EX30’s measurement, the automobile’s energy distribution is properly proportioned. Having a mid-mounted 68-kilowatt-hour battery pack (the identical on each sorts of engine) to assist stabilize the automobile actually helps, as does the all-wheel drive system.

If you happen to do not want all-wheel drive since you both reside within the Sunshine Belt or comparable atmosphere, or do not search the EX30 for pace, you will not be disillusioned by the 268-hp single-motor model. Though it isn’t that quick, there’s sufficient energy to get the job completed. Actually, it makes small SUVs just like the Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, Buick Invista and Hyundai Venue look extremely underpowered.

Not solely that, however the EX30’s electrical powertrain delivers robust motion from the get-go, with out the stalling offered by turbocharged engines usually present in small automobiles or the gradual build-up of energy that automakers have designed to extend gasoline effectivity. .

The low heart of gravity helps the automobile keep flat on the street, and it is suitably agile in metropolis driving circumstances.

Volvo says the automobile will be charged through a house charging connection, from zero p.c to 100%, inside eight hours. At a DC quick charging station, this quantity drops to 27 or 28 minutes, relying on which mannequin is powered.

Actually, most homeowners will not go to a charging station at zero p.c, nor will they keep till the automobile is 100% full. So, the anticipated sitting time for the typical consumer is properly beneath half an hour.

As a result of the EX30 is a compact automobile, it does not have plenty of passenger or cargo area, but it surely does have just a few issues working in its favor that the outdated Fiesta did not have. There may be the advantage of not having a transmission tunnel or emissions system taking over plenty of area beneath the center of the automobile. This permits the cabin to be extra spacious and offers again seat passengers extra legroom choices. Nevertheless, it’s tight.

This flat ground additionally interprets into the cargo space the place there’s loads of room for day by day purchasing or a canine crate, with out having to make use of the again seat for extra storage or profiting from its foldable configuration. There may be additionally a small entrance storage space beneath the hood.

However up entrance, the place most riders spend their time, the EX30 affords loads of area in trendy, sustainable environment. The surfaces are easy and prime quality. Nevertheless, the dashboard was simply stained.

The automobile is provided with built-in infotainment know-how from Google. Which means that customers can entry their Google-linked accounts and apps within the automobile, and that the sleekly designed interfaces are simply navigable and work as marketed. The automobile is linked to 5G know-how and permits for software program updates over the air.

The EX30 solely has a speedometer perform on the middle show, which can be extra of a difficulty in nations with pace cameras than within the US.

After utilizing the show as a speedometer for about 10 hours of driving over two days, I discovered it simple to regulate to, and I spent little time without work the street checking the pace.

Little touches make the little EX30 much more enjoyable. The distinctive oval form of the steering wheel adapts rapidly whereas driving, and gives a greater view of the entrance of the automobile. Versatile heart console storage permits cup holders to be saved when not in use, and a big heart storage bin is ready for wallets, ready-to-eat meals, or eggs and bread that you do not need to roll up with the remainder of your groceries.

4 USB-C ports, wi-fi charging, and a 12V energy port within the cargo space maintain your energetic way of life simple.

In typical Volvo trend, the automaker hasn’t skimped on security know-how regardless of the EX30’s entry-level standing. It comes with a 360-degree view digital camera, parking help know-how, collision avoidance system, door opening impediment detection, lane centering know-how and extra.

Pricing for the single-engine EX30 begins at $34,950 within the US and tops out at $40,600. The twin-motor EX30 ranges from $44,900 to $46,600. It qualifies for many ADA period incentives, that are maximized if the EX30 is leased.

The ready record for the EX30 is longer than the corporate anticipated and it is simple to see why. The EX30 is a luxurious automobile from a premium model, and it is priced proper for budget-conscious patrons. Its measurement, design and class are a blueprint for the way to entice at present’s main electrical automobile patrons with out alienating the manufacturers’ present followers. The 2025 Volvo EX30 is small however very engaging.